Learning German

Speaking German makes life and work in Austria easier.
Good language skills open new opportunities and help in everyday life:

• Conversations with employers
• Appointments with authorities or doctors
• Supporting your children at school

In addition, German (level A2) is a requirement for people obliged to fulfill the Integrationsvereinbarung (Integration Agreement).

German at level B1 is required for a permanent residence permit or citizenship application.

Information on immigration and residence

The information event "Learning German made easier in Vienna" provides basic knowledge and learning tips in several languages – including German, English, Arabic, and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. This way, you are well prepared to study German.

Experienced speakers

• know the challenges of the German language,
• show different learning options, and
• motivate you on your personal learning journey.
   

Whether you are just starting to learn German or want to broaden your knowledge – StartWien supports you.

Download: Study material for the information event.

Other StartWien offers to learn German

The following free offers are aimed at newly arrived people who have received their first residence permit in the last 2 years and have their primary residence in Vienna:

• Support in choosing a suitable German course and information on funding during the New in Vienna - Orientation Meeting in more than 20 languages
• Practice opportunities and guided language practice from level A2 in the conversation club StartWien - KonversationsKlub (5 sessions with a total of 10 units)
   

You will receive your membership card for the StartWien - KonversationsKlub at your New in Vienna - Orientation Meeting.

Please note: Appointments can only be made with a valid first residence permit (Red-White-Red-Card, Red-White-Red-Card plus, Settlement Permits (Niederlassungsbewilligungen), Residence Permit - Family Member, Blue Card EU, Residence Permit - Article 50 EUV - Brexit, Residence Card for family members from third countries of persons with EEA or Swiss citizenship, Registration Certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) - EEA or Swiss citizens).

Excluded: Refugees, people with short-term residence permits (students, pupils), tourists, people who have lived in Vienna for more than 2 years, displaced persons from Ukraine.

Many people find learning German difficult – especially the grammar or regional dialects.
Therefore, the StartWien event "Learning German made easier in Vienna" teaches important basics such as:

• Spelling
  In German, nouns are capitalized, other words are usually in lowercase.
  The first word in a sentence and proper names are also capitalized.
• Cases (Fälle)
  There are 4 cases in German: nominative (Nominativ), accusative (Akkusativ), dative (Dativ), genitive (Genitiv). They show the role a word plays in a sentence.
• Sentence Structure (Satzbau)
  Main clauses usually follow the pattern subject – verb – object, while subordinate clauses often place the verb at the end.

For learners of German, it is helpful to know that the colloquial language in Vienna can differ from Standard German. The Viennese dialect has many typical expressions, distinctive speech melodies, and often a certain informality. Even if it is challenging to understand everything, Viennese dialect (Wienerisch) offers an exciting way to get to know the culture and the way of life in the city.

You can find out more about the Viennese dialect in the Vienna Language App of the City of Vienna’s Department for Integration and Diversity (MA 17). 

In Vienna, there are several ways to get financial support for German courses:

• ÖIF-Bundesgutschein: This voucher from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) is issued by the City of Vienna’s Immigration and Citizenship Department (MA 35) when picking up your first residence permit. It is given to people who must fulfill the Integrationsvereinbarung (Integration Agreement).
• AK-Bildungsgutschein: This education voucher from the Chamber of Labor (AK) can be used once a year for further education (e.g. German courses). Membership in the AK is required. The voucher can be requested by phone or online.
• waff-Förderungsfonds: The Vienna Employment Promotion Fund (waff) provides funding for vocational training.You can find out more about the requirements during a consultation appointment.

Tips and tricks

You can improve your newly acquired German skills by practicing extensively and regularly:

• Reading: Understanding texts, letters, forms, or news
• Listening: Understanding conversations, announcements, doctor appointments, or videos
• Speaking: Being able to say something, ask questions, or make phone calls
• Writing: Taking notes, filling in forms, or writing emails

Place and time
Choose a dedicated space where you can concentrate well.
Plan your study times regularly – short daily sessions are better than infrequent long sessions.
Find out when you learn best!

Goals and planning
Set clear goals and regularly remind yourself why you are learning German.
Choose your learning content based on topics and interests.
Use books, audiobooks, videos, apps, and everyday conversations in addition to course material.

Practice
Languages are best practiced in a community.
To test your German skills, use:

• Language cafés and neighbourhood centres in your vicinity
• Vienna Public Libraries – offers for German learners
• Tandem partners – speak German with others

Online
Use your smartphone and digital tools to learn languages:

• Apps and websites, e.g. deepl.com or deutsch.info
• Videos and podcasts with subtitles – some browsers can show additional subtitles and translations
• Artificial Intelligence – create your personal German tutor

More details in the free StartWien information event
“Learning German made easier in Vienna”.