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LIVING IN AUSTRIA

Austria: Just how good does your German have to be to gain residency and citizenship?

A good knowledge of German is a pre-requisite for residency and citizenship - but how good does it have to be?

Published: 5 February 2021 10:30 CET
Updated: 27 February 2023 10:58 CET
Austria: Just how good does your German have to be to gain residency and citizenship?
There are lots of different ways to learn German in Austria. (Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev)

Austria is a German-speaking country. This means if you want to live in Austria on a long-term basis you will need a decent grasp of the language.

Almost any international resident in Austria will tell you that many people speak English, especially in places like Vienna. But to fully integrate into Austrian culture, German language skills are needed.

And for people that want to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Austria, it’s a mandatory part of the process. 

How good does my German have to be?

The 2011 Integration Agreement promotes the linguistic integration of international residents that want to live in Austria on a long-term basis. It applies to third country nationals (e.g. non-EU citizens). 

When people first move to Austria with a residency permit they sign the Agreement with the Österreich Integration Fonds to commit to learning Level A2 German within two years. The aim is to ensure new residents in Austria can integrate and a big part of that is being able to communicate.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: What is the Austrian integration exam for non-EU nationals?

Module 1 of the Integration Agreement includes the Fit for Austria test (A1), which covers basic understanding and speaking in German. This is followed by the ÖIF test (A2).

Module 2 is non-compulsory and includes the German test for Austria (A2 / B1) and B2 ÖIF test. 

Even if you work in English, or another language, it’s still important to become proficient in German. Especially if you plan to make a permanent home in Austria.

Learning German – how good does it have to be to become Austrian? Photo: DPA

What German language level is needed for permanent residency in Austria?

You can apply for permanent residency (Aufenthaltstitel Daueraufenthalt) in Austria after living in the country for five years. As part of the application process, you need German language skills at Level B1.

Level B1 is part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) of which there are six levels (A1 to C2).

B1 is a step above basic understanding and speaking (A2). It means you are an independent user of the German language and can understand the main points in conversations and in texts.

READ ALSO: What are the best German classes for you in Vienna?

According to the Goethe-Institut, Level B1 German also means you can express yourself simply about certain topics, and describe hopes and ambitions. It’s not a fluent level of language, but it’s deemed suitable to be able to live and work in Austria on a permanent basis.

The B1 German exam is split into four parts and involves reading (Lesen), listening (Hören), writing (Schreiben) and speaking (Sprechen) tests.

What German language level is needed for citizenship in Austria?

For permanent residents in Austria looking to become a citizen, there are a few prerequisites. 

First, non-EU citizens must have lived in Austria for ten years with five of those as a permanent resident. EU citizens can apply for citizenship after six years of permanent residence. Plus, applicants will have to revoke their original citizenship.

Citizenship also requires Level B1 German. You can show proof of this if you have attended school or university in Austria.

READ ALSO: The seven stages of learning German every foreigner goes through

Alternatively, you can take the Integration Test, which includes a Level B1 German exam and a test about in-depth knowledge of Austrian values.

But if you have Level B2 German, or higher, you can bypass the Integration Test. As long as you have a B2 certificate from a recognised language school to prove your language skills.

What is the difference between B1 and B2 German?

B2 German is considered an advanced level of language capability. It means you can understand the main parts of complex texts and have technical discussions in your area of expertise.

At Level B2 you can have conversations with native speakers almost fluently and express your opinion on current affairs. It’s a much more accomplished level of language skills, which is important for people that are becoming a citizen of a German-speaking country.

For more information

There is plenty of help available for people living in Austria that want to improve their German for permanent residency or citizenship applications.

For more information, visit the links below:

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LIVING IN AUSTRIA

EXPLAINED: What you need to know about therapy in Austria

If you want to see a therapist in Austria, you can choose between going private or waiting for a public appointment. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 11 April 2024 09:28 CEST
EXPLAINED: What you need to know about therapy in Austria

In Austria, you can participate in a wide range of different therapy methods through both public and private practitioners. Here is what you need to know about the different options.

Public Therapy

To access therapy with a public health insurance therapist in Austria, you need a referral from your Hausarzt confirming your need for this kind of service.

The cost of therapy with a public practitioner in Austria can vary depending on factors such as the therapist’s qualifications, location, and your specific insurance fund.

In general, if you are covered by the most common public insurance fund, ÖGK, you can access therapy with a public therapist and receive a reimbursement of around €35 per hourly session. Other funds have different reimbursement scales, and some private healthcare funds may cover more of the cost. It is important for each patient to check with their specific fund.

Regarding availability, it can sometimes be challenging to get an appointment with a public therapist.

Some patients wait for many months, and the waiting time can vary depending on factors such as the urgency of your needs and, of course, the therapist’s availability. If you want to get an appointment as soon as possible, it is a good idea to sign up on the public therapist waiting list. 

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How the Austrian healthcare system works

Private Therapy

If you are looking for a private therapist, you are likely to receive help sooner. You do not need a referral and can contact the therapist yourself. This may contribute to more effective care, but it also comes with a higher price.

A one-hour session with a therapist costs around 80-150 euros, the price vary depending on factors such as the therapist’s fees and the type of treatment. If you are insured under the Austrian public health insurance system (ÖGK) and choose to see a private therapist, you typically pay for the sessions entirely yourself.

Some private insurance plans might cover the cost of private therapy sessions, which may make it beneficial to sign up for a private healthcare fund. The degree of coverage often depends on each patient’s specific case and insurance package.

Popular private insurance funds in Austria include Allianz and UNIQA, through which you can request more information about possible coverage.

English-Speaking Therapists

There are many English-speaking therapists in Austria, although they are more common in larger towns and cities.

Unfortunately, in more rural regions, it can be difficult to find an English-speaking therapist. However, many mental health practitioners offer their services online via video calls, a trend that increased during the 2020 pandemic.

When you visit your Hausarzt to discuss your therapy plan, you can ask them to refer you to an English-speaking therapist. If you instead prefer private therapy, you can search online for a therapist speaking your desired language.

READ MORE: Everything foreigners need to know about the Austrian healthcare system

Useful links for finding a therapist in Austria

Below are three organisations in Austria responsible for regulating the practice of psychotherapy and maintaining lists of registered therapists on their websites.

European Association for Psychotherapy

ÖBVP – Österreichischer Bundesverband für Psychotherapie

Professional Association of Austrian Psychologists (BÖP)

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