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United Kingdom

Professional development
 for German teachers

Whether it's a question of regional studies, methodology and didactics, or expanding language skills, the Goethe-Institut offers German teachers worldwide extensive opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Funded Professional Development

Apply now for a scholarship in 2025

The GEM Network

Professional development directly at your school

Our German Expert Mentors (GEMs) Network delivers support to German departments and professional upskilling to German teachers in schools across the UK. Part of a nationwide network, our GEMs will coach and mentor language-teaching professionals, supply updated teaching resources and materials, and re-energise language learning free of charge, directly at your school. If you partner with a second school, GEMs can also provide a professional development course at your school or in your area.

Picture GEM © Canva © Canva

  • Apply now

    Boost your German — in Germany!

    Are you a language teacher in the United Kingdom, or training to become one, and want to brush up on your German language skills? Profit from our Professional Development Drive this autumn 2025 and apply now for the opportunity to receive a free German language course in Germany. Travel, accommodation and meals are included!

    A yellow tram train © Unsplash © Unsplash

  • Free German courses | Online & in the UK

    Vorsprung Deutsch

    You cannot travel to Germany this autumn, but would still like to profit from our Professional Development Drive? You are a German teacher or studying to become one?  Take a German course at the Goethe-Institut in the UK or an online course with our Vorsprung Deutsch programme. All you need to pay is £25 for an initial test, determining your current language level. Sign up here!

    Text Vorsprungprogramm on a blue background with a rocket and speechbubble "Deutsch" ©Goethe-Institut London ©Goethe-Institut London

Cultural Immersion in Germany

Apply now for scholarships in 2026

Partake in one of the Goethe-Institut Germany's many professional development offers. If you are thinking about taking part in a course, we would be happy to consider your application for a grant.
Apply now by 3rd of November!

Application: Grant for a Professional Development in 2026

  • Professional Development in Germany

    A wide range of face-to-face and blended learning courses at Goethe-Instituts in Germany – expand your skills as a German as a foreign language teacher or trainer in the areas of methodology/didactics, regional studies and media didactics. Benefit from exchanges with colleagues from all over the world.

    Schedule 2026(PDF, 153 KB)

    Fachkräftequalifizierung © Getty Images © Getty Images

  • Online Seminars for German as a Foreign- or Second Language

    Are you looking for online seminars to further your professional development as a German teacher? Here you can find recordings of online seminars on methodical-didactic and cultural topics for the German classroom. All free of charge, duration c. 1 hour.

    Woman at computer © Getty Images © Getty Images

Newsletter

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Deutsch Lehren Lernen (DLL)

With our regional DLL courses you will have the opportunity to share and refresh your specialist knowledge with German teachers from the Northwestern Europe region (Ireland, UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands). You will gradually develop your professional skills by trying out new things and reflecting on your own teaching. You may qualify for an individual scholarship. Contact us to learn more.

DLL © GettyImages © GettyImages

Financial support for teachers

  • Think German

    Think German seeks to promote the German language and the culture of German-speaking countries. The founding institutions behind the initiative seek to support those who want to learn or teach German, or who want to live, study, or work in Germany or a German-speaking country. 

    Brandenburger Tor © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

  • Scholarships for community organisers

    Bake sale, game night, or book club: organise a community project in German and win a scholarship for a German course at the Goethe-Institut.

    Ein junger Mann mit einer Gruppe Kinder. Ein Buch wird besprochen. © Getty Images © Getty Images

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The portal for DaF teachers

Deutschstunde

Stay up to date with 'Magazin Sprache' - now on Deutschstunde, our platform for German teachers. Connect with colleagues, find teaching materials and attend the latest online events. 

Deutschstunde – The portal for DaF teachers Marc Bibas © Goethe-Institut Marc Bibas © Goethe-Institut

  • Our German Clubs with interactive starter-kits for teachers

    German Club Starter Kits include a German Club Handbook (digital or hardcopy) for club leaders, gamified learning challenges, badges, and awards for students, with different learning routes according to students' ages. Previous knowledge of German is neither necessary for students nor teachers. 

    Wuschel and Micky lie under a tree and watch the sky. @Goethe-Institut London/Axel Scheffler @Goethe-Institut London/Axel Scheffler

  • The GIMAGINE Award for young German learners

    The Gimagine Award is a highly engaging, innovative self-learning platform for young learners (14 – 18 years of age), equipping them with beginner German skills and current global knowledge about a broad range of topics. Learners will collect points that lead to the “GIMAGINE Award Certificate” – an official certificate stating their achievements.

    The platform

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