May 6, 2025

Newsletter May 2025

Dear Friends,

May 8 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. On both sides of the Atlantic, the celebration of this day varies widely. Learn more about the victory that didn't bring global peace in the latest edition of GEGENÜBER.
This month also offers a stimulating mix of in-person and online experiences—from the widely popular EU Open House at the German Embassy to the opening of the exhibition BERLIN UNDERGROUND, featuring video works by renowned artists Candice Breitz, Hito Steyerl, and many more. Whether you're joining us in person or tuning in from afar, there’s plenty to discover this month.

Sincerely,
Klaus Krischok
Director Goethe-Institut Washington
Regional Director North America

Culture

May 17, 7PM | Exhibition Opening | Dupont Underground, Washington DC

BERLIN UNDERGROUND

Experience Berlin's legacy of artistic excellence and radical acceptance in Washington, DC. The Berlin Underground exhibition features powerful video works that celebrate the city's avant-garde spirit and diverse identities. Don't miss this unique event marking the beginning of World Pride 2025 in DC!

Come to the Opening Night

Canva

May 21, 6-7PM | Discussion | Goethe-Institut Washington DC

Defending Digital Democracy Series

Join us for a discussion on the landscape of digital mis- and disinformation. Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a Professor in the School of Public Affairs and the School of Education at American University, and Ali Breland, a staff writer at The Atlantic, will lead the conversation.
We will delve into the responsibilities of social networks, search engines, and online platforms and will also cover what fuels paths to extremism online, who benefits from it, and how to make digital citizens more resilient to manipulative content.

Online

VE-Day Celebrations in Toronto on May 8, 1945 (2300x1000)

New on GEGENÜBER| Commemorating May 8 | Article

Liberation Without the End of War

We offer you a transatlantic view on the 80th anniversary of the armistice in Europe. May 8 is not an official holiday in North America, nor is it recognized across all of Europe, although some European countries do observe it. Discover what the day means on both sides of the Atlantic in our latest article in GEGENÜBER.

Read

May 1-31 | German Movie| Free Streaming

Three

Their relationship has worn a little thin over twenty years; Hanna and Simon seem to live more in the past than in their belief in a shared future. When they fall in love with the same man, the trio finds a surprising solution. Streams for free as part of Alles Liebe, a yearlong Goethe on Demand series that showcases the most beautiful feeling in the world.

Stream Now

GEGENÜBER Newsletter

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Learning and Teaching German

May 10, 10AM - 4PM | German Embassy, Washington DC

EU Open House

A true staple of the DC springtime calendar is coming — it’s EU Open House! This event always falls on the first Saturday after Europe Day (May 9), which marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950 that established the European Coal and Steel Community, which would eventually become the European Union as we know it. On May 10, we will open the doors to the public so Americans can catch a glimpse of the diverse cultures that make up the EU – for FREE. Visit the German Embassy and stop at the Goethe-Institut booth with a prize wheel to win cool Goethe-Institut merch.

Visit

@Goethe-Institut

Solidarity Essay Competition

Calling all high school and college students in the United States! The Goethe-Institut USA invites you to participate in our essay contest “Solidarity and Engagement in a Transatlantic Perspective.” Take a critical look at the role of solidarity in a globalized world and show its importance in the relationship between Germany, Europe, and the United States.
The submission deadline is October 14, 2025.

Participate

German Courses and Exams

@Goethe-Institut

German Language Exams

Goethe-Institut USA is excited to announce more dates for upcoming language exams at over 20 locations across the USA! Whether you´re looking to certify your proficiency, or simply challenge yourself on your German language journey, these exams are the perfect opportunity to showcase your language skills. For more details and to register, please visit our website or connect with the team through [email protected]. 

@Goethe-Institut

You are Invited: Free Online Trial Classes

Thinking about learning German or finding the right course? Our free online group sessions give you a firsthand look at our teaching style. These trial classes, designed for beginners, also introduce you to our various course formats. No matter your level, you’ll discover how we teach, and which class suits you best. Come join us in May or June and have fun learning German!

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Contact

Klaus Krischok
Director
1377 R St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009, USA
Goethe-Institut Washington
Tel. +1 (202) 847 4701
Fax +1 (202) 847 4727
[email protected]