© BullRun/stock.adobe.com
- Moving to Austria
- Working in Austria
- Living in Austria
German language skills in Austria: What international professionals should know
02. July 2025Austria is an attractive destination for qualified professionals from all over the world - thanks to its high quality of life, stable economy and good job prospects. However, if you want to live and work in Austria for a longer period of time, you should address one important issue early on: German language skills.
In this article, you will find out which German language requirements apply to residence permits such as the Red-White-Red Card and which (free) offers will help you learn German in Austria.
1. How to get the Red-White-Red – Card: Do you need to speak German to work in Austria?
Red-White-Red – Card allows start in Austria even without knowledge of German, but . ...
The Red-White-Red – Card enables qualified skilled workers from third countries to reside and work in Austria. For many categories, proof of German language skills is not mandatory for initial immigration, e.g. for:
-
Particularly highly qualified
-
Skilled workers in shortage occupations
-
Other key workers
However, German and other language skills can earn you valuable points in the assessment system - an advantage when applying.
German language skills an advantage for renewal
After 2 years of residence with the Red-White-Red – Card, it is possible to switch to the Red-White-Red – Card PlusRed-White-Red – Card Plus () for renewal.
As a rule, an A2 integration certificate is required for this - this means: German language skills at A2 level.
Exception: Instead of the Integration Certificate A2, you can also submit proof of your general university entrance qualification. This is possible, for example, with a university diploma from a recognized universityrecognized university ().
After five years of residence, you can apply for a Long-Term Resident EU permitLong-Term Resident EU permit (), which grants you permanent residency. To receive permanent residence in Austria, it is required to provide proof of German language skills at B1 level.
Tip: If you start learning German early, you will save time and effort later on when it comes to extending your residence permit and will also integrate more easily in your private life.
2. Sprachportal.at: A free tool for learning German
The official language portal of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) is an important point of contact for anyone who wants to learn German as a foreign language (e.g., for immigration to Austria) and is interested in German courses - free of charge, practical and specially designed for migrants in Austria.
Functions and offers on Sprachportal.at:
-
Online language courses, self-study modules and videos
Learning German from A1 to C1 - with interactive exercises, listening comprehension, videos and a vocabulary trainer.
"German in everyday life" - short video scenes with realistic situations, e.g. visiting the doctor, at the supermarket or at work - including subtitles, interactive tasks and explanations.
Functions and offers on Sprachportal.at:
-
Online language courses, self-study modules and videos
-
Learning German from A1 to C1 - with interactive exercises, listening comprehension, videos and a vocabulary trainer.
-
"German in everyday life" - short video scenes with realistic situations, e.g. visiting the doctor, at the supermarket or at work - including subtitles, interactive tasks and explanations.
-
Practice tests for ÖIF examsPractice tests for ÖIF exams ()
Ideal for preparing for compulsory integration exams A1, A2 and B1.
With examples from real exams and audio examples (incl. transcripts). -
Language learning apps - perfect for on the go.
The ÖIF has selected and tested free learning apps and websites. From literacy up to level C1, to German for work and learning with news:
DW Learn German AppDW Learn German App () - for AndroidAndroid () and iOSiOS ()
ABC AppABC App () of the vhs lernportal - for AndroidAndroid () and iOSiOS ()
BelugaBeluga () App - for AndroidAndroid ()
LunesLunes () App - for AndroidAndroid () and iOSiOS ()
Start now at: www.sprachportal.atwww.sprachportal.at ()
3. Why learning German in Austria is worthwhile
Even if many international professionals initially work in English-speaking companies, knowledge of German is a great advantage in everyday life and at work:
Advantages of good German language skills:
-
Better job opportunities - especially in the public sector, healthcare or customer contact
-
More independence - when dealing with authorities, doctor's appointments or in social life
-
Long-term prospects - e.g. for Long-term resident EU permit or citizenship (at least German B1 level required)
Conclusion: It pays to start early!
For the Red-White-Red Card, knowledge of German is not a must at the beginning, but a clear advantage: those who start early have better chances on the job market, make it easier to extend their residence permit and can integrate more quickly With free offers such as Sprachportal.at, there is important support - the first step is just a click away!
