Learning German
In Austria's culture and academic world German is the predominant language at Austrian universities and UASs. Still, a growing number of programmes are taught in English. www.studienwahl.at/en offers an overview of all study programmes and the opportunity to specifically search for programmes in English.
Beyond the realm of academia embracing the German language can lead to a more enriching Austrian experience.
Courses in Austria
Many institutions and organisations offer a variety of German language courses for foreigners. For more information consult Sprachportal.at
University Preparation Programmes
The University Preparation Programmes offer intensive German language courses for foreign university applicants in order to prepare them for supplementary examinations prescribed by the universities. Attention: Only students who have been admitted by an Austrian tertiary education institution can attend these courses. For an admission it is necessary to prove a German level of at least A2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR).
Learning German on the ÖIF Language Portal
Austria’s largest German learning platform offers a wide range of free learning resources: With over 5,000 exercises, 500 learning videos and audios, and 100 online exercises, learners can prepare for using German in Austria. The materials, ranging from literacy level to C1, cover everyday topics such as Austrian German, local customs and traditions, administrative procedures in Austria, and much more: Language Portal
Live Online Courses on the ÖIF Language Portal
In more than 70 free live online courses led by qualified instructors, learners can practice German weekly (Monday to Saturday) via the Language Portal: Online course offer
Courses in your own country
The Österreich Institut conducts German language courses outside Austria (Rome, Belgrade, Warsaw, Krakow, Wrocław, Bratislava, Budapest, Brno, Sarajevo and Moscow). It promotes and supports education in German as a foreign language and collaborates with interested partner institutions in the field of German as a foreign language and other languages.
The Österreichische Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD, Austrian Language Diploma) is a state-recognised four-level examination system for German as a foreign language. It has been designed for people wishing to learn German in Austria and abroad. This diploma is of international importance as a proof of proficiency in German and is recognised as a qualification by universities, other educational institutions and employers in many countries.
The ÖSD is conceived as a central examination that is not dependent on a certain course and that is oriented towards communicative skills. It is not so much linguistic knowledge but rather proficiency in speaking with a view to future situations in which the language will be used that is examined.