Internationale Deutsch-
Olympiade 2026
13 to 22 July 2026
Their motto for Mannheim 2026: ZusammenWachsen.
Welcome to Mannheim! We can’t wait to welcome the participants and their dedicated teachers from all over the world to this creative, diverse and international city. With Mannheim’s Lord Mayor Christian Specht as patron of the 2026 International German Olympiad (IDO), we look forward to inspiring encounters, fresh ideas – and a genuine sense of ZusammenWachsen.
The Alte Feuerwache is now one of Mannheim’s most important cultural centres – a place brimming with energy and creativity. It is here that we will announce the winners of IDO 2026. | © Paul Michael
Probably Mannheim’s most famous landmark: the water tower on Friedrichsplatz, with its fountains, invites you to linger there in the summer. | © Achim Mende
Mannheim from above: the Rhine and Neckar rivers, the city centre divided into squares, and the water tower right in the middle. On the left, in the green field, you can see the youth hostel where you’ll be staying. | © midres Northwind
And here’s a bird’s-eye view of your accommodation in Mannheim: the Youth Hostel Mannheim International | © DJH Jugendherberge Mannheim International / pimstercreations
The Kunsthalle is an impressive building filled with important modern art. This is where we will officially open IDO 2026 with you! | © Fernando Fath
The university is now housed in Mannheim’s grand Baroque palace. Can you imagine studying in a palace? | © Stefanie Eichler
Amidst the rows of houses and the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll discover lots of fantastic works of art in Mannheim. You’ll come across the Open Urban Art Museum STADT.WAND.KUNST. all over the city. | ARYZ © Alexander-Krziwanie / STADT.WAND.KUNST
The Carl Benz monument commemorates the inventor of the first car. But that’s not the only invention to come out of Mannheim. Have you ever heard of spaghetti ice cream? / Can you think of any others? | © Hyp Yerlikaya
Dario Fontanella, an ice-cream manufacturer from Mannheim, claimed to have invented spaghetti ice cream on 6 April 1969, inspired by the dessert Montebianco. | © Christoph Düpper
Evening tranquillity by the river: the telecommunications tower, a Mannheim landmark, dominates the skyline between the Neckar and Luisenpark. | © Michael Brand
Meet at Neckarwiese! Join the locals and enjoy the evening sun by the riverbank. | © Daniel Lukac
The Goethe-Institut Mannheim is located opposite the University of Applied Sciences. You can spot it from a distance thanks to its large logo! | © Goethe-Institut Mannheim
The town hall is located on Paradeplatz, right in the heart of the Quadrate district. This is where workshops for accompanying teachers are held. Handy: the city library is in the same building! | © Stadt Mannheim
A green oasis in the heart of the city: there’s plenty to discover in Luisenpark, and above all, it’s a wonderful spot for a picnic – you’ll see! | © Fernando Fath
Developed by IDO alumni in an innovative format, the motto reflects a shared vision: a society shaped by solidarity and a common path into the future. This guiding principle will frame the finale in Mannheim, which features an inspiring on-site programme and active engagement with the local community.
German learners around the world are already preparing for the national preliminary rounds. Taking part is what counts!
