The Goethe-Institut, Russia’s main center for studying German language and culture, is being shut down

The Goethe-Institut, Russia’s main center for studying German language and culture, is being shut down. Meduza spoke with Russians who were able to learn the language, pass exams, or move to Germany thanks to it

The Russian authorities have decided to close the Goethe-Institut in response to the closure of the “Russian House” in Berlin. Germany took that step after accusing Russia of sabotage at Leipzig Airport: in early August, a drone carrying explosives was found there next to a Ukrainian transport plane. Moscow denies involvement.

The Goethe-Institut had operated in Russia for more than 30 years. There, people could learn German and take language exams, and the institute also held cultural events. Meduza spoke with its students about how they feel about the center’s closure, and about what difficulties Russians who want to move to Germany will face.

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Russia will close the Goethe-Institut, the main center for studying German language and culture. Meduza spoke with Russians who, thanks to…

The Goethe-Institut was founded in West Germany in 1951. At first, its main task was to train foreign teachers of the German language, then the institute turned into a place where other students, too, could learn German and immerse themselves in the country’s culture. Goethe centers…