Listen
Understand arguments before responding to them.
NordamerikaNorth American Final 2026
Strong arguments.
Big stage.
Young people from Canada, the United States, and Mexico come together in Toronto to debate in German, exchange perspectives, and grow together.
Until the grand final debate
11Days
05Hours
26Minutes
34Seconds
Toronto
21—25 · 10 · 26
21—25 · 10 · 26
WHENOctober 21–25, 2026
WHEREToronto, Canada
WHO24 finalists from Mexico, Canada, and the United States
JD Nordamerika on your phone
Install the web app for quick access to the programme, documents and discussion.
01 / THE PROJECT
Debate connects
across borders.
Jugend debattiert strengthens language skills, civic education, and personal development. At the North American Final, the region’s best young debaters come together.
They learn to support their positions with sound arguments, disagree fairly, and remain open to other perspectives. The competition focuses on subject knowledge, expression, dialogue, and persuasiveness.
Weigh perspectives
Consider complex questions from several points of view.
Take a position
Speak clearly, respectfully, and persuasively.
Connect
Learn from one another across national borders.
02 / SCHEDULE
Five days in Toronto.
One shared voice.
Preliminary schedule
Updated: September 2026
WEDOctober 21
Arrival & Welcome
Individual arrival in Toronto, check-in, and evening at your own leisure.
THUOctober 22
Training
Full-day training in preparation for the North American Final debates.
FRIOctober 23
Training & Sightseeing
Training in the morning and group sightseeing in Toronto in the afternoon.
SATOctober 24Final DayView detailed schedule Semifinal, grand final debate (open to registered external spectators from 4:30 p.m.), and a celebratory conclusion to the competition.
Final debates schedule
October 24, 2026 · HNR Building · 21 Dundas Square, 10th floor
All times are local Toronto time.
- 4:30 p.m.
Welcome and opening remarks
Official opening of the final and welcome to participants and guests.
- 4:45 p.m.
Introduction to the final debates
Information about the format, rules and judging process.
- 5:00 p.m.
First final debate
Finalists from DAS schools compete in the first debate.
- 5:50 p.m.
Second final debate
Finalists from DSD schools take part in the second debate.
- 6:30 p.m.
Snacks and refreshments
Time to meet and exchange ideas with participants, teachers, judges and guests.
- Afterwards
Announcement of the winners
Recognition of the participants’ achievements and ceremonial announcement of the results.
SUNOctober 25
Departure
Breakfast followed by individual return travel.
Click Final Day for the schedule from 4:30 p.m. Further programme details will follow.
Experience the grand final debate live
Up to 30 places are available for external spectators on Saturday. Registration by name and subsequent confirmation are required.03 / FOR PARTICIPANTS & TEACHERS
Well prepared
for Toronto.
All essential information about travel, accommodation, the schedule, and preparation will be provided to participating schools in good time.
ACCOMMODATIONHoliday Inn Toronto
Downtown CentreOpen directions ↗
Downtown CentreOpen directions ↗
VENUE21 Dundas Square
“HNR Building”Open directions ↗
PROTECTED AREADocuments, contacts,“HNR Building”Open directions ↗
Our sincere thanks to HNR Properties for its generous support and for providing the event rooms free of charge.
and current informationParticipant and teacher area (German)
Toronto, I’m taking part!
Share your excitement with an image and caption for your social media post.
Books to help you prepare
Get ready for the debate
Find Jugend debattiert books for students and teachers at Goethe Books and Media, the online bookstore for German books in Canada.
04 / ALUMNI NETWORK
Stay connected.
Keep debating.
Have you participated in Jugend debattiert in North America? Join our alumni network for event information, opportunities to get involved, and news from across the region.
- News and invitations
- Opportunities to get involved
- Connect with former debaters
05 / CONTACT
