The Award of Excellence is an annual contest dating back all the way to 1991. Once a year, we create a contest during which we look at an interesting aspect of German life or at the life in one of our partner countries — the US, Canada, Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean. Take part in the quiz, and you might win the prize!

The three participants with the best results each win a scholarship for a German course for teens in Germany for one person. The German courses for teens will take place in summer 2026. The scholarship encompasses the language course, accommodations, meals, full-time supervision, day trips, recreation program, medical and accident insurance, and the travel expenses. The Award of Excellence will be granted to the schools of these students.

Germany is known for its clubs. There are over 90,000 sports clubs in this country. Why that is — and what they have to do with team spirit, democracy, and village culture — you can learn here in interviews with leaders and members from village clubs, girls’ football clubs, all the way to the professional club Bayern Munich.

Podcast

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Terms and Conditions

Participation in the 2025/26 Award of Excellence (AoE) competition is possible online from November 20, 2025 to March 15th, 2026 23:59 (PT). High School and Middle School students in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean are eligible to participate. Each student can participate only once. Multiple entries may result in disqualification.