Pepper’s Guide to Learning German in Austria:
Tips for International Professionals

Pepper, our clever RANDOS fox, knows: to feel truly at home in Austria and achieve professional success, learning German is essential – even though English is increasingly used as a business language. German remains the key to full integration and long-term opportunities.

That’s why our diligent Pepper has created a comprehensive guide packed with practical tips on how to tackle the "Learn German" project – from courses and apps to helpful media and important exams.

Pepper Says: Learning German is Essential… But Why?

Learning German is crucial because it makes everyday life in Austria easier and is often a requirement for extending residence permits. Additionally, it opens many professional doors and fosters integration.

To help you get started, Pepper has compiled some valuable tips...

Pepper’s Recommendations for Learning German:

1. Language Courses
   Certified schools such as Sprachenstudio Wien, DeutschAkademie, or Dialog der Sprachcampus offer courses for all levels, making them ideal even for working professionals.
   
   
2. Online Platforms and Apps
   Platforms like Duolingo, Babbel, Lingoda, and Tandem provide flexible and fun learning options – perfect for supplemental learning on the go.
   
   
3. Language Cafés and Meetups
   According to Pepper, the best way to learn a language is to speak it regularly. Many Austrian cities have language cafés or meetups where German learners can practice in a relaxed atmosphere. Platforms like internations.org, meetup.com, or Facebook groups can help you find events nearby.

   Some of our clients also share that they “lovingly” (of course 😊) encourage their German-speaking colleagues to consistently speak German with them. This helps build practice routines at work – a fantastic idea!

4. Learn German with Movies, Series and Books
   Pepper suggests incorporating German into your daily life as much as possible, and in entertaining ways:
5. 1. Movies and Series: Switch your next Netflix movie to German with subtitles 😉
   2. Podcasts and Radio: Pepper recommends podcasts like "Slow German" or "Coffee Break German" for auditory learning.
   3. Books and Newspapers: Simple books or magazines are great for absorbing the new language.

Pepper Recommends Taking Exams at Officially Recognized Institutions… Why?

For international professionals, it’s often necessary to certify German proficiency through official exams.

Pepper highlights the most important certificates and exams:

• ÖSD (Austrian German Language Diploma): A test specifically designed for Austria and internationally recognized.
  
  
• Goethe Certificate: Also recognized worldwide and highly regarded in Austria.
  
  
• telc Deutsch: This exam is particularly tailored to the European job market and is often required as proof of language proficiency.

Sometimes companies offer “internal” German courses. Great! Take advantage of this opportunity and save on course fees. However, you must take the exam at a recognized institute to ensure it’s officially valid.

Pepper’s Conclusion

Learning German is a vital step for international professionals to successfully integrate into life in Austria. Pepper has shown you that there are many ways to learn the language – through courses, apps, movies, or books. With the right motivation and resources, you’ll make progress quickly!

Don’t forget to take the necessary exams in time to extend your residence permit or obtain a permanent one. Pepper is confident you can do it and wishes you the best of luck in your German-learning journey!

Don’t worry – be relocAIDed…