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Goethe portrait on the wall of the Goethehaus in Rome
Image: Imago Images/Agenzia Romano Siciliani

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), Germany's most renowned poet, was also known for his plays, literature and aesthetic criticism as well as treatises on botany, anatomy and color.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

View of a city skyline at dusk, with a portrait of Osman Kavala projected onto one of the buildings (fg center)

Goethe Medal 2025 for Osman Kavala

Goethe Medal 2025 for Osman Kavala

Cultural patron Osman Kavala backs the arts in Turkey – despite being imprisoned.
CultureAugust 29, 202507:50 min
David van Reybrouck sitting at a desk in a conference room

Goethe Medal 2025 for David Van Reybrouck

Goethe Medal 2025 for David Van Reybrouck

The Belgian archaeologist brings fresh views on colonial history and pushes for democratic renewal.
CultureAugust 28, 202507:13 min
A view of Li Yuan (center, bg) teaching in a classroom

Goethe Medal 2025 for Li Yuan

Goethe Medal 2025 for Li Yuan

Chinese linguist helps students learn German and fosters cross-cultural ties.
CultureAugust 28, 202506:45 min
A taller man in a suit and two women wearing green and blue dresses hold up gold medals

Winners of 2025 Goethe Medal building cultural bridges

Winners of 2025 Goethe Medal building cultural bridges

Osman Kavala, a philanthropist and activist currently imprisoned in Turkey, is among three 2025 Goethe Medal recipients.
CultureAugust 27, 2025
A woman stands and sings in front of an orchestra

Bach's music sounds out against war and discrimination

Bach's music sounds out against war and discrimination

Contemporary arrangements of Bach masterpieces at the Leipzig Bach Festival highlight oppression and conflict.
MusicJune 17, 2025
A cellar restaurant with ornate ceiling patterns and lights, diners sitting on wood tables and chairs

Leipzig's Auerbachs Keller: Goethe, Luther's haunt turns 500

Leipzig's Auerbachs Keller: Goethe, Luther's haunt turns 500

Martin Luther and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe frequented Leipzig's iconic cellar restaurant in their respective eras.
CultureApril 25, 2025
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Adam Reichel smiles while playing guitar on stage.

How a 1991 German song became a hit in China

"Aloha Heja Je" was a hit in 1991 in Germany, and now in China — an unexpected boost to musician Achim Reichel's career.
MusicDecember 16, 2021
Goethe-Institut sign on a building

Goethe-Institut marks its 70th anniversary

For Goethe-Institut President Carola Lentz, the cultural institution's history is marked by permanent reinvention.
CultureNovember 23, 2021
A typewriter on a table

PEN celebrates its 100th anniversary

The writers association, which has championed human rights from Nazi Germany to 2021 Belarus, turns 100 on October 5.
CultureOctober 4, 2021
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