Russians on the Goethe-Institut: 'Hostage to politics'
Canceled language exams, disrupted plans to study in Germany, and the disappearance of an important cultural link: DW users shared how the closure of Germany's Goethe-Institut in Russia affects their lives.
The Goethe-Institut, Germany's cultural organization, is set to close all its branches in Russia by September 13, 2026, following a diplomatic dispute with Russia. The closure comes after Russia ordered the closure of its cultural centers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk in response to a drone attack at Leipzig airport.
The German government blamed Russia for organizing the attack and imposed sanctions, including the closure of the Russian House cultural center in Berlin and the Russian Consulate General in Bonn. In addition, Germany tightened visa restrictions for Russian citizens. The Goethe-Institut Secretary General, Gitte Zschoch, announced that employees must cease their work in Russia starting September 13.
Russian authorities have labeled DW, the German broadcaster, an "undesirable organization," making cooperation with the media company a criminal offense. DW users in Russia expressed concern about how the closure will impact their access to German language exams, courses, and educational programs. Many noted that closing the institutes will disproportionately affect ethnic Germans wishing to return to Germany or late repatriates, as well as German language teachers who rely on the institutes for professional training and resources.
The closure is seen by some as a further deterioration in ties between Russia and Germany, with one user calling it a "hostage to politics".
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