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About us

White thread construction in black room, screen with beach and waves © Arsenał Galerie

White thread construction in black room, screen with beach and waves © Arsenał Galerie

Communicating with the world.
For diversity, understanding and trust.

We connect people all over the world. As a cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, we promote cultural exchange, education and societal discourse in an international context, and support the teaching and learning of the German language. Together with our partners, we focus on global opportunities and challenges, bringing different perspectives into a dialogue that is based in trust. We regard the ability to listen and to reflect as the key to understanding. We are bound by principles of transparency, diversity and sustainability. These principles characterise our services and our way of working.

The Goethe-Institut in Its Anniversary Year

For 75 years, the Goethe-Institut has stood worldwide for encounter, dialogue, and cultural collaboration. The anniversary year 2026 invites us to look back on this history. Discover our anniversary website!

75 years Goethe-Institut

Our goals

  • Mobility and Immigration

    We support self-determined mobility and lighten the burden of arriving in Germany.

    Several people attend an evening public exhibition of large portrait photos in a public area Photo: © Elmar Witt Photo: © Elmar Witt

  • Global Learning

    We make learning together possible while promoting the German language and knowledge exchange.

    Many children run towards the camera on the beach at sunset Photo: © Goethe-Institut/Sorapong Sawawiboon Photo: © Goethe-Institut/Sorapong Sawawiboon

  • Sustainability

    Our actions are based on the principles of sustainability.

    People in beekeeping protective clothing stand at a forest clearing with beehives Photo: © Goethe-Institut e. V. Amman/Hussam Da'na Photo: © Goethe-Institut e. V. Amman/Hussam Da'na

  • With Europe for Europe

    We strengthen a united Europe in cultural diversity.

    Two men lift a flagpole on which a European flag is flying Photo: © Herr Willie Photo: © Herr Willie

  • Innovative Organisation

    We develop continually as a learning organisation.

    A robot stands in a library; on its screen, different possibilities for use are displayed. Photo: © Goethe-Institut London/Pau Ros Photo: © Goethe-Institut London/Pau Ros

Who we are

  • Boards

    Learn more about the members of the steering committee, the advisory councils and the general assembly.

  • History

    Discover the surprising and exciting moments from more than 70 years of cultural and language work.

  • Association charter

    Our charter defines the goals of the association, questions of membership and the association’s entities.

  • Organigram

    You can view the organisational chart of the Goethe-Institut Head Office here.

  • Supporters

    You can read about which institutions, foundations, corporations and private individuals support our projects here.

1.100

Anlaufstellen umfasst unser Netzwerk durch Kooperationen mit Partnereinrichtungen.

7,6M

fans and followers keep track of the Goethe-Institut on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn world wide.

6,7M

people worldwide were reached with the cultural programme

2.500

partnerships with cultural professionals, organisations, businesses and civil society institutions.

Public Relations Work