In order to get to know Germany, its language and culture, the Pedagogical Exchange Service (PAD) invites five learners from Namibia to a four-week stay in Germany. The selected young people are winners of the National Language Competition 2018, which is organized annually by the Goethe-Institut Namibia. The number of places available for Namibians has been increased from four to five this year by the PAD, emphasizing the special position of German as a foreign language in Namibia.

On 1 August 2019, Clarissa Judmann (German Embassy  Windhoek) and Ingrid Barth (Goethe-Institut Namibia) saw off the students Yi Cai (Namib High School), Iman Dundee (Deutsche Höhere Privatschule), Max Titus (Rocky Crest High School), Panduleni Shatilwe (Delta Secondary School) and Kauzemburukua Muikute (Academia Secondary School). They are expected to leave together for Germany on 14 August; for most of them it will be their first longer trip abroad. The excitement among them and their parents is thus high.

In Germany, the learners will spend some time with families, take part in language courses and attend German school classes. Their journey takes them to Bonn, Berlin and Munich. While abroad, they are supervised by staff of the PAD.

The National German language competition in Namibia has been organized by the Goethe-Institut Namibia for over 30 years. Here, the participants not only compare their knowledge of German as a foreign language; but it is a colorful celebration of the German language for all German learners, their parents and teachers and includes a varied supporting program. This year's language competition will take place on 21 September 2019 at the Goethe-Institut Namibia.