Push your limits and explore new paths together – at IDO2026! The final round of the biggest German language-learning contest brings together young language enthusiasts from around 60countries.
Their motto for Mannheim 2026: ZusammenWachsen.
Developed by IDO alumni in an innovative format, the motto reflects a shared vision: a society shaped by solidarity and a common path into the future. This guiding principle will frame the finale in Mannheim, which features an inspiring on-site programme and active engagement with the local community.
German learners around the world are already preparing for the national preliminary rounds. Taking part is what counts!
What is the IDO?
The International German Olympics is the largest German language competition and takes place every two years. In addition to competing for the places of the world's best German learners, the IDO is about getting to know and understanding other cultures.
In the online phase from January 26 - February 15, 2026 participants will complete specific tasks to demonstrate their German language and culture skills. The online phase takes place at three levels: A2, B1 and B2.
The best student of each level will be invited to participate in the worldwide final in Mannheim from July 13-22, 2026. About 150 students between 14 and 17 years of age from 75 countries will participate. German native speakers are excluded from the competition.
Who can participate?
The language level of the students should be A2, B1 or B2.
Students must be at least 14 and no more than 17 years old during the IDO 2026 (13-22 July 2026), i.e. they must have been born between 24/25 July 2008 and 13/14 July 2012 (depending on the country's time zone).
Excluded from participation - for reasons of fairness – are:
Students whose native language or language of communication is German, or at least one of whose parents is German-speaking
Students who have lived in German-speaking countries for more than six months after the age of three
Students from German schools abroad
Students from local private schools whose language of instruction and communication is predominantly German
Students who already have a language scholarship for Germany for 2026
Former students who have already begun their studies at a university
Students who are 18 or older
Important:
Incorrect information about the students will lead to disqualification or disqualification of winning places.
Requirements for participating students:
The IDO Final is an International German language learning competition that is accompanied by an extensive social program in Germany.
All students are required to participate in the entire IDO program: Preparation workshops, competition tasks, cultural and leisure program.
“SHOW THE WORLD WHAT YOU CAN DO!” - That’s the motto of the Goethe-Institut USA, which is once again looking for two “Olympic athletes” to represent the USA at the IDO.
Registration for the 2026 IDO national preliminary round is now open until January 21, 2026. Please review the eligibility criteria listed above under “Conditions of Participation.” Please fill out one registration form for each student.
The motto of the IDO 2024 is: "BE PART OF IT! Creating knowledge. Making the future".
In a first digital preliminary round in October and November, 118 students from the German programs of American high schools took part. 16 young people prevailed against their peers from 16 states and 31 different schools in this 5-week round and were invited to the national finals in Chicago from March 1 - 2, 2024.
In addition to the competition, the young people also experienced a varied cultural and leisure program this weekend, including a city tour in German on Chicago's architecture and sauerbraten, schnitzel, bratwurst and Black Forest gateau for dinner in a German restaurant. Between the exams, there was plenty of time for exchange, conversation and socializing - all in German, of course!
Avery Lauenstein (A2) from Brookfield East High School, WI and Elsa Haywiser (B1) from Mt. Lebanon High School, PA impressed with their written performance as well as their creativity and team spirit during the oral presentations.
The two students will represent the USA at the finals of the International German Olympics in Göttingen in July 2024. They receive a scholarship from the Goethe-Institut for this trip. The two students will be accompanied by German teacher Kelsie Pattillo-Miller from Brookfield East High School.
Once IDO, always IDO: The International German Olympiad (IDO) is an international gathering for young German learners that facilitates cultural exchange, new friendships, and insights into the world of education and work in Germany. The competition is accompanied by training courses for teachers and a diverse cultural and educational program; the final takes place every two years at different Goethe-Institut locations in Germany.
