Kozhikode: Goethe-Zentrum Trivandrum has expanded its presence in Kerala by opening a Goethe Examination Centre in Kozhikode, bringing internationally recognised German language examinations closer to learners in north Kerala.
The Goethe Certificate Examinations Centre was inaugurated today. The first Goethe Certificate Examinations will be held from August 19, with examinations planned every month.
The new centre comes amid growing interest in German learning among young people across Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kasaragod, and other parts of the Malabar region, particularly among those pursuing higher education, vocational training, and career opportunities in Germany.
Until now, many candidates from North Kerala have had to travel to other cities to take Goethe examinations. The Kozhikode centre will make certification more accessible to candidates in the region.
Dr Alexandra Mittler, Director, Language Programmes South Asia, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi, said, “We have witnessed a remarkable increase in interest in the German language among young people in North Kerala. For many of them, Germany is opening doors to new academic and professional opportunities and introducing them to another language and culture. The new Goethe Examination Centre in Kozhikode is our response to this growing demand.”
Dr Syed Ibrahim, Director of the Goethe-Zentrum Kerala, said: “Through partnerships with institutions and organisations in the region, Goethe-Zentrum hopes to create opportunities not only for German learners but also for students, teachers, artists, academics and the wider public to engage with contemporary Germany and participate in a continuing dialogue between Kerala and Germany. Our vision for Kozhikode goes much beyond examinations. Goethe-Zentrum would like to develop a sustained presence in North Kerala and create opportunities for people here to experience contemporary German culture and meaningful Indo-German exchange.”
Goethe-Zentrum Trivandrum has promoted German language learning and Indo-German cultural exchange in Kerala for nearly two decades. The Kozhikode centre builds on this experience and is intended to serve as a broader platform for cultural and educational engagement in North Kerala.
The Zentrum will also roll out initiatives such as German film screenings, music and performing arts programmes, exhibitions, literary events, workshops and educational programmes, while exploring collaborations with universities, colleges and cultural institutions in the region.