The American Goethe Society is a non-profit all-volunteer organization. Our members are native Germans, German-heritage Americans, and persons interested in German culture and language. Our varied program aims to offer active participation in different aspects of German culture, in English and in German.

We present art and philosophy in lectures (English) at the Goethe-Institut with ample time for questions and discussion. Informal exchange of ideas and opinions, in German or English, continues with refreshments after each lecture.

Also in English, we address German literature, classical and contemporary, in Book Conversations at the Goethe-Institut. The works selected are all available in German and English. A brief lecture (English) introduces the chosen book and highlights some points for further exploration. An informal hour with refreshments follows.

German poetry is our focus at Saturday Lunches mit Lyrik held in German restaurants. Lunchers are invited to bring a poem to read on a theme chosen in advance. Conversation around the table is in German or English according to individual preference. Our all-German event is the monthly reading mit verteilten Rollen of a dramatic work, which takes place in an area public library. (Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library at Rte 7 and Beltway is our present location.) After reading we adjourn to a nearby restaurant for another hour of German conversation.

The high point of our year is the Classical Oktoberfest on a weekend in late October. A Friday evening dinner-reception at the German Embassy precedes an all-day Saturday program at the Goethe-Institut consisting of films, lecture, lunch, and participants’ interaction with the literary theme of the Fest. Registration and tickets are necessary for this event.

All our events, except the Classical Oktoberfest, are free of admission and open to the public.