Inspired and guided by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, huge efforts have been made to construct and implement foreign language education standards, regional core curricula and assessment schemes in Germany in recent years. Against this backdrop, this paper looks at the current state and the future of foreign language textbook development and research, focusing on major achievements as well as new challenges. In this context, it problematizes the opportunities and interactive potential that electronic media have added to textbook development and use, particularly those of interest for foreign language teaching in schools.