Newsletter October 2025

On 3 October, the Goethe-Institut is inviting around 100 new Year 7 students from PASCH schools in Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah to a special celebration. For many of them, this marks the start of their German lessons, and they will have the opportunity to get to know the Goethe-Institut and the PASCH initiative.

At the Goethe-Institut in Erbil, the students can look forward to a varied programme with workshops on music, art and German regional studies, as well as a special highlight: their first German lesson.

The Goethe-Institut's ‘Schools: Partners for the Future’ (PASCH) initiative connects more than 2,000 schools worldwide that place a particularly high value on German.

The Goethe-Institut is continuing its ‘Environmental Schools’ project, which connects teachers and students in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia for sustainable education and local environmental initiatives.

Following a one-week online period at the beginning of the year, a three-day hybrid seminar will take place in Erbil from 28 to 30 October. Led by Katina Klänhardt, participants will deepen the dialogue, further develop project ideas and receive individual coaching.

The Goethe-Institut is expanding its German language courses: new courses will start in Baghdad and Erbil on 16 November 2025.

Duration: 10 weeks | 5 days per week
550 USD for new customers | 500 USD for existing customers

The courses are aimed at anyone who wants to live, work or study in Germany. Participants benefit from qualified teachers, communicative and practical lessons, structured exam preparation and advice on living and working in Germany. Participants also receive a 50% discount on the examination fee.
Registration is now open.

The examinations in Baghdad will also continue. The following dates are scheduled for December 2025:

Goethe Certificate B1:
9 December 2025

Goethe Certificate A1:
10 December 2025

Registration is also open now. The offer is aimed at anyone who wants to prove their German language skills – whether for study, work or personal development.
Further information on courses, exams and registration can be found on our website.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Goethe-Institut and the Institut français d'Irak, together with local partners, are inviting you to Jazz in Erbil. On October 9 and 10, the focus will be on musical exchange between international jazz musicians and talented Kurdish artists.

Look forward to a variety of concerts where improvisation meets local influences and jazz tradition blends with new soundscapes. Jazz in Erbil offers more than just music. It is a platform for cultural exchange, encounters and collaboration.

Both concerts will take place at the Eventbox in Erbil. You can find exact times and further information on our social media channels.

On October 19, 2025, Baghdad will be transformed into a stage for musical diversity and international exchange. At the Baghdad Musical Night at the Palms of Baghdad, artists from Germany, France and Iraq will come together to present a unique program.

DJ Defex from Germany will bring electronic beats and a club atmosphere to Baghdad. Valentin Vierling from France will thrill audiences with his musical talent and international flair. The Iraqi Skyers Band will set the mood with energetic rock music. The evening will be rounded off with traditional Iraqi music that reflects the cultural diversity of the country.

Further information and exact times can be found on our social media channels.

The Goethe-Institut invites aspiring filmmakers to turn their ideas into films. This open call gives interested parties the opportunity to become part of the project and contribute their creativity.

From 9 to 16 December, workshops in directing, screenwriting and camera production will take place during the International Film Festival in Duhok. Participants will learn practical skills in their field, work together on a feasible film project and have the opportunity to present their projects to potential sponsors.

Further information on how to apply and the conditions of participation will be announced on our website and via our social media channels.

Nuhat is a project of the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the Duhok International Film Festival.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)