Tasks and objectives

As the globally active cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, we are committed to fostering understanding between Germany, Europe, and the world. This mission is based on our association’s objectives and the framework agreement with the Federal Foreign Office. Worldwide, we promote knowledge of the German language, cultivate international cultural cooperation, and provide information about cultural, social, and political life in Germany.

Our global network consists of 150 Goethe-Institutes in 99 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. About one-third of our budget is self-generated through income from language courses and examinations. In addition, we receive support from the European Union, other federal ministries, as well as foundations and companies both in Germany and abroad.

We contribute to embedding the German language in the education systems of our host countries. We support more than 100,000 schools worldwide in delivering high-quality German instruction and promote the continuing education and qualification of German teachers. Furthermore, to support our association’s objectives, 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. Each year, around 1 million people worldwide take a German exam at a Goethe-Institut or with one of our cooperation partners. With a wide range of learning and informational resources, we especially support students and professionals from abroad on their path to Germany.

We believe in the potential of international cultural exchange. Our approximately 20,000 cultural events per year 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—for example, through training programs for cultural entrepreneurs or the internationalization of creative enterprises. Through our residency programs, collaborations, and co-productions, we promote global networking among cultural professionals. We offer civil society actors spaces for protection and freedom to enable open dialogue. We maintain democratic discourse even in challenging times. Our work is guided by the values of a democratic, liberal, and rule-of-law-based society.

Through our digital information and learning offerings in more than 60 languages and a network of 87 libraries, we provide spaces for learning, exchange, and participation. We embrace innovative technologies, seize the opportunities of digitalization, and critically reflect on its impact on people and society. Through diverse formats such as informational trips for multipliers, professional exchanges between experts, youth exchange programs, and international festivals, we enable global encounters.

We are …

... Germany in Belgium:
The two neighbouring countries have a lot in common: Both have been committed to building the European Union since it was founded. Today, a spirit of friendship defines the political relationship between Belgium and Germany, and they cooperate closely on an economical level. In the field of culture, the Goethe-Institut Brussels contributes to wide-ranging exchange, as well as to strenghthening in German, Belgium's third national language.

... more language:
The language work of the Goethe-Institut in Belgium is characterised in many ways by its European dimension. In the field of language courses and examinations, the Goethe-Institut Brussels offers German courses and examinations throughout Belgium. In the field of German educational co-operation (‚Bildungskooperation Deutsch‘), the Goethe-Institut promotes the training of German teachers, works with numerous educational partners such as ministries of education, schools and universities and promotes the German language in Belgium. Through the ‚Europanetzwerk Deutsch‘ programme, we strengthen the German language as a working and procedural language in the European institutions. Within the initiative ‘Schools: Partners for the Future’ (PASCH), we promote excellence with German at schools in a worldwide network.

... More culture:
Experience the contemporary German cultural scene: We make this possible through events in film, art, literature, music, dance and theatre. Here, artists, cultural professionals and intellectuals from Germany engage in dialogue with Belgium and Europe. We address current issues and contribute new ideas to ongoing debates.

... more information:
We provide a comprehensive picture of Germany through a wide range of information opportunities. On our website, in social media and in newsletters we offer information on our language and cultural programme as well as up-to-date content on cultural, social and political life in Germany.

... Germany in Europe:
The Goethe-Institut Brussels is located in the heart of the European Quarter. We are active on a European level in three key areas:

• as a member of EUNIC, the independent European network of national cultural institutes, we are committed to strengthening cultural exchange, trust and understanding between the countries of Europe and between Europe and the world
• as a liaison office to the European institutions, we represent and support the worldwide network of the Goethe-Institut, implement EU-funded projects and contribute to shaping international cultural and educational work at the European level