Conflict Over German Courses in Vienna Ignites
Vienna's City Councillor for Social Affairs, Peter Hacker (SPÖ), accuses Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) of not offering enough German courses. Since the Ministry of Integration has a monopoly on the courses, "we have a problem with learning German." Currently, 5,500 German courses are missing in Vienna, Hacker criticized on Thursday in "Krone" and "Heute". The ministry rejected the criticism. The offer is large, Vienna must do more against the refusal of German courses.
Hacker Identifies "Problem with Learning German" in Vienna
He still pays for the courses with Vienna's tax money, but now Plakolm is responsible for the offer, criticized Hacker. She constantly finds excuses for why it all doesn't work. "She cannot afford the luxury of being responsible for something and delivering such a poor performance."
Since 2017, German courses have only been offered nationwide through the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), a fund of the Republic of Austria. Previously, there were also offers from the states, which are now missing, it was said in response to an APA inquiry from the city council's office.
One Third of Those Registered in July Did Not Attend the Course
Currently, 57 percent of all course places are allocated to Vienna, and this year alone, 20,000 course places have already been utilized in Vienna, according to the ministry. Currently, 600 courses with 8,000 participants are running, and if needed, there are several hundred free places available in the coming weeks.
However, in July 2025, for example, every third seat in a Vienna German course remained empty. There are already possibilities to sanction those who refuse German courses, it was emphasized. "Vienna could use this instrument more strictly like other federal states and thus ensure more commitment among course participants."
Unemployed Refugees Often with Poor German Skills
AMS head Johannes Kopf sees room for improvement in the courses themselves, as according to a survey by the Public Employment Service, three out of ten registered unemployed refugees can hardly speak German even after one and a half years. "In the process," improvements can certainly be made here, Kopf said in the Ö1 "Midday Journal". He reported criticism that trainers would not show up or of long waiting times, and discussions are ongoing with the ÖIF. In rural areas, it is sometimes not so easy to offer courses on site. There is very good experience with offers where German courses and professional qualification are combined, so that what is learned can be applied immediately. "You can't just learn German all day."
(APA/Red)
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