Tasks and Targets

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.

Ireland's increased orientation towards the European continent in the wake of Brexit has opened a new window of opportunity between Germany and Ireland to get to know each other better and to build new cultural bridges.

Having opened its doors on Dublin’s Merrion Square in October 1961, the Goethe-Institut has long played an important role in sharing a contemporary image of Germany, fostering cultural cooperation and exchange, and promoting the knowledge of the German language.

Over the past six decades, more than 50,000 language students have passed through the institute’s doors; and it has hosted more than 5,000 events and projects, including exhibitions and concerts, film screenings and readings, artistic performances, artists’ residencies and more. During the same period, the institute’s library holdings have grown year on year: between its global online library service (Onleihe) and its library on Merrion Square, almost 30,000 titles can currently be accessed by anyone, free of charge. In addition, the library is a welcoming space for individuals and groups.

The Goethe-Institut came to Ireland in the same year that Ireland submitted its first application to join the European Economic Community (EEC), and it has had a steady presence in Ireland ever since. It has been the first point of contact with Germany for generations of people in Ireland, and it has always worked to provide space and opportunities for intercultural discourse and exchange.

As an organisation with a strong emphasis on collaboration, the Goethe-Institut in Dublin has built many long-lasting relationships with fantastic partners in Ireland and beyond, and they are committed partners for all who actively engage with Germany and its culture.

Looking towards the future

In 2022, the Goethe-Institut will explore its role against the backdrop of developments such as Brexit and Covid-19, and in the context of topics such as environmental challenges, representation and access, and opportunities offered by advancing digitisation and new digital technologies like in the transregional project "Living in a Quantum State".  

The Goethe-Institut will provide a platform to discuss these challenges with its partners; to find out which areas are of particular importance to them; and to consider how the Goethe-Institut in Ireland can support them in a meaningful, comprehensive and sustainable way.

As Ireland is increasingly turning towards Europe in the wake of the UK’s departure from the EU, ties between Ireland and Germany are growing ever closer. In addition to strengthening political and economic links, the Goethe-Institut has observed a burgeoning interest in Germany from people in Ireland, particularly from younger people, many of whom are considering Germany as a place to live, or have moved there in recent years. Similarly, Ireland is attracting many young professionals from Germany.

The Goethe-Institut sees itself as an important cultural mediator in this regard, who can offer an introduction to German culture, facilitate cultural exchange and provide modern language teaching. The Government’s current strategy for foreign languages in education, ‘Languages Connect’, emphasises the need for education providers and employers to work together to increase awareness of the importance of gaining proficiency in foreign languages. 

The Goethe-Institut is responding to this by developing new initiatives that combine learning German with professional orientation. The ‘Enterprise German’ programme, for example, which connects Irish schools and universities with German companies in Ireland, is proving highly successful. The institute is also working with partners to develop business communication online courses, designed specifically for Irish export companies.

About the Goethe-Institut Irland

The Goethe-Institut is Germany’s cultural institute, which is active in 98 countries worldwide. It opened its doors in Ireland sixty years ago, in 1961, and is based at 37 Merrion Square in Dublin.

It operates from a European perspective and works independently, without political ties. Its objectives are to promote the knowledge of the German language, foster cultural collaboration and exchange, and convey a contemporary image of Germany. It does this through maintaining and building relationships with partners from the cultural and educational sectors in Ireland.

The institute runs an extensive cultural and events programme, offers language courses and qualifications, and an on-site and online library, which combined holds more than 30,000 titles. These can be accessed by anyone, free of charge, once registered. To find out more, visit: goethe.de/Ireland.