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TopicsSee all 154 plans
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ToolsNo sign-up, free of charge
  • Understand a letterTake a photo or paste the text. You learn who is writing, what they want and by when.
  • Fill in a formExplained field by field, for example the registration form or the housing allowance application.
  • What am I entitled to?A few questions, then you see which support may apply to you.
  • Find an officeWho is responsible for what? With address, opening hours and map.
  • Remember deadlinesAdd a date and get a reminder by e-mail or in your calendar.
  • Words explained simplyOfficial German like “Bescheid” or “Frist” in everyday words.
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Education & study

Find a German course

Official name: Find a German course and check your duty

This is about learning German in Vienna. You find a suitable course and help with paying for it. You also find out whether you must learn German or whether you learn by choice.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
6 key steps, up to 16 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
MA 35 · Niederlassungsbehörde
Costs
none named in the sources
Online
possible for 6 of 16 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Find out whether you must learn GermanSome people must learn German, others learn by choice. It depends on where you come from and which residence paper you have.For everyone
    Why?
    If you have a duty, you must keep to a deadline. If you have no duty, you can learn without pressure.
    What you do
    Read the next steps. If you are unsure, ask the MA 35. That is the immigration office in Vienna.
    Where?
    ÖIF / MA 35Directly with the named service
    Related plansNew in Vienna
    In detail

    Find out whether you must learn German or learn by choice

    Only certain groups have a duty. Third-country nationals with certain residence permits must fulfil the integration agreement. This is a duty to learn German and basic knowledge about Austria. People with asylum or subsidiary protection have separate duties with the ÖIF. People from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland are not covered by the integration agreement and learn by choice. Whether you have the duty is decided by the settlement authority, in Vienna the MA 35.

    SourceIntegrationsvereinbarung und Bundesgutschein
    Integrationsvereinbarung und Bundesgutschein

    Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Book a talk with StartWienStartWien is a City of Vienna service for people who are new here. In a talk you get information in your language. There are over 20 languages.Key step
    Why?
    There they help you find a suitable German course and money for the course. The talk is free.
    What you do
    Book the appointment online. You need a main residence in Vienna and your first residence paper or the EU registration certificate.
    Where?
    Stadt Wien · StartWien (MA 17)Online booking with StartWien
    Related plansApply for a registration certificate
    In detail

    Book an orientation talk with StartWien

    StartWien is the City of Vienna’s starter service for newcomers with their main residence in Vienna. In the free orientation talk you get information on housing, work and education, in over 20 languages. They help you find a suitable German course and funding. There you also get the card for the KonversationsKlub, where you practise speaking. You book the appointment online. The talk is not meant for refugees, for students and pupils with a short-term permit, or for tourists.

    SourceStartWien: Deutsch lernen
    StartWien: Deutsch lernen

    Stadt Wien · Integration und Diversität (MA 17) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Go to an info session about learning GermanThe City of Vienna runs info sessions about learning German. They are in several languages.Key step
    Why?
    You get tips on how to learn more easily and which courses exist. It is free.
    What you do
    Pick a date in the StartWien appointment search and go there.
    Where?
    Stadt Wien · StartWien (MA 17)Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Attend the “Learning German more easily in Vienna” info session

    The City of Vienna offers a free info session. You learn how learning German works in Vienna and get learning tips. It takes place in several languages, for example German, English, Arabic and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. You find dates in the StartWien appointment search.

    SourceDeutsch lernen in Wien: Übersicht
    Deutsch lernen in Wien: Übersicht

    Stadt Wien · Integration und Diversität (MA 17) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Find a suitable courseIn the StartWien course search you find German courses near you. For people with little schooling there is basic education. There you also learn reading, writing and arithmetic.Key step
    Why?
    A course at your level makes learning easier. Level means how well you already know German.
    What you do
    Compare level, times and costs. To practise at home there is the ÖIF Sprachportal on the internet.
    Where?
    Stadt Wien · StartWien (MA 17)Course search on start.wien.gv.at
    In detail

    Find a suitable German course in the course search

    StartWien has a search for German courses near you. The course providers listed there are certified by the City of Vienna. If you only went to school for a few years, basic education fits: German together with reading, writing and arithmetic. These courses are funded by the federal government and the City of Vienna. To practise at home, the ÖIF has the Sprachportal with online material. Compare level, course times and costs before you sign up.

    SourceStartWien: Deutsch lernen
    StartWien: Deutsch lernen

    Stadt Wien · Integration und Diversität (MA 17) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Sign up for the examThe ÖIF integration exam shows how well you know German. It also asks about life in Austria.Key step
    Why?
    With the certificate you can show that you completed Module 1 or Module 2.
    What you do
    If you take an ÖIF course, the course signs you up. Otherwise you find dates in the Sprachportal. If it does not work out, you can retake the exam.
    Where?
    ÖIF / PrüfungsinstitutVia the course institute, the ÖIF integration centre or the exam dates in the Sprachportal
    In detail

    Book a date for the ÖIF integration exam

    The ÖIF integration exam tests German and knowledge of values and order in Austria. For Module 1 you need at least A2, for Module 2 B1. If you take a funded ÖIF course, the course institute registers you. If you only need a funded exam, contact the ÖIF integration centre. You book an unfunded exam with an exam institute; the dates are in the ÖIF Sprachportal. Read the exam rules first. The result is “passed” or “not passed”; you can retake the exam.

    SourceÖIF-Prüfungen
    ÖIF-Prüfungen

    Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Show the office your proofYou show the MA 35 that you completed Module 1. You can do this with the exam certificate or a suitable school certificate.Key step
    Why?
    Without proof there can be problems when you renew your paper.
    What you do
    Bring the certificate to the renewal. The exam certificate must then be at most two years old.
    Where?
    MA 35 · NiederlassungsbehördeDirectly with the named service
    When?
    An ÖIF certificate must be no older than two years at renewal.

    What you need

    • ÖIF integration exam certificate
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      At least level A2; no older than two years at renewal.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceIntegrationsvereinbarung 2017
      Integrationsvereinbarung 2017

      oesterreich.gv.at · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • School certificate (Matura or vocational secondary school)
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Clarify with the MA 35 whether you need a translation or authentication.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceIntegrationsvereinbarung 2017
      Integrationsvereinbarung 2017

      oesterreich.gv.at · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    Related plansRenew a residence permitHave a document translated
    In detail

    Show your Module 1 proof to the MA 35

    Proof for Module 1 can be: the certificate of the ÖIF integration exam at A2 or higher, a school qualification at Matura level or from a vocational secondary school, or proof for Module 2. You show it to the MA 35, for example when applying for renewal. An ÖIF certificate must then be no older than two years. Even with proof, the authority can decide by formal decision that your knowledge is not enough.

    SourceIntegrationsvereinbarung 2017
    Integrationsvereinbarung 2017

    oesterreich.gv.at · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Complete Module 1 within the deadline
  • Keep learning without a duty
  • Clarify an exception with the office
  • Use the voucher for the course
  • Take the courses at the ÖIF
  • Book a free course at the ÖIF
  • Talk to the AMS before the course
  • Get money for the course if you work
  • Find a free course for women only
  • Plan for B1 now
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along are you with German?

What is meant? Are you just starting, already learning, wanting to take an exam, or do you already have a certificate?

How far along are you with German?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

6 of 16 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceIntegrationsvereinbarung und Bundesgutschein
Integrationsvereinbarung und Bundesgutschein

Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceStartWien: Deutsch lernen
StartWien: Deutsch lernen

Stadt Wien · Integration und Diversität (MA 17) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceDeutsch lernen in Wien: Übersicht
Deutsch lernen in Wien: Übersicht

Stadt Wien · Integration und Diversität (MA 17) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceIntegrationsgesetz (IntG), §§ 6–16
Integrationsgesetz (IntG), §§ 6–16

Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceIntegrationsvereinbarung 2017
Integrationsvereinbarung 2017

oesterreich.gv.at · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceDeutschkurse des ÖIF
Deutschkurse des ÖIF

Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAMS Wien Kurskatalog
AMS Wien Kurskatalog

Arbeitsmarktservice Wien · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceDeutschkurse und Basisbildung für Frauen
Deutschkurse und Basisbildung für Frauen

Stadt Wien · Integration und Diversität (MA 17) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceÖIF-Prüfungen
ÖIF-Prüfungen

Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source

Similar plans

New in ViennaApply for a registration certificateRenew a residence permitWorking in Austria: Red-White-Red CardBring your family to ViennaAdvice on recognising your training
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