Objective and target group

Objective: To update the knowledge acquired during training, expand subject-specific didactic knowledge and teaching skills and acquire additional formal qualifications. Target group: DLL is aimed at teachers of German as a world language or German as a second language with or without teaching experience. Even without a degree in German studies or German as a world language, teachers can expand their skills with units from the DLL series. The prerequisite for participation is knowledge of German at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The units are particularly promising for teachers if they are already teaching, have teaching experience or have completed internships or work shadowing in German lessons.

flexible : weekly work packages with free time allocation interactive : exchange with other German teachers online : access to the Goethe-Institut's interactive learning platform from anywhere practical : comprehensive materials for independent learning tutored : feedback from qualified tutors certified : certificate from the Goethe-Institut quality : used worldwide for the qualification of DaF & DaZ teachers

Approach / objective of the continuing education program

Practical continuing education and training program for teachers on new didactic content , developed according to current didactic knowledge. Action / teacher research: Teachers gain new didactic knowledge and insight by observing their own and other teachers’ lessons and by recognizing and trying out new potential courses of action in the classroom. Each unit ends with a 3-week final project ( Practical Exploration Project or PEP ), in which the new theoretical approaches of the DLL unit are reviewed and assessed in the teacher’s own teaching practice. The Practical Exploration Project initiates changes in the classroom and helps to increase the professionalism of teachers. Successful completion includes the submission of 3-5 pages of documentation in which the implementation and the results are described and evaluated in detail. Participants will receive individual feedback from the tutors. Sharing of experience among colleagues Reflective experiential learning

Format and scope of the continuing education program

Format: 100 % online with face-to-face sessions (3 online live sessions lasting 90 minutes each), in which cooperative projects are worked on and presented, and the subject-related content is discussed Duration: 10 weeks of around 8-10 hours/week for a total of ca. 90 hours Assignments: Exchange in forums on the learning platform Exploration exercises Reflection exercises Tutored portfolio exercises Practical Exploration Project (PEP) Intercultural aspect of the continuing education program: Multinational group of participants, comparison of lesson plan models from various teaching and learning cultures to exchange experiences and gain a better understanding of other educational systems

7-8 exploration exercises all reflection exercises Participation in at least 2 online live sessions Practical Exploration Project (PEP)

Deutsch lehren lernen
for German teachers

Practical continuing education and professional development series
Designed around your own instruction needs and that of your students
Suited for professionals switching careers

The innovative concept of DLL puts the attention on the daily practices and challenges of the German language classroom and deals with the key players and fundamental elements of instruction. Topics such as language skills, grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, literature, classroom formats, etc. are integrated into a competence-driven teaching concept. With the help of a collection of lesson recordings and the Practical Exploration Projects (PEPs), participants acquire action-relevant knowledge for their own teaching.

What is DLL?

DLL at a glance:

Qualifications for teachers of German as a World Language and German as a Second Language
Advanced training and professional development programmes at the Goethe-Institut
Course taught entirely in German
Developing and improving teaching skills
Learning under the guidance of professional DLL tutors
Observing own and other people’s lessons with video recordings of DaF-lessons worldwide
Reflecting on and optimizing teaching practices

DLL Redesign 2025: What's New?

The redesigned concept for the Deutsch Lehren Lernen (DLL) program places a stronger focus on promoting learner autonomy, allowing participants to shape their learning processes independently. The new Exploration Tasks encourage a research-oriented approach to the content, while Reflection Tasks serve as anonymized assessments designed to initiate the reflection process on both the unit's content and one's own teaching behavior. At the same time, the established course structure remains largely intact, now adapting even more effectively to the individual needs of learners. Enhanced use of portfolio work and simplified digital tools, such as forums and surveys, also contribute to transparent documentation of learning progress. Additionally, digital modules are integrated into the course to expand the unit.

Starting next

July 29 - Oct 7, 2025
DLL 3: Teaching German as a World Language
DLL 6: Curricular Requirements and Lesson Planning
DLL 7: Assessment Tools

Register now
Registration Deadline: July 15, 2025