Austria (AT)
Austria is a landlocked Central European republic of nine federal states (Bundesländer), renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, imperial history, world-class classical music, and high standard of living.
Learning the Language in Austria
Courses, certifications, funding, and online resources to reach fluency.
German is the official language of Austria, but spoken Austrian German (Österreichisches Deutsch) has distinctive regional dialects and vocabulary that differ significantly from standard German (Hochdeutsch) and German German. Viennese dialect (Wienerisch) is warm and colourful; Tyrolean and Vorarlberg dialects can be very different from standard German. Standard German (Hochdeutsch) is used in education, business, and formal settings — all language courses teach Hochdeutsch. Mastering German is the most important investment a new arrival can make. Even A2 German opens social doors; B1 is required for citizenship; B2 for most professional roles.
Integrationsvereinbarung (IV) — Module 1 and Module 2
Mandatory for most third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA) receiving a residence permit under the IV obligation. Voluntary for EU/EEA citizens. Those already at A2 level on arrival may be exempt from Module 1 with proof.
50% reimbursement of course costs (up to €750) for qualifying third-country nationals once Module 1 (A2) is completed. ÖIF contributions of up to €300 (3×€100) for qualifying non-EU applicants. AMS courses free for registered job seekers. EU/EEA citizens at private providers typically €400–600.
Module 1: target level A2 (German) + civic values knowledge. Module 2: target level B1 (German) + advanced civic values. Exact hours vary by provider and prior level. Many participants complete Module 1 in 60–100 hours of instruction.
Module 1: A2 German certificate + civic values knowledge — required for renewal of certain residence permits. Module 2: B1 German certificate — required for Daueraufenthalt-EU and supports citizenship application. Certificates issued by ÖIF-accredited test centres (ÖSD, Goethe, telc).
Register at ÖIF (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds — integrationsfonds.at) or through your Bezirkshauptmannschaft/MA 35 when receiving your residence permit. ÖIF courses run throughout Austria at partner providers.
ÖIF Deutschkurse / Sprachkurse
The ÖIF (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds) operates a nationwide network of German language courses from A1 to B1 for third-country nationals. AMS also funds language courses for registered job seekers through its Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen programme.
Third-country nationals with valid residence permit. AMS courses for registered job seekers (EU and non-EU). Special programmes for recognised refugees and asylum seekers.
€0–€300 depending on funding category and provider. AMS courses: free for registered job seekers.
ÖIF: integrationsfonds.at. AMS: register as job seeker at AMS, then request language course funding (Kursförderung).
Language Levels — What Each Means
Beginner: basic greetings, introduce yourself, simple phrases. Can ask for directions and order in a café.
Required for: Entry point for integration courses. "German before immigration" (Deutsch vor Zuzug) pre-arrival requirement for some family reunification categories.
Elementary: can handle simple daily interactions — shopping, post office, doctor's appointment. Can understand simple official letters.
Required for: Integrationsvereinbarung Modul 1 — required for residence permit renewal under the IV obligation. Minimum for many service roles.
Intermediate: can hold conversations, understand most official correspondence, work in German-language environment for non-technical roles.
Required for: Integrationsvereinbarung Modul 2. Daueraufenthalt – EU. Austrian citizenship (Staatsbürgerschaft) current requirement — note: a reform raising this to B2 is under discussion as of 2026; verify at migration.gv.at before applying.
Upper intermediate: fluent enough for professional employment in most sectors. Can understand complex texts, business meetings, and official procedures.
Required for: Professional employment in German-speaking companies; university studies; regulated profession access
Advanced: near-native business German. Can navigate complex legal documents, deliver presentations, and participate fully in professional Austrian life.
Required for: Senior professional roles, legal/medical professions, university teaching
Near-native proficiency. Full mastery of written and spoken German.
Required for: Translation/interpreting work, academic writing, journalism
Courses & Community Learning
VHS (Volkshochschule)
€80–300 per course (level and duration dependent; some subsidised for AMS recipients)Austria's nationwide adult education network. Best value German courses at every level from A1 to C2. Flexible schedules including evening, morning, and weekend courses. The largest provider of German courses outside the ÖIF system.
www.vhs.at ↗ÖIF (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds)
€0–300 (see eligibility above)The official government integration fund. Runs Integrationskurse (A1 + civic values) and German courses for eligible immigrants. Also provides free counselling, orientation events, and the "Hallo Österreich" welcome app.
www.integrationsfonds.at ↗Goethe-Institut Wien
€300–600 per coursePremium German language courses at all levels. International recognition, experienced teachers. Vienna centre in the 3rd district. Also runs exams (Goethe-Zertifikat). More expensive than VHS.
www.goethe.de/ins/at/de/ ↗Spidi (Sprachschule)
€200–500 per coursePrivate language school in Vienna with intensive and regular German courses. Popular with expats. English-speaking staff.
www.spidi.at ↗Tandem Language Exchange
FreeFree language exchange — connect with an Austrian German speaker who wants to learn your language. 1 hour German + 1 hour your language each session.
ÖIF Tandem Programme
FreeStructured tandem programme matching immigrants with Austrian volunteers for conversation practice.
www.integrationsfonds.at ↗Official Certifications
| Certificate | Provider | Levels | When Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ÖIF A1 Integration Certificate | ÖIF — Österreichischer Integrationsfonds | A1 | Required for holders of certain residence permits (Integrationsvereinbarung Modul 1). Required for family reunification visas. | €80–150 (exam only) |
| ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) | ÖSD — Austrian Language Diploma | A1 through C2 | ÖSD certificates are recognised by Austrian authorities for: Integrationsvereinbarung, residence permit renewals, Daueraufenthalt, citizenship applications. Most ÖSD exams directly accepted by Austrian immigration authorities. | €80–200 depending on level |
| Goethe-Zertifikat | Goethe-Institut | A1 through C2 | Internationally recognised. Accepted for Austrian immigration and citizenship in most cases. Very widely respected by employers. | €100–250 depending on level |
| telc Deutsch | telc (The European Language Certificates) | A1 through C2 | Accepted by Austrian immigration authorities and some employers. Good for work-based applications. | €80–200 |
| Staatsbürgerschaftsprüfung (Citizenship Test) | Austrian federal/state authorities | B1 German + civic knowledge | Required for Austrian citizenship application. Tests German at B1 AND Austrian history, constitution, democracy, geography. | €30–60 (exam fee; preparatory courses: €100–300) |
Online Resources
Duolingo (German)
FreeFree app-based German learning. Good for beginners (A1–A2). Gamified and convenient. Not sufficient alone for B1+ but good for vocabulary building.
www.duolingo.com ↗Deutsche Welle (DW Deutsch)
FreeGermany's international broadcaster offers free German courses for all levels (A1–C1). Available as app and online. "Nicos Weg" is an excellent free A1–B1 video course.
learngerman.dw.com ↗Babbel
PaidStructured German courses with focus on conversation. Better curriculum than Duolingo for working adults. Subscription required.
www.babbel.com ↗italki
PaidConnect with professional German tutors or community tutors for one-to-one online lessons. Especially useful for speaking practice with Austrian accent.
www.italki.com ↗Anki (Flashcard App)
FreeSpaced repetition flashcard system. Many user-made German decks available. Free and highly effective for vocabulary retention.
ÖIF Hallo Österreich App
FreeOfficial app of the Austrian Integration Fund for new arrivals — daily German exercises, Austrian life tips, and integration guidance. German/10 other languages.
www.integrationsfonds.at/integration-von-anfang-an/hallo-oesterreich ↗SRF / ORF Mediathek
FreeWatching Austrian TV (ORF) is excellent for immersion. ORF TVthek (tvthek.orf.at) has free streaming. Austrian news, documentaries, and regional programmes.
tvthek.orf.at ↗Funding Your Language Courses
German course funding options: AMS (job seekers registered with AMS can receive free courses through Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen — apply at your AMS Berater). ÖIF subsidised courses for third-country nationals meeting criteria. Bildungskonto Wien (Vienna): subsidy of up to €300 for professional development including language courses for Vienna residents. Arbeiterkammer (AK) education funding: AK Bildungsberatung can advise on subsidies for employed workers. Bildungskarenz (educational leave): employees can take unpaid leave of 2–12 months for study while retaining ÖGK insurance and receiving AMS Weiterbildungsgeld.
Practical Tips
-
Austrian dialect (Wienerisch, Steirisch, Tirolerisch) is beautiful and important socially — but learn Hochdeutsch first. Standard German is understood everywhere.
-
Listen to ORF (Austrian national radio and TV) for immersive Austrian German exposure. Ö1 radio is excellent for news and culture in clear Hochdeutsch.
-
Do not be deterred by Austrian speakers switching to English for your convenience — politely insist on German practice.
-
Reading Austrian newspapers (Der Standard, Die Presse, Kurier, Heute) in German is one of the most effective ways to build vocabulary in context.
-
Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) are ideal for eavesdropping and slowly absorbing Austrian conversational German. Order your coffee and soak it in.
-
Tell shopkeepers and service staff you are learning — most Austrians are patient and encouraging with German learners.
-
The Austrian dialect for "yes" is often "Jo" (spoken) — do not be confused if you hear this instead of "Ja".
Language Learning
Unlock the complete Language Learning guide for Austria — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere