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Internationale Deutsch-
Olympiade 2026
 13 to 22 July 2026

Push your limits and explore new paths together – at IDO 2026! The final round of the biggest German language-learning contest brought together young language enthusiasts from over 60 countries.
Their motto for Mannheim 2026: ZusammenWachsen.

Banner for the “Internationale Deutscholympiade” (IDO) 2026 © Goethe-Institut

Highlights from the IDO 2026

The Internationale Deutscholympiade has many faces and many voices. One click is all it takes to experience the energy, creativity and strong sense of community that make the IDO so special.

© Goethe-Institut

The Musical Heartbeat of the IDO

Joshua Caleb, an indie pop artist with roots in Mannheim, is the official ambassador for IDO 2026. He has composed his own song for IDO – listen now!

Joshua Caleb © Ben van Skyhawk

Performer, vocals and lyrics: Joshua Caleb
Guitar, production, mixing and mastering: Burak Kocaman
Composition: Joshua Caleb and Burak Kocaman

  • IDO 2026

    The Highlights

    Ten days of language, competition, mutual respect and shared growth. That's what made IDO 2026 so diverse and memorable.

    The gold medallists in the three language levels – A2, B1 and B2 – at the 2026 International German Olympiad in Mannheim. © Goethe-Institut / Andreas Dahn © Goethe-Institut / Andreas Dahn

  • IDO 2026

    We were in!

    Click here for the portraits of all participating students and accompanying teachers from around the world.

    Finger frame in front of an unclear face © Trac Vu / Unsplash © Trac Vu / Unsplash

  • Highlights

    National Preliminary Rounds

    Around the world at a glance: Over 60 countries are taking part in the IDO. Discover the first highlights from the national preliminaries here.

    Several young people hold up a globe together. Shot from below against the sky. © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

  • Highlights

    Once IDO, always IDO

    Click here for the past IDOs. We show you the highlights from 2018–2026 once again.

    Participants in the International German Olympiad. The IDO can be found on social media under #DABEISEIN! © Goethe-Institut / Andree Kaiser © Goethe-Institut / Andree Kaiser

Contact

Any questions about the Internationale Deutscholympiade? Feel free to write to us. We look forward to hearing from you.

ido@goethe.de

Frequently Asked Questions

We will inform you here about frequently asked questions on the IDO 2026.

FAQ about IDO 2026

Exciting offers for young German learners

  • Children & Teenagers

    Du willst bei TikTok und Instagram auf Deutsch kommentieren? Du hast Lust auf spannende Online-Spiele? Oder Filme auf Deutsch? Dann schau mal hier vorbei!

    Two children whispering to each other and laughing Photo: © Goethe-Institut, Getty Images © Goethe-Institut, Getty Images

  • Deutsch lernen auf TikTok und Instagram

    „Goetheinstitut.Deutsch“ ist das Angebot des Goethe-Instituts für Deutschlerner*innen auf TikTok und Instagram. Mit Fachkenntnis und Humor erklärt unser Host Alexander euch in kurzen Videos, was ihr schon immer wissen wolltet. 

    Learn German on TikTok and Instagram © Goethe-Institut Foto: Goethe-Institut

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