Communicating with the world. For diversity, understanding and trust.
We connect people all over the world. As a cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany, we promote cultural exchange, education and societal discourse in an international context, and support the teaching and learning of the German language. Together with our partners, we focus on global opportunities and challenges, bringing different perspectives into a dialogue based on trust. We regard the ability to listen and to reflect as the key to understanding. We are bound by principles of transparency, diversity and sustainability. These principles characterise our services and our way of working.
07.02.2024 Statement by the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg
The Goethe-Institut rejects all forms of violence, racism and antisemitism. For over 70 years, we have offered a platform for dialogues, including those that end in respectful disagreement. Often, this open space has been the last link between civil societies, when even formal diplomacy stalled. Therefore, we do not believe that boycotts or embargos are useful tools in the realm of international cultural exchange. Read the full text here
Organisations such as the Goethe-Institut must not become the ‘extended arm’ of the government, particularly in difficult political times. Tests of conviction and moral imperialism will not help to overcome crises.
We would like you to feel comfortable and safe – and are therefore briefly informing you about some of our etiquettes and code of conduct for treating each other.
