Learn German at the Goethe-Institut

Gabriela und Sylvan im Sprachkurs am Goethe-Institut. Gabriela und Sylvan machen Übungen im Arbeitsbuch. Sie sind konzentriert. Ein Tablet und weitere Lernmittel liegen auf dem Tisch © Goethe-Institut

Discover what makes learning German at the Goethe-Institut unique. Our courses create spaces for meaningful encounters. Safety, openness and curiosity are among our most important values.

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.

Learning a new language is an entry into a new space that expands with each word. As a teacher, I welcome all learns to orient themselves in this new cultural space, get to know other like-minded people and expand this space together with me! We get to know the rhythm of the language to dance in step with words. It is important to me that participants have fun, have courage and talk to each other and learn, whether in pairs, three or four. Once they feel confident in this language space, the door opens to a new world where they can dance freely.

Teacher at the Goethe-Institut South Africa

Portrait of a teacher in front of a whiteboard © Goethe-Institut

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 million

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

Language meets 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 librariesand 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 information services provides you with targeted linguistic and cultural preparation for living and working in Germany. Thanks to our global network, we can support you throughout the entire migration process.
We promote the German language as part of a multilingual world and strengthen international knowledge exchange.

Experience the Goethe-Institut – a very special place. 

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. You can choose between face-to-face and online formats depending on your needs, circumstances and previous 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!

JOH-Learngerman@goethe.de
Tel.: +27 11 442 3232