Tasks and objectives

As the globally active cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, we advocate for understanding between Germany, Europe and the world. The framework agreement with the German Federal Foreign Office is the foundation for this work. Worldwide, we provide information about the cultural and societal diversity of Germany and Europe. 151 Goethe-Institutes in 98 countries together with numerous partner institutions form the basis of our global network. The Federal Foreign Office supports our work institutionally. As a registered charity we operate autonomously on a legally independent basis and are not affiliated to any political party. We generate around a third of our revenue ourselves through income from language courses and examinations. We also receive support from the European Union (EU), further German federal ministries as well as foundations and companies in Germany and abroad.

We contribute to establishing the German language in the educational systems of the guest countries. We support over 100,000 schools worldwide in giving high-quality German tuition and promote the advanced professional training and qualification of teachers of German. Furthermore, we offer languages courses ranging from general German courses to prevocational language courses and seminars to raise societal and cultural awareness. Our services include online courses and autonomous learning programs. Every year more than 750,000 people sit a German examination at a Goethe-Institut or one of our cooperation partners. With a wide range of educational and information programs, we support in particular students and skilled workers from abroad on their route to Germany. 

We believe in the potential of international cultural exchange. Our approximately 20,000 cultural events per year take place in partnership with governmental and non-governmental institutions and initiatives from civil society in our guest countries. We qualify, advise and interlink cultural professionals and support the development of sustainable structures in the cultural and creative economy by advanced training measures for cultural entrepreneurs or the internationalization of creative companies. With our residence programs, partnerships and co-productions, we promote the networking of cultural professionals around the globe. We offer stakeholders from civil society a protected space and scope for a sincere exchange of views. We do not break off democratic dialogue, even in difficult times. In our work we orientate ourselves towards the values of a democratic, liberal society governed by the rule of law.

Via our digital information and educational programs in more than 60 languages and a network with 87 libraries, we offer a space to learn, meet up and participate. We use innovative technologies, seize the opportunities of digitalization and, at the same time, reflect on their implications for people and society. Through diverse formats such as information trips for multipliers, specialist exchange between experts, youth exchange programs and international festivals we enable communication on a worldwide basis.

We are …

... Germany in Belgium:
The two neighbouring countries have a lot in common: Both have been committed to building the European Union since it was founded. Today, a spirit of friendship defines the political relationship between Belgium and Germany, and they cooperate closely on an economical level. In the field of culture, the Goethe-Institut Brussels contributes to wide-ranging exchange, as well as to strenghthening in German, Belgium's third national language.

... more language:
The language work of the Goethe-Institut in Belgium is characterised in many ways by its European dimension. In the field of language courses and examinations, the Goethe-Institut Brussels offers German courses and examinations throughout Belgium. In the field of German educational co-operation (‚Bildungskooperation Deutsch‘), the Goethe-Institut promotes the training of German teachers, works with numerous educational partners such as ministries of education, schools and universities and promotes the German language in Belgium. Through the ‚Europanetzwerk Deutsch‘ programme, we strengthen the German language as a working and procedural language in the European institutions. Within the initiative ‘Schools: Partners for the Future’ (PASCH), we promote excellence with German at schools in a worldwide network.

... More culture:
Experience the contemporary German cultural scene: We make this possible through events in film, art, literature, music, dance and theatre. Here, artists, cultural professionals and intellectuals from Germany engage in dialogue with Belgium and Europe. We address current issues and contribute new ideas to ongoing debates.

... more information:
We provide a comprehensive picture of Germany through a wide range of information opportunities. On our website, in social media and in newsletters we offer information on our language and cultural programme as well as up-to-date content on cultural, social and political life in Germany.

... Germany in Europe:
The Goethe-Institut Brussels is located in the heart of the European Quarter. We are active on a European level in three key areas:

• as a member of EUNIC, the independent European network of national cultural institutes, we are committed to strengthening cultural exchange, trust and understanding between the countries of Europe and between Europe and the world
• as a liaison office to the European institutions, we represent and support the worldwide network of the Goethe-Institut, implement EU-funded projects and contribute to shaping international cultural and educational work at the European level
• as a regional institute we manage the work of our 14 locations in France, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain.