Goethe-Institut Niederlande
Herengracht 470
1017 CA Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Amsterdam
Netherlands
- International/Cultural relations
The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institution operational worldwide.
We promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange. We also foster knowledge about Germany by providing information on its culture, society and politics.
With our network of Goethe-Instituts, Goethe Centres, cultural societies, reading rooms and exam and language learning centres we have played a central role in the cultural and educational policies of Germany for over 50 years.
We promote and convey the German language as a key qualification for education, employment and understanding. It is many people’s link to Germany. We strengthen the position of the German language within the diversity of foreign languages and set quality standards for teaching German as a foreign language worldwide.
We provide access to knowledge and information about Germany and present our country’s cultural phenomena, positions and experience throughout the world. Conversely, we take advantage of the opportunities offered by intercultural dialogue to bring important developments from other regions of the world to Germany.
We promote an understanding of Europe at a global level and develop common European perspectives. Within Europe, multilingualism and an awareness of European citizenship are essential for closer unity.
Our mission:
- to contribute to the general understanding and communication between different cultures
- to encourage international cultural cooperation
- to convey an all-round image of Germany by providing information on its culture, society and politics
We realise interdisciplinary projects in a spirit of partnership and cooperation, which generate long-lasting effects. Our worldwide network stands for high quality and direct contact. We combine over 50 years of continuity with change and innovation in order to overcome new challenges.
We foster the principle of respectful cooperation both within the institute and with others. This means: appreciation of achievements and commitment, taking up responsibility, sensitivity in our interactions, openness and critical faculties.
Goethe-Institut sets internationally recognised standards in the teaching and learning of German as a foreign language. It runs language courses, compiles teaching materials, trains teachers, contributes to scientific research and participates in politicolanguage initiatives.
Goethe-Institut monitors trends in Germany and encourages cultural collaboration across the globe by organising programmes of events and making contributions to various festivals and exhibitions in the fields of film, dance, theatre, literature and translation.
Libraries and information centres, forums for discussion, diverse print-, audio- and video-publications and our visitors’ service aim to paint a contemporary portrait of Germany, promoting international discourse on the key concerns of what is becoming an increasingly global society.
Together with our local partners we plan and organise the following:
- Conferences, colloquiums, symposiums, lectures, readings and workshops
- Concerts of classical and contemporary music, jazz, pop, rock and hip-hop
- Music masterclasses
- Exhibitions
- Film screenings
- Television and radio seminars
- Performances of ballet and dance
- Theatre productions.
The extent, cost and organisation of these events vary according to topic and location. However, expert seminars covering a number of objectives carry the same weight as prestigious large-scale events.