Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth fully supports the Weeks of the German Language, as multilingualism remains a basic pillar of our educational policy, Minister Athena Michaelides has said, addressing a press conference on the German Language Weeks in Nicosia.
The Minister noted that within a modern, student‑centered, inclusive school system, we recognise that language competence is fundamental for personal fulfilment, employability, active citizenship and social inclusion, according to a Ministry press release.
She said that events which are organised every year, will take place from 10 to 29 November and on 12 November, students participating in the Pilot Programme of German language will visit the Goethe‑Institut in Nicosia, where a specially designed programme will be organised for them.
Moreover, Gymnasium students will participate in an interactive workshop focusing on the history of Germany and the fall of the Berlin Wall and Lyceum students will first visit the Embassy of Germany in Nicosia before heading to the Goethe-Institut.
Michaelides noted that the German language offers our young generation many benefits, opening doors to further studies, professional opportunities, and meaningful participation in a globalised world, adding that German is among the most widely spoken languages in the European Union and plays a leading role in science, culture, and economic exchange.
She said that it enables access to world‑class higher education in German‑speaking countries, and through it, our students can widen their horizons, develop intercultural competence, and gain enhanced employability.
"The challenge that lies ahead is the official certification of the German language competences acquired by our students. Our intention is to strengthen our cooperation with the Goethe‑Institut to introduce recognised certification of German language proficiency. We are fully aware that this step is essential for the success of the pilot programme, as it will enhance the value of German language study and further motivate our learners", Education Minister said.
The press conference was organised by the Ministry of Education together with the Embassies of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland and Goethe‑Institut Cyprus, on the occasion of the Weeks of the German Language 2025.
The events aim at inviting students, teachers, families, and the wider public to engage with the German language and the vibrant cultures of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
In a press release the embassies and Goethe Institut said that this year’s theme, “Stimmen & Geschichten” (Voices & Stories), highlights everyday narratives and diverse perspectives that have shaped society, both in German-speaking countries and in Cyprus. Through a vibrant programme, the initiative aims to foster dialogue, celebrate diversity and inspire reflection.
Audiences can look forward to an array of cultural experiences, including literature readings, film screenings, discussions and lectures, music and culinary events. These activities will spotlight voices that matter - stories, both long and short, resonating across borders and generations.
The programme
The Weeks open on 10 November in Nicosia with a film screening & an exchange with film academic, Olga Kourelou and literature scholar, Marilena Zackheos. “Ingeborg Bachmann - Journey into the Dessert” (Ingeborg Bachmann - Reise in die Wüste) takes us to Paris in 1958, when two international celebrities of the literary world, the famous Austrian poet, Ingeborg Bachmann and the Swiss playwright, Max Frisch meet for the first time.
“Peacock”, a multi-award-winning debut feature film by Bernhard Wenger and Austria’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards, will be screened on 12 November in Nicosia. Blending sharp humor with social insight, it explores questions of authenticity and performance in today’s image-driven, curated world. A timely reflection on identity, self-presentation and the need to belong.
November 14 is marked for a traditional Swiss Fondue evening, hosted by the Cyprus Swiss Association at the Cleopatra Hotel, Nicosia.
On 15 November, the Cypriot German Cultural Association invites us to CyENS for the lecture, “Τhe Art of Making”, where the challenges and opportunities faced by craftspeople in Cyprus and Germany will be discussed.
Switzerland’s 2025 Oscar entry, “Late Shift” (Heldin), will be screened on 17 November in Nicosia. Petra Volpe’s box office success, features Leonie Benesch playing an unwaveringly dedicated nurse in a challenging, multi-tasking and high-stressed environment. A powerful film bringing to light the plight and shortage of skilled professional workers in the healthcare sector.
The musical highlight - “Jazz Trio Tango Transit in Concert: Folk Songs Reimagined - A Musical Encounter Between Cyprus and the German-Speaking World.” The acclaimed German jazz trio will be joined by Cypriot musicians, Ermis Michael & Vassilis Philippou on 19 November in Nicosia and together, they will reinterpret folk melodies from Cyprus and the German-speaking world into vibrant jazz arrangements, infused with elements of jazz, rock and funk, creating a unique dialogue between cultures and traditions.
Delving into contemporary German-speaking literature at the 4th Limassol International Book Fair, we are invited on 22 November to hear German author Lucy Fricke and her translator Theo Votsos, talk about her book “Die Diplomatin” (The Diplomat), in a discussion moderated by Cypriot author Constantia Soteriou. A staged reading directed by Nefeli Kentoni follows on 23 November with a selection of literary texts from the German-speaking world.
The German film “The Teachers' Lounge” (Das Lehrerzimmer), an award-winner at the 2023 German Film Awards and an Oscar nominee in the Best International Feature Film category, follows on 24 November in Nicosia. A gripping story about a young teacher whose dedication is tested by suspicions and conflicts at her school.
(Source: CNA)
