Step into German is an initiative of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), the California Language Teachers Association (CLTA) and the Goethe-Institut San Francisco. It is part of the nationwide language education campaign

Discover Languages  organized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. This campaign is designed to heighten public awareness of the critical importance of language education and proficiency in the United States.

Step into German invites you to learn more about Germany and the German language. You can watch video clips of some of Germany’s top rock, pop and hiphop artists and thus find out what kind of music is popular in Germany. 

Step into German offers linguistic and cultural information on German and Germany in fun-filled and interactive ways. There are quizzes and games that let you demonstrate your knowledge of Germany. Fabulous prizes such as study trips to Germany, iPods and German music CDs can be won in our contests.

Step into German is proud to have two very distinguished honorary chairpersons. Professor Dieter Gorny, the former Executive Vice President of MTV Networks Europe, has been instrumental in developing Popkomm, the world’s largest music trade fair. He is currently a member of the steering committee of the German Music Council, with eight million members the largest national music association in the world. Jürgen Klinsmann, who as coach led the German national team to a third place finish at the World Cup 2006, has been very active in raising the awareness of the importance of foreign language learning.

Step into German was only made possible by the generous support of the German Program for Transatlantic Encounters (Transatlantic Program). The Transatlantic Program is financed from European Recovery Program (ERP) funds provided by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Labor. The purpose of the Transatlantic Program is to keep the memory of the Marshall Plan and General George C. Marshall alive and foster transatlantic partnership in line with his wishes.