From July 15-22, the World German Language Olympiad took place in Göttingen, where the winners were determined. In the competitions held according to language proficiency levels, first place was shared by Uzbekistani Rayhona Ibrohimova, Bangladeshi Mahek Khan, and North Macedonian Ana Kotevska.
"Silver" and "bronze" went to school students from Mexico, Italy, Slovakia, Poland, and Britain, as announced by the Goethe Institute in Berlin on Monday, July 22. More than 100 students aged 14 to 17 participated in the final stage of the Olympiad. The competitors represented 62 countries.
According to the Goethe Institute's press service, 16-year-old Rayhona plans to study Germanistics at one of the universities in Germany and pursue a career in translation. To reach the international competition's final stage, she, like other participants, won the national competition.
In Göttingen, students competed in various subjects. Each student had to independently create their own online page for the World Language Olympiad journal - entirely in German, of course. Additionally, their knowledge was tested through various presentations and improvisations in groups. The jury evaluated not only the level of German language proficiency but also creativity and the ability to work in a team. Participants were offered an extensive cultural program, including visits to Göttingen's attractions.
The World German Language Olympiad is held every two years in one of the cities in Germany. The organizer is the Goethe Institute. The event aims to increase interest in learning German in schools outside Germany.