Internationale Deutscholympiade 2024
I was invited by the Goethe-Institut to design the event visuals for the Internationale Deutscholympiade 2024 in Göttingen. As the world’s largest German-language competition, IDO brings together over 160 students from more than 60 countries. The challenge was to create a visual identity that could hold all of this energy, diversity, and exchange and turn it into something people feel part of. The result was a cohesive visual world that made the event instantly recognisable, strengthened the Goethe-Institut’s presence across countries, and created moments participants will remember long after the event ended.
client
Goethe Institut
ART DIRECTION & GRAPHIC DESIGN
Alina Holtmann
project manager
Seyna Dirani
photographer
Andreas Dahn
More info
deliverables
Key visual and visual language concept, website header, Word document template, Facebook banner, logo update, campaign poster (national preliminary rounds), cover sheets for preliminary round materials (three language levels), participant certificates for preliminary rounds (places 1, 2, 3 – 12 designs), pens in multiple brand colours, invitation cards (opening and award ceremony), press kits, campaign poster for artist group / campaign ambassador, T-shirts (various sizes), backpacks, medals (nine different designs), medal ribbons, participant badges (with sleeves and lanyards), water bottles, notebooks (A5), finalist certificates (12 designs), jury and volunteer certificates (one design), flag banner (1.5 × 4 m), large banner (3 × 4 m), medium banner (1.5 × 4 m), large 3D IDO letters
Production & coordination
Production sourcing and supplier selection, cost comparison and vendor coordination, preparation and delivery of print-ready files, file uploads and handover, communication with suppliers, invoice handling and coordination.
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Building on the Goethe-Institut’s existing identity, I introduced a fresh, playful layer through custom wildflower illustrations, adding warmth, movement, and a sense of discovery to the experience. I designed over 20 pieces across print, digital, and on-site applications, creating a cohesive visual presence throughout the entire event. From first announcement to the physical space, everything felt connected and intentional. I also oversaw production and worked with sustainable materials, ensuring the result was not only visually strong but responsibly made. Seeing participants interact with the designs, take photos, and carry the visuals with them made it clear: the identity didn’t just support the event, it became part of the experience.
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
Photo by Andreas Dahn
