Newsletter February 2026

On February 11, 2026, the Goethe-Institut and the Institut Français will jointly support an art exhibition by artist Syrine Adhadh. The exhibition will present a series of 15 works that explore the ideas of German-American philosopher and social psychologist Erich Fromm, whose thinking addresses central questions about the individual, society and freedom.

The exhibition at the Institut Français in Erbil will be complemented by a live performance. It will enable the audience to engage artistically with Fromm's reflections on humanity,societyand freedom.

On February 25, the Institut Français in Erbil and the Goethe-Institut are hosting a jointly organised movie night. The event is connected to Ramadan and draws on the tradition of breaking the fast in the evening. Following the iftar, a series of short films will be shown. The event combines shared dining with film, creating a setting for encounters and cultural exchange in Erbil.

From February 8 to 13, 2026, a five-day workshop on children's and youth television will take place in Baghdad. It is being organised by the Goethe-Institutin cooperation with the Iraqi Media Network (IMN) and is aimed at media professionals and experts from the fields of education and media.

Dr. Maya Götz (IZI / Bayerischer Rundfunk), whose work focuses on children's media research, has been invited as an expert.

The focus is on questions relating to media impact and media literacy, quality standards for audiovisual content and the development of educationally valuable formats for young target groups.

The Goethe-Institut Irak, in collaboration with the Sousa Cultural House, is organising a literature workshop led by Dr. Choman Hardi, writer and lecturer at the American University of Sulaimaniah. Young authors who are working on their texts and would like to develop them further in exchange with others are invited to attend.

The workshop will cover creative writing processes, text analysis and aspects of style and narrative technique. It will take place on February 28, 2026 at Dar Sousa in Baghdad and is limited to 15 participants.

To apply, pleasesubmita short personal statement and a one-page writing sample.

The Fit A1 exams will take place at the end of February as part of the PASCH project. They will be held at the PASCH schools in Sulaymaniah and Duhok and at the Goethe-Institut in Erbil. A total of up to 120 students will take part.

The eight best participants will receive a scholarship for the PASCH youth courses in the summer. The three-week language course in Germany brings together young people from all over the world and offers them the opportunity to improve their German language skills and gain international experience.

The Goethe-Institutis expanding its German language courses: new courses will start in Baghdad and Erbil on February 8, 2026.

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. Participantsbenefitfrom 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 Baghdadwill alsocontinue. The following dates are scheduled forFebruary2026:

Goethe Certificate B1:
11. February 2026

Goethe Certificate A1:
12. February 2026

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