National Conference for Teachers of German
Every two years, the Goethe-Institut Australia convenes the National Conference for German Teachers—a flagship event that brings together teachers of German from across Australia.
The conference offers a unique platform for showcasing innovation in language education, strengthening international connections, and engaging with best-practice approaches that enhance whole-school language programs.
The conference offers a unique platform for showcasing innovation in language education, strengthening international connections, and engaging with best-practice approaches that enhance whole-school language programs.
Language Matters
Languages enable participation — in the classroom, within communities, and across the world
During this two day national conference for teachers of German in Australia, we examine why language learning is more crucial than ever: it builds foundational life skills, strengthens social connection, and preserves the deeply human ways we communicate with one another.
German in Australia: a language with history — and significance for tomorrow
German contributes a distinctive voice to Australia’s multilingual story. German speaking communities — built on generations of cultural, scientific, and civic engagement — play an ongoing role in shaping Australia’s social fabric, and their influence can be found in education, music, science, and community organisations that continue to foster dialogue and connection across cultures.
Today, German offers learners access to global perspectives while building on this rich legacy. It invites students to explore contemporary cultures and lifestyles, engage with new ideas, and participate in international conversations. In doing so, it cultivates curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful collaboration — skills that reach far beyond language learning and help students connect with one another and the world around them.
Ideas that inspire — practice that works
Language matters brings passionate educators, researchers, and school leaders together to spark fresh thinking and highlight the central role of languages in modern education. We explore not only how we teach but also why we teach languages — grounding big ideas in practical application. Expect classroom ready tasks, flexible resources, and effective strategies you can immediately integrate into your teaching.
A special highlight awaits participants on 17 October: the National Conference will conclude with the German Cultural Day. Now in its fourth year, the event has become a well-established highlight in Sydney’s cultural calendar. Bringing the two formats together creates valuable synergies for the conference while also strengthening the public visibility of German as a subject — offering a unique opportunity to connect professional exchange with lived cultural experience.
