German Insights
Cultural Course

From Beethoven to Bauhaus, from BBQ to blockbusters: Dive into German culture – digitally and comfortably from home! Whether you are researching family history, connecting with German colleagues, or simply curious to learn more – discover what shapes Germany culturally and gain fresh perspectives on the German way of life.

Picture collage © Goethe-Institut

Firsthand knowledge

Learn directly from the cultural professionals of the Goethe-Institut — Germany’s globally active cultural institution.

6 Zoom group sessions

Wednesdays at 7 PM (Eastern Time), charmingly hosted in English — with lively discussions and unexpected delights.

Microlessons on WhatsApp

Weekday Culture Bites – daily doses of culture in video, audio, or image format. Perfect for flexible micro-learning!

Live Guests from the Cultural Scene

Renowned German artists, authors, and experts offer captivating insights – live and in conversation with you.

Become a German Insider!

Your six-week journey through German cultural history and the present day – from Goethe to Wim Wenders, from fairy tales to modernism, from timber-framed houses to Bauhaus, from schnitzel to fusion cuisine.

Germany today? Diverse, creative, and full of surprises.

The cherry on top (straight from the Black Forest): No dry seminars, no grammar drills – and no, you don’t need a dirndl or lederhosen!
  • Discover cultural connections: 
    Immerse yourself in German culture and ways of life.
  • Deepen relationships: 
    Build German-American bridges and explore your own roots.
  • Strengthen intercultural skills:
    Develop a sensitivity to subtle cultural differences.
  • Join the conversation:
    Gain cultural insights for small talk, family gatherings, and professional settings.

Course Content

Each Week a New Cultural Gem

  • Module 1

    North America Bound

    Fascinating stories of Germans migrating to North America
    October 9-15, 2025
    Online Live Meeting: Wednesday, October 15, 7:00pm - 8:30pm ET

    German Insights: Module 1 © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank) © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank)

  • Module 2

    Architecture and Design

    From half-timbered houses to the Bauhaus revolution
    October 16-22, 2025
    Online Live Meeting: Wednesday, October 22, 7:00pm - 8:30pm ET

    German Insights: Modul 2 © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank) © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank)

  • Module 3

    Literary voices

    From Grimm's fairy tales to current bestsellers
    October 23-29, 2025
    Online Live Meeting: Wednesday, October 29, 7:00pm - 8:30pm ET

     

    German Insights: Module 3 © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank) © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank)

  • Module 4

    Cinematic Greats

    Dive into the world of German films and directors
    October 30 - November 5, 2025
    Online Live Meeting: Wednesday, November 5, 7:00pm - 8:30pm ET

    German Insights: Module 4 © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank) © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank)

  • Module 5

    Culinary Conversations

    Self-sufficiency, modern grilling, and a Michelin-starred chef
    November 6-12, 2025
    Online Live Meeting: Wednesday, November 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm ET

    German Insights: Module 5 © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank) © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank)

  • Module 6

    Music and Sounds

    From Bach and Beethoven to jazz and contemporary music
    November 13-19, 2025
    Online Live Meeting: Wednesday, November 19, 7:00pm - 8:30pm ET

    German Insights: Module 6 © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank) © Goethe-Institut (Tobias Schrank)

Course Details at a Glance

Course Duration
October 9 – November 19, 2025

Format
5 WhatsApp impulses per week (starting October 9, 2025)
6 live online sessions via Zoom, each 90 minutes, Wednesdays at 7 PM ET (starting October 15, 2025)

Schedule Overview
  • Module 1: Oct. 9–15; Live Session: Wed, Oct. 15, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
  • Module 2: Oct. 16–22; Live Session: Wed, Oct. 22, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
  • Module 3: Oct. 23–29; Live Session: Wed, Oct. 29, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
  • Module 4: Oct. 30 – November 5; Live Session: Wed, Nov. 5, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
  • Module 5: Nov. 6–12; Live Session: Wed, Nov. 12, 7:00–8:30 PM ET
  • Module 6: Nov. 13–19; Live Session: Wed, Nov. 19, 7:00–8:30 PM ET

Course fee
$99 introductory price – includes all content and live sessions. Bookable via Eventbrite.

Number of participants
Maximum of 25 participants, minimum of 10. If the minimum number is not reached, an alternative will be offered or a full refund provided.

Participation requirements
Minimum age 13 – and an interest in culture!

Questions?
Write to us: redaktion-washington@goethe.de

Picture collage © Goethe-Institut