Learning German

You should have basic German language skills if you live and work in Austria. Speaking German will make it easier for you to deal with your employer, the authorities, medical professionals, and – not least – to support your child or children who attend school in Austria.

We will be glad to help you find and finance a suitable German language course.

Make an appointment for a Startcoaching session in your first language now and get a Vienna Language Voucher (Wiener Sprachgutschein) for EUR 150.

Who gets Vienna Language Voucher?

The Vienna Language Voucher (Wiener Sprachgutschein) is a one-time support for the following persons who came to live in Vienna in the last two years:

• Persons from a third country (third-country nationals) who hold one of the following first-time residence permits:
  o    Red-White-Red Card plus (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte plus)
  o    Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte)
  o    Indefinite leave to remain (Niederlassungsbewilligungen)
  o    Family member
  o    EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU)
  o    Article 50 EUV (Brexit)
  o    Residence card (Aufenthaltskarte) for family members from third countries of EEA or Swiss nationals
• EU nationals or nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland holding a confirmation of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung)

Where can I get the Vienna Language Vouchers?

You can get your Vienna Language Voucher (Wiener Sprachgutschein) during your free Startcoaching session. The City of Vienna provides free individual counselling sessions (Startcoaching) for new residents of Vienna in more than 20 languages.
 

Where and for which courses can I use the Vienna Language Voucher?

• You can use your Vienna Language Voucher for any of the course providers who have been approved by the Integration and Diversity Department of the City of Vienna.
• You can use it for A1, A2 and B1 courses consisting of at least 80 lessons per course level.
• The back of the voucher must be stamped by one of our authorised partners to be valid. You get the stamp after participating in an Info-Modul or after a personal counselling session about the recognition of qualifications (AST) or about starting a business (Wirtschaftsagentur Wien).

• ÖIF-Bundesgutschein/ ÖIF Federal Voucher: The voucher of the Austria Integration Fund (ÖIF) is issued by the Immigration and Citizenship Department when you receive your first residence permit. This voucher is given to people who have to fulfil the Integration Agreement. 
• AK-Bildungsgutschein/ AK education voucher: The education voucher of the Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer (AK) can be claimed once a year for further education (e.g. German courses).  Membership in the AK is a prerequisite. You can apply for the education voucher from the AK by phone or an online-Form bei der AK beantragen.
• waff-Förderungsfonds/ waff promotion fund: The Vienna Employment Promotion Fund (waff) grants subsidies for vocational education and training. You can make an appointment to inquire about subsidies for a German course.