Erfurt, Germany – The best young mathematical minds in Thuringia will converge on the Königin-Luise-Gymnasium this weekend, February 27th and 28th, for the 65th Thuringian Mathematics Olympiad. Approximately 201 students will participate in the two-day competition, tackling three challenging problems over a total of seven and a half hours. The event underscores the strong emphasis on STEM education within the German state.
The competition isn’t just about complex equations; it’s a test of endurance, curiosity, and courage, according to Thuringian Education Minister Christian Tischner. “Anyone who takes on the challenges of the Mathematics Olympiad demonstrates not only mathematical ability, but similarly perseverance, curiosity, and the courage to compete with the best,” Minister Tischner said in a statement. “These young people deserve recognition – as do the teachers, former Olympians, and organizers without whose commitment this competition could not take place at such a high level for decades.”
The Thuringian Mathematics Olympiad represents the culmination of a multi-stage process. Around 10,000 children and adolescents initially participate in the school-level round each year, followed by approximately 2,800 students advancing to the regional round. This widespread participation highlights the importance placed on mathematical education throughout Thuringia’s school system. The state consistently performs well in the nationwide final of the Mathematics Olympiad, demonstrating the effectiveness of its educational approach.
A Long-Standing Tradition of Support
The competition has been organized by the Thuringian Ministry of Education since 1990. For over three decades, the Sparkassen- und Giroverband Hessen-Thüringen (Savings Banks and Giro Association of Hesse-Thuringia) has provided crucial financial support, enabling the Olympiad to continue, and thrive. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to fostering mathematical talent within the region.
Successful participants in the state-level competition – those in the 8th grade and above – will qualify for the federal round, scheduled to take place from June 7th to 10th, 2026, at the Christianeum state gymnasium in Hamburg. There, they will represent Thuringia on a national stage, competing against students from across Germany.
Event Schedule and Logistics
The 65th Thuringian Mathematics Olympiad will follow a structured schedule. The first round of problem-solving will take place on Friday, February 27th, from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Königin-Luise-Gymnasium, located at Melanchthonstraße 3, 99084 Erfurt. Students in the 5th grade will participate only on Friday. Saturday’s session, for all other participants, will run from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 28th, at 4:15 PM at the Sparkassen-Finanzzentrum, located at Bonifaciusstraße 14, 99084 Erfurt. Minister Tischner is expected to attend and personally acknowledge the achievements of the participating students.
Thuringia’s Commitment to Mathematical Excellence
The sustained success of Thuringia’s students in the Mathematics Olympiad is a testament to the dedication of educators and the state’s investment in STEM fields. The competition provides a valuable platform for students to challenge themselves, develop their problem-solving skills, and pursue their passion for mathematics. The Olympiad also serves as an vital recruitment tool, potentially inspiring the next generation of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers.
The ongoing support from the Sparkassen- und Giroverband Hessen-Thüringen is vital to the continuation of this important educational initiative. Their commitment ensures that Thuringian students will continue to have the opportunity to excel in mathematics and compete at the highest levels.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to preparing the qualifying students for the federal round in Hamburg. The Thuringian Ministry of Education will continue to support these students as they represent the state in the national competition. Further details about the federal round, including registration information and competition rules, can be found on the official website of the German Mathematics Olympiad.
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