The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. We promote cultural exchange, education and societal discourse in an international context, and we support the teaching and learning of the German language. For 75 years, we are committed to fostering understanding between Germany, Europe, and the world. Our global network consists of 154 Goethe-Institutes in 100 countries, along with numerous partner institutions. The Federal Foreign Office provides institutional support for our work. As a registered association, we operate independently, are politically neutral, and legally autonomous.

We contribute to embedding the German language in the education systems of our host countries. We offer language courses ranging from general German courses to job-oriented language training and seminars on social and cultural awareness. Our offerings include online courses and self-learning programs. With a wide range of learning and informational resources, we especially support students and professionals from abroad on their path to Germany.

Our cultural events are created in partnership with governmental and non-governmental institutions and civil society initiatives in our host countries. We provide training, advice, and networking opportunities for creatives and support the development of sustainable structures in the cultural and creative industries. Through our residency programs, collaborations, and co-productions, we promote global networking among cultural professionals. Our work is guided by the values of a democratic, liberal, and rule-of-law-based society.

Through our digital information and learning offerings and a network of 87 libraries worldwide, we provide spaces for learning, exchange, and participation, and we offer access to more than 2 million physical and digital media. Our translation funding programme supports foreign publishers in publishing works by German authors in another language.