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United Kingdom

German in schools
In the UK

German as a Foreign Language (DaF) is taught as a subject in secondary and vocational schools in the UK. Typically, German is taught as a second or third foreign language. Through German, young people have the opportunity to expand their educational and career prospects. 

Landkarte, die Zahlen zu Deutsch als Fremdsprache an Schulen Vereinigten Königreich zeigt

ca. 307,500

people learn German within the UK education system.

Data collected in 2025, © Goethe-Institut

ca. 2,500

Teachers teach German in schools across the UK.

ca. 2,000

Schools across the UK offer German as a subject.

We support schools

The Goethe-Institut works closely with government education departments, education authorities and other education sector partners across the UK to introduce German as a foreign language, strengthen the quality of teaching, and support the long-term future of German in schools:

  • Advice and support on introducing and expanding German as a Foreign Language (DaF) as a school subject.

    Advice

  • Professional development opportunities for German teachers, headteachers, and coordinators

    Professional Development

  • Provision of teaching materials

    Teaching Material

  • Information and cultural events, as well as German language competitions

    Events

GIMAGINE for Schools

For schools, we offer exciting projects to motivate students, provide tangible resources and materials, and can provide teaching services to schools who face an HR shortage. 

A group of students in a library © Jayne Lloyd © Jayne Lloyd

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