“German. One Language – Many Stories”
Edited by Anna Popper
The 4th edition of the Wunderbar Festival will take place throughout Hungary from 31 March to 5 April 2025, once again showcasing the diversity and significance of the German language in business, culture, and education. With a rich and engaging program, the festival aims to inspire even more people in Hungary to learn German.
Why Learn German?
German is spoken by around 130 million people worldwide as their native language, making it the most widely spoken mother tongue in the European Union. It is spoken predominantly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. These three countries are also the main organisers and supporters of the Wunderbar Festival 2025, which celebrates diverse traditions and contemporary creativity.
Hungary has strong ties to German-speaking countries through its shared Central European history and the German minority living in Hungary. But beyond these historical and cultural connections, German-language education programs and strong economic relations offer excellent career opportunities. Additionally, Hungary hosts a wide range of German-language cultural events – learning German opens doors and helps us better understand our neighbours.
Festival Highlights
Under the motto “German. One Language – Many Stories”, the festival offers over 220 programs at around 190 venues across Hungary, including more than 100 public events open to all – from children and students to adults and seniors.
The program includes:
- Children’s activities in libraries
- Interactive adventure programs at universities
- Guided tours in German through various Hungarian cities
- Visits to German-speaking institutions
- Exhibitions and theatre performances reflecting the cultural richness of the German-speaking world in Hungary
- Literary readings, film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions offer visitors a chance to experience and discover German from different perspectives
Flash mobs surprise passers-by at around 30 locations nationwide and raise awareness of the importance of the German language.
Festival Opening
The official opening event will take place on the 1st April in cooperation with the Metropolitan Szabó Ervin Library in Budapest. This event offers an excellent opportunity to get to know the festival and discuss the importance of reading – whether in one’s native language or a foreign language. The program will feature an introduction to the festival as well as lively discussion rounds on the topic: “What and how do young people read today?”
Partnerships and Support
The Wunderbar Festival is supported by numerous partners, including:
- The Embassy of Germany, the Embassy of Austria, and the Embassy of Switzerland
- Their respective cultural institutions in Budapest
With events in over 200 cities and municipalities across Hungary, the festival ensures that everyone – from language enthusiasts to culture lovers – can take part in the stories of the German-speaking world.
Join Us! Whether you’re just starting to discover the beauty of the German language or looking to improve your language skills, the Wunderbar Festival 2025 offers something for everyone every day, providing an exciting and immersive experience.
The cheapest is always the most expensive – German proverb
Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old – Austrian proverb
The best cheese is made in the mountains – Swiss proverb
We look forward to welcoming you!
For more information, please visit: www.wunderbarfesztival.hu
Email: info@wunderbarfesztival.hu
Source: Embassy of Germany in Budapest
Photos from Facebook wunderbarfesztival.hu
