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International German Olympics (IDO)

Visual für die IDO 2026 © Goethe-Institut

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.

National Preliminary Round USA 2025/2026

“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.

Register here

Recap: NDO USA 2023/2024

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 picture shows the two winners of the NDO 2024, Avery Lauenstein and Elsa Haywiser, in the Goethe-Institut Chicago.

Avery Lauenstein and Elsa Haywiser, Winner of NDO USA 2024 | © Goethe-Institut

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.
 

The IDO in retrospect 2018-2024

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.

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