Shortly after speaking with DW, Gesche Joost, who has served as president of the Goethe-Institut since 2024, traveled to Mexico alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The Goethe-Institut in Mexico City is one of the largest in the world and, in Joost’s view, exemplifies the institution’s work. “Latin America is an incredibly important region for Germany and we maintain very strong partnerships there,” Joost explains. “Mexico is one of our key partners, particularly when it comes to attracting skilled workers.” The Goethe-Institut prepares young Mexicans
interested in careers in fields such as nursing or engineering in Germany, not only through language courses but also by providing information on everyday life and culture in Germany. “For me, the Mexico branch encapsulates everything the Goethe-Institut stands for,” Joost says. A difficult start after World War II For 75 years, the Goethe-Institut has worked to represent Germany abroad and promote German language and culture around the world. It was founded in 1951, at a time when Germany needed to regain international trust following
World War II and the crimes committed under National Socialism. Initially established as Goethe e.V. zur Fortbildung ausländischer Deutschlehrer, the association invited foreign German teachers to Germany for language training courses. But before long, the focus shifted to teaching German abroad. The first Goethe-Institut opened in Athens in 1952, and just 10 years later there were already 54 branches abroad, compared with 17 in Germany itself. Today, the Goethe-Institut operates a global network employing just under 4,400 staff across 154 locations in 100 countries. Around
1 million people take an official German language examination annually through a Goethe-Institut, or one of its partner organizations.
Goethe-Institut, 75 years, Gesche Joost, Mexico City, Johann Wadephul, German language, German culture, skilled workers, World War II