Learn German at the Goethe-Institut

Gabriela and Sylvan in a language course at the Goethe-Institut. Gabriela and Sylvan are doing exercises in their workbook. They are focused. A tablet and other learning materials are on the table © Goethe-Institut

Discover what makes learning German at the Goethe-Institut unique. Our courses create spaces for meaningful encounters. Our highly qualified teachers use state-of-the-art methods to create an open learning environment – the ideal foundation for your success.

Effective learning

Rapid progress through state-of-the-art teaching methods

Personalised guidance

Intensive support and guidance from highly qualified teachers

Globally recognised standards

Internationally recognised course level system and examinations

Diversity and culture

Wide range of diverse cultural and educational opportunities

Our courses

Our courses are designed to help you make rapid and lasting progress. You practise all language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – using contemporary texts, authentic tasks, role-plays and project-based activities.

What makes German courses at the Goethe-Institut special:

Practical and everyday-oriented
From the very beginning, you learn the language you need for everyday life, for your studies or your work in Germany, and you will have the opportunity to try out your skills in a variety of situations. Our motto is ‘skills rather than just knowledge’!
Authentic and up-to-date
You will practise with everyday materials and gain insight into life in Germany. Our courses will make it easier for you to settle in Germany.
Innovative and flexible
Experience modern teaching – grounded in research through our cooperation with universities. On our learning platform, you can learn flexibly and at your own pace.
Success-oriented and competent
Our experienced teachers support you in every learning situation, whether online or in face-to-face courses. With practical tips, you will make noticeable progress in your learning.

Our teachers

Our teachers accompany you throughout your learning journey. They use a wide range of interactive and communicative methods and tailor their approach to your goals. They regularly discuss your progress with you and offer practical advice to support your independent learning.

What makes for good teaching? Good teachers!

Our teachers are highly qualified in terms of language skills and teaching methods:

We train teachers ourselves and set the standard for German language teaching worldwide.
Our teachers have a university degree in German as a foreign language or a comparable qualification that qualifies them to teach German as a foreign language.
Our teachers have extensive teaching experience in German as a foreign language and regularly participate in further training courses.

The Goethe-Institut is a fair employer. After all, motivated teachers also motivate our course participants and thus contribute significantly to their learning success.

As a teacher at the Goethe-Institut, I want my lessons to be not just goal-oriented and clearly structured but also varied, so that they engage and connect learners. I want students to enjoy this unique learning experience in every session. They should realise they’re not only attending a first-class language course, but that they are also part of an inspiring and supportive learning community.

Elena Alston, teacher at the Goethe-Institut USA

Elena Alston © Elena Alston

Our course system

With us, you benefit from a modular system of coordinated courses from levels A1 to C2. We determine your appropriate course level before the course begins by means of a placement test. These are the perfect conditions for flexible learning and lasting success.

Courses, teaching materials and examinations are perfectly coordinated. This increases your chances of success and provides you with targeted support on your way to the Goethe Certificate.
Your learning progress is objectively measurable and internationally comparable. The language level you achieve at the Goethe-Institut is recognised worldwide!

267.000

Participants attended Goethe-Institut language courses worldwide in 2024.

1.1 million

German examinations were taken at Goethe Institutes and cooperation partners in 2024.

8.600

Teachers of German as a foreign language took part in certification programmes in 2024.

7,2 Mio.

Visits were recorded on the Goethe-Institut's digital learning platform in 2024.

Experience the Goethe-Institut – a very special place. 

German. Language is Culture.

As a cultural institute, we offer numerous activities beyond German courses.

With a German course at the Goethe-Institut, you have access to our libraries and media centres and can take part in numerous cultural events related to film, art and music.
Take advantage of our free exercises. In Deutsch für dich you can continue learning with interactive exercises.
Our comprehensive range of learning and informational resources provides you with targeted, linguistically and culturally sensitive preparation for interacting with German speakers and Germany.
We promote the German language as part of a multilingual world and strengthen international knowledge exchange.

The right course for everyone

Whether you are looking for an online group course, individual tuition or courses for children and teenagers, we have the right course for you. Our courses are held online and offer you maximum flexibility—tailored to your needs, schedule, and prior knowledge. Prove your language skills with an internationally recognised exam certificate.

Contact and advice

Would you like to find out more about our German courses or need help choosing the right one for you? Contact us, we will be happy to advise you!

germancourses-usa@goethe.de
Tel.: 845 584 8002