About us
San Francisco

Goethe-Institut San Francisco © Spencer Brown


The Goethe-Institut San Francisco was established in 1967, with the goal of organizing and supporting cultural events together with American institutions.The cultural focus of the institute concentrates on film and media, as well as modern art. In addition to cultural programming, the institute organizes public discussions pertaining to contemporary social-political events.

In the educational liaison arena, the Goethe-Institut San Francisco consults with teachers and students of the German language in the States of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The language department of the institute offers intensive German language courses at all levels, as well as special courses relating to German literature, contemporary issues of German life, or conversation. Exams providing evidence of ones German language proficiency and information regarding study opportunities and stipends in Germany all belong to our customer service assistance.

Furthermore, we are on hand for consultation on various language learning opportunities in one of the 14 Goethe-Insitut’s in Germany and are happy to help with the placement.

657 Howard Street

We’ve settled into our new home at 657 Howard Street and celebrated the grand opening of our San Francisco location in style! Take a behind-the-scenes look at how our new Institut came to life and see for yourself how creativity, collaboration, and vision shaped this new chapter. 

Goethe-Institut San Francisco

50 Years Goethe-Institut San Francisco

In 2017, we looked back upon half a century of promoting and encouraging German language and culture in the Bay Area and beyond.

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