Goethe-Institut Morocco

Germany’s cultural institute in Morocco since 1960

Goethe-Institut Morocco is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute in Morocco. It was established in Casablanca in 1960 and expanded to Rabat soon afterwards. Today it operates through two permanent institutes: Goethe-Institut Rabat at 7 Rue Sana’a and Goethe-Institut Casablanca at 11 Place du 16 Novembre.

Its role extends well beyond presenting German culture. The institute works with Moroccan artists, schools, universities, libraries, cultural organisations and civil-society initiatives. Language learning, artistic production, professional exchange, mobility and public debate are treated as connected parts of a long-term German–Moroccan relationship.

The map on this Culturama page points to the Rabat institute, which hosts national coordination, language courses, examinations, a public library and part of the cultural programme. Casablanca provides its own language, examination, library and public-event services.

Film, music, performance and public discussion

The cultural programme covers cinema, music, dance, visual culture, literature, digital practices and social debate. Many projects are developed with local partners through residencies, co-productions and professional networks rather than as one-way presentations of German work.

Goethe-Kino is a regular feature in Rabat. On the third Thursday of each month, the institute screens a German film at 6:30 pm, generally in the original language with subtitles. Admission is announced as free. The series presents different genres and social perspectives while creating opportunities for conversation and German-language listening practice.

Other formats include Goethe Residencies, Goethe Sessions, dance and music programmes, exhibitions, research projects and professional meetings. Projects such as Halaqat and Dance Fusion Morocco show how the institute connects cultural exchange with contemporary creation and the development of cultural and creative industries.

In June 2025, Goethe-Institut Morocco marked its 65th anniversary in Rabat with exhibitions, workshops, contemporary dance, children’s activities, concerts and an open library.

Public libraries in Rabat and Casablanca

Both institutes include libraries open to the public. Visitors can read, work, listen to music, consult films and explore literature and current debates from Germany and other German-speaking countries.

On-site consultation is free. A valid library card is required for borrowing. Collections include books, language-learning resources, periodicals, films, music and media selected for learners of German. Guided visits and library activities can be organised by appointment.

The free Onleihe digital library gives registered users remote access to thousands of predominantly German-language e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines and other digital media.

The institute also works with librarians, educational institutions and information professionals, while its podcasts and editorial platforms provide multilingual access in German, Arabic, Darija and French.

German courses and internationally recognised examinations

Rabat and Casablanca offer face-to-face German courses alongside online learning. Programmes are available for beginners, advanced learners, children, teenagers, university students, adults and professionals.

Courses follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages from A1 to C2. Learners with previous knowledge can take an online placement test. Registration windows, payment procedures and examination dates are published separately and are generally handled online.

Goethe-Institut Morocco organises or prepares candidates for internationally recognised qualifications including Goethe-Zertifikat A1 to C2, TestDaF, TestAS and Goethe-Test PRO. Selected partner language schools in other Moroccan cities may also host examinations under specific conditions.

Teachers, partner schools and young audiences

The institute supports the professional development of teachers of German through training, educational resources and seminars organised with relevant ministries and partner institutions.

The international PASCH – Schools: Partners for the Future initiative supports German teaching in partner schools, strengthens teacher skills and creates opportunities for pupils to join exchanges and global learning networks.

Competitions, children’s workshops, choirs and participatory cultural formats connect language learning with music, film, literature and creative practice.

Studying, living and working in Germany

Goethe-Institut Morocco is also an information point for people considering study, vocational training, employment or migration to Germany. Pre-integration programmes address language as well as everyday life, workplace culture, administrative preparation and social realities.

The DAAD and other German–Maghreb institutions regularly organise information sessions in Rabat and Casablanca. Selected learners may also access short language scholarships at Goethe-Instituts in Germany, depending on the programme.

These services are separate from consular procedures. The institute provides information, language training and preparation but does not issue visas.

Translation, cultural resources and professional cooperation

The institute offers film archives, podcasts, cultural magazines and translation-support resources. These services encourage the circulation of books, films and ideas between German, Arabic and other languages.

Residencies, co-productions and professional exchanges support artists, curators, researchers and cultural managers. The goal is to build durable connections between Moroccan, German and international cultural ecosystems.

Planning a visit to Rabat

The Rabat institute is located at 7 Rue Sana’a, Rabat 10001. General reception hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Libraries, course offices, examinations and events follow separate schedules.

The Rabat library is generally open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 6:30 pm and Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, with shorter staffed borrowing hours. Course and examination visitors should always check registration dates and appointment requirements.

Rabat contact: +212 5 37 73 26 50 and [email protected]. Casablanca contact: +212 5 22 20 04 45 and [email protected].

Continue through Rabat’s cultural landscape with the French Institute of Morocco, Villa des Arts Rabat, Le Cube – Independent Art Room, current events in Rabat and the city’s cultural directory.