Das Goethe-Institut

70 years of the Goethe-Institut. Carola Lentz provides an informative yet concise history of the Goethe-Institut and its evolving tasks in the context of both German and global contemporary history. At the same time, testimonials from former and current employees offer vivid insights into the work of one of the most important cultural institutions operating worldwide. From cultural export to a global network - this motto summarizes the seventy-year history of the Goethe-Institut, which is closely intertwined with Germany's recent history and global upheavals. The institute has continually had to develop new responses to external and internal challenges. Initially, its work focused on promoting the German language abroad and exporting German culture. However, it soon adopted a more diverse understanding of culture, becoming the largest intermediary organization for German foreign cultural and educational policy. A new role also emerged: today, the Goethe-Institut operates in 98 countries with a total of 157 institutes, primarily as a global network of local and regional cultural initiatives.