Teaching German

The Goethe-Institut’s mission is to promote German culture and advance the teaching and learning of German as a foreign language. We are committed to providing high-quality professional development training for teachers and free-of-charge teaching materials to make learning German fun and easy.

An image of a teacher teaching at the Goethe-Institut in front of a whiteboard, holding a German book. © Goethe-Institut

Deutschlehrer*innen-
tagung: Save the Date

Join educators from Southern Africa at the German Teachers’ Conference—an inspiring two-day gathering held every two years in a vibrant South African city. Around 100 teachers come together to explore innovative ideas through lectures, workshops, and dynamic discussions centered on a shared theme.

Deutschlehrertagung Save The Date web header (Deutschlehrer*innen) © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Scholarship for teachers for IDO 2026 in Mannheim

13 to 22 July 2026

Discover our two finalists and their accompanying teacher from South Africa, who are taking part in this inspiring international scholarship experience. Explore their profiles, bios, and personal insights as German learners—and get a glimpse into a unique journey of growth, exchange, and global connection.

For German teachers

Professional development

Whether it's a question of regional studies, methodology and didactics, or expanding language skills, the Goethe-Institut offers German teachers worldwide extensive opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

© Goethe-Institut Johannesburg © Goethe-Institut Johannesburg
Teaching resources

Do you require teaching materials? Visit our library and teaching resource centres or explore the offerings of our digital library.

© Bernhard Ludewig / Goethe-Institut © Bernhard Ludewig / Goethe-Institut
Deutschstunde

Deutschstunde is the portal for teaching materials of German as a foreign language, advanced training and magazine language. Contact with other teachers via local communities is just a few clicks away.

Marc Bibas © Goethe-Institut Marc Bibas © Goethe-Institut
Learn German in South Africa

Those who speak German experience the world in a more colourful and diverse way. A new language broadens horizons and opens up exciting professional and personal opportunities – which is precisely why people around the world decide to learn German. On this page, you will find not only inspiring information about German as a foreign language, but also an overview of places and programmes where your child can learn German.

© Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut