My Language Portal at a glance

The ÖIF courses are primarily aimed at persons entitled to asylum and subsidiary beneficiaries of protection, as well as asylum seekers with a high probability of recognition and Ukrainian forced migrants. In individual cases different or more specific participation requirements may exist for the various courses offered by the ÖIF. At the ÖIF integration centres you will be informed in greater detail about what participation requirements have to be met in an individual case in order to attend a certain course.

1.  Online learning units

Every day, the ÖIF offers a broad range of online courses free of charge, irrespective of your location, and in real time. At www.sprachportal.at/onlinekurse, there is a wide range of daily online German courses for beginners and advanced students. From Monday to Friday and on Saturdays, there are courses at the language levels A1–B2 in which you can participate via your computer, tablet or mobile phone free of charge and without prior registration. Special job-specific online German courses available to both beginners and advanced students of German are aimed at migrants in employment. In collaboration with the Vienna Economic Chamber (WKW), the ÖIF offers a range of free online German courses for the restaurant trade, the hotel sector, the tourism sector and the retail sector.

• “Job profiles” (for beginners);
• “Insights: Hotel sector, restaurant trade and tourism;”
• “Insights: Retail” (from A2 to B1).

Interested students also have the opportunity on Fridays to prepare for an examination. The examination procedures are discussed together with a teacher in examination preparation courses.

You can access the current range of online courses via www.sprachportal.at/deutsch-lernen.

2.  Funded German courses

According to the Integration Act (IntG), the ÖIF provides German courses from literacy courses up to the language level C1 for asylum seekers and those eligible for subsidiary protection as well as displaced persons from Ukraine. The German courses also include content for learning about values and orientation information. All courses from the A2 level upwards end with an ÖIF examination. If you are interested, please give the integration centre near you a call.

3.    Vocational language courses (nursing care)

In addition, the ÖIF offers the “Migrants care” programme for those whose first language is not German and who are interested in an apprenticeship in the nursing care and support sector. As well as subject-specific information and individual advice, the programme offers preparatory courses to improve participants’ knowledge of German. It also places participants in an apprenticeship. The organisations funding the project are Volkshilfe, Hilfswerk, Caritas, Diakonie and the Red Cross. The project is financed by the Federal Chancellery (BKA), and the subject-specific German course in the “Migrants care” project is run by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).

  4.  Voluntary learning groups

With the service “Treffpunkt Deutsch”, the ÖIF supports students of German by offering them learning groups focusing on conversation. Students of German can consolidate or improve their knowledge of German alongside the mainstream German courses or to bridge the time before a course starts. The conversation lessons include all language levels from A1 to B2. For those who are just starting to learn the language, letter training is also offered. These units are held by qualified volunteers.

You can obtain information about the current range of ÖIF courses in the integration centres of the ÖIF.

Certified course institutes offer integration and preparatory courses for tests and the ÖIF offers integration tests at levels A1-B1.

At the ÖIF integration centres you can obtain information about any course fees. With regard to any funding options please make enquiries at your grading interview.

The AUSTRIA INSTITUTE offers German courses at the following locations:

Belgrade: https://www.beograd-oesterreichinstitut.rs
Bratislava: https://www.bratislava.oesterreichinstitut.sk

Brünn: https://www.brno.oesterreichinstitut.cz
Budapest: https://www.budapest.oesterreichinstitut.hu

Kraków: http://www.krakow.oei.org.pl
Moscow: https//:www.oesterreichinstitut.ru 

Rome: https://www.roma.oesterreichinstitut.it
Sarajevo: http://www.oei.ba

Warsaw: http://www.warszawa.oei.org.pl
Wroclaw: http://www.wroclaw.oei.org.pl

At all these locations the AUSTRIA INSTITUTE also offers ÖSD tests for all language levels.

Since in this respect the area of responsibility of the AUSTRIA INSTITUTE only extends to the respective territory outside Austria, no courses are offered in Austria itself.

If you wish to take tests at a certified course institute, make enquiries about fees directly at the relevant institute.

ÖIF tests can be repeated any number of times. You are not allowed to repeat individual parts of tests (e.g. only writing, only speaking or only value content). Nevertheless, you may commence another test immediately; there is no minimum time interval between test dates. Do bear in mind though that your institute may require you to pay a fee for each test repetition. If you take a test at the ÖIF itself, the test fee has to be paid at all events.

To assist with test preparation there is always a model test available for each ÖIF test format.

The test consists of a written part (70 minutes) and an oral part (20 minutes, group test) and it measures competencies for handling communication situations, especially quite simple situations involving specific needs (e.g. introducing oneself, eating and drinking, shopping, living).

To the model tests and excercise test A1-Fit für Österreich - test.

The DTÖ tests knowledge of German in the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. The whole test consists of a written part lasting 100 minutes and an oral part lasting approx. 16 minutes, whereby the latter can be done either as a couple test or as an individual test.

Test participants do not have to reach the level B1 in all skills (listening/reading, writing and speaking) to be awarded a B1 certificate. This means that test participants are awarded a B1 certificate if they have reached the B1 level in the speaking module and in one of the other two modules (either listening/reading or writing).

To be awarded a test certificate for level A2, that level must also have been reached at least in the speaking module and in one of the two other modules (listening/reading or writing).

  
To the Modelltest des DTÖ.

The New ÖIF Test (2011) is a test at A2 level. It consists of the modules listening, reading, writing and speaking. The written test lasts approx. 80 minutes whilst the oral test lasts approx. 10 minutes per participant.

To the model test of the new ÖIF-TEST.

The B2 ÖIF Test consists of a written part lasting 2 hours and 25 minutes plus an oral test that lasts approx. 15 minutes and can be held with two or three candidates simultaneously. The written part consists of the modules reading comprehension, language components, listening comprehension and written expression.

To the model test of the B2 ÖIF-Test. 

The A1 Integration Test covers language content as well as questions about knowledge of values and orientation. The written part lasts 110 minutes. The oral part is held in the form of a group test for up to 4 persons and lasts about 20 minutes per group.

Here you will find the sample questions about knowledge of values and orientation.

The A2 Integration Test serves to fulfil module 1 of the Integration Agreement and covers language content as well as questions about knowledge of values and orientation. The written language test lasts 120 minutes and consists of the subtests reading, listening and writing as well as knowledge of values and orientation. It is followed by the oral test, which takes 10 minutes per candidate. All test parts must be completed in order to receive a test result.

Here you will find the sample questions about knowledge of values and orientation.

The B1 Integration Test serves to fulfil module 2 of the Integration Agreement and covers language content as well as questions about knowledge of values and orientation. The written test lasts 140 minutes (not including a 15-minute break) and consists of the subtests listening, reading and writing as well as knowledge of values and orientation. It is followed by the oral test, which can be held either as an individual test or as a couple test and takes approx. 16 minutes.

Here you will find the sample questions about knowledge of values and orientation.

ÖIF tests can be taken at many ÖlF-certified course institutes. Please make enquiries at the institute about what test format is being offered.

1. A1 - Fit für Österreich  

• Tests the A1 level

• Recognised language certificate for A1 (especially for "German before immigration" in accordance with § 21a of the Settlement and Residence Act)

2. A1 Integration Test

• Tests the A1 level incl. knowledge of values and orientation

• Serves to fulfil the duties listed in the Integration Declaration that is signed by certain asylum seekers and subsidiary beneficiaries of protection.

• Recognised language certificate for A1 (especially for "German before immigration" in accordance with § 21a of the Settlement and Residence Act)

3. ÖIF Test (2011)  

• Tests the A2 level

• Recognised language certificate for module 1 (A2) of the Integration Agreement (IA) 2011: Persons who signed the 2011 Integration Agreement before 01.10.2017 can use an ÖIF Test 2011 (A2) certificate to provide proof of having fulfilled module 1 of the IA 2011. For more detailed information please contact the competent authority (municipal authority (”Magistrat”) or district administration (“Bezirkshauptmannschaft“)).

4. German Test for Austria (DTÖ)

• Tests the A2 level and the B1 level simultaneously 

• Recognised language certificate for module 1 (A2) of the Integration Agreement (IA) 2011: Persons who signed the 2011 Integration Agreement before 01.10.2017 can use a DTÖ (A2/B1) certificate to provide proof of having fulfilled module 1 of the IA 2011. For more detailed information please contact the competent authority (municipal authority (”Magistrat“) or district administration (“Bezirkshauptmannschaft“)).

5. A2 Integration Test

• Tests the A2 level incl. knowledge of values and orientation

• Recognised language certificate for module 1 (A2) of the applicable Integration Agreement (IA): Persons who signed the Integration Agreement after 01.10.2017 can fulfil module 1 of the IA by taking this test. A purely A2 language test (without knowledge of values and orientation] is not adequate for fulfilling module 1 of the applicable IA. For more detailed information please contact the competent authority (municipal authority (“Magistrat“) or district administration (“Bezirkshauptmannschaft“)).

6. B1 Integration Test

• Tests the B1 level incl. knowledge of values and orientation

• Recognised language certificate for module 2 of the applicable Integration Agreement (IA): Persons who after 01.10.2017 wish to file an application for a residence permit "EU permanent residence" must have fulfilled module 2 of the IA.

• For obtaining Austrian nationality: The B1 Integration Test can also be used for filing an application for Austrian nationality after legal residence of 10 years. For more detailed information please contact the competent authority (municipal authority (“Magistrat“) or district administration (“Bezirkshauptmannschaft“)).

7. B2 ÖIF Test:  

• Tests the B2 level

• To obtain Austrian nationality after legal residence of 6 years.

8. C1 ÖIF Test:   

• Tests the C1 level

• Recognised language certificate for C1

• Recognised language certificate to obtain Austrian nationality after 6 years

• Where applicable, admission to higher education studies in accordance with the requirements specified by the university

9. Barrier-free tests

• How do I get to a barrier-free language or integration test?
  If you require a barrier-free test, please make direct contact with the ÖIF by email at arrierefrei@integrationsfonds.at or by phone on 01 715 10 51250.

• What barrier-free tests are available?
  At a personal advisory interview, it will be established which test can be offered with different test methods in a specific individual case. Different test methods will be agreed in advance of the test on a needs basis depending on the options available, and they will be available for persons with visual impairment, hearing impairment or motor impairment.

• Where do barrier-free tests take place? 
  In all the federal states, barrier-free tests that are conducted as individual tests only take place on the premises of ÖIF integration centres. In the federal states the barrier-free tests that are integrated into a group test can be conducted both at ÖIF integration centres and at course institutes.

• Is it necessary to provide proof of disability?
  For entry to a barrier-free individual test it is necessary to provide proof of disability.

The ÖIF offers 9 test formats:

1. A1- Fit für Österreich - model test, listening examples and further information.

2. NewÖIF Test A2 - model test, listening examples and further information.

3. German Test for Austria (DTÖ) A2/B1 - model test, listening examples and further information.

4. B2 ÖIF Test - model test, listening examples and further information.

5. C1 ÖIF Test - model test, listening examples and further information.

6. A1 Integration Test - model test, questionnaire and further information.

7. A2 Integration Test - model test, questionnaire and further information.

8. B1 Integration Test - model test, questionnaire and further information.

9. Barrier-free tests

Since 01.01.2023, ÖIF exam results are transmitted to participants by e-mail in PDF format. An alternative transmission option is only possible in justified exceptional cases.  

Therefore, please provide your correct e-mail address when taking the exam.  

The examination results of language and integration examinations are announced electronically to the participants within 15 working days after the examination date exclusively via the ÖIF. In urgent cases, the authority can send a written request to the ÖIF (by e-mail to pruefungen(at)integrationsfonds.at). The request must contain the following information: Name of the exam participant, exam date, exam location (institute). The ÖIF can then inform the authority or representative directly in writing of the exam result before issuing the certificate.  

ÖIF examination results and certificates are electronically signed. It should be noted that there may be limitations regarding the display of the electronic signature when displaying the exam results on cell phones or tablets and also when printing them out. The completeness of the display depends on the app/software used for the display. 

If you need/want to submit the enclosure to an authority, please forward the email message including the enclosure with the exam result to the authority via email. 

The authenticity of the electronic signature can be verified under http://www.signaturpruefung.gv.at. 

More information about the electronic signature in the ÖIF can be found at https://integrationsfonds.at/signatur 

Due to the higher number of exams, there is unfortunately a longer waiting time at the moment. We apologize for any inconvenience.

No, you are not obliged to attend an integration course comprising 300 teaching units. You also have the option of attending no courses at all or courses with a smaller number of teaching units. For this purpose, the certified course institutes offer various modules at various language levels. As a person subject to the IA, you are only obliged to fulfil module 1 of the Integration Agreement. In respect thereof you only have to present one recognised test certificate (certificate for the integration test at a level of at least A2).

Duplicates of federal vouchers are issued by the ÖIF. For this purpose, we require a notice of loss reported to the police and a letter of confirmation from the authority (municipal authority (“Magistrat“) or district administration (“Bezirkshauptmannschaft“)) stating that the lost voucher was issued (e.g. in the form of a photocopy of the voucher carbon copy). Send these two confirmation documents by registered post to the

Österreichischer Integrationsfonds
Team Integrationsvereinbarung
Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 26
1030 Vienna

For the issue of a voucher duplicate a processing fee of € 15 is charged. Following receipt of payment of the invoice amount the duplicate of the voucher is sent by post to the address which has been notified to the ÖIF.

If you have been granted a period of respite for fulfilling module 1 of the IA, the expiry period of the voucher will also be extended.

IMPORTANT: You must file an application for a period of respite for fulfilling the IA as long as the voucher is still valid. It is also important that the authority gives its approval prior to expiry of the voucher. Consequently, make sure you apply for the period of respite in good time because the authority has up to six months' time to issue its decision.

The authority, i.e. the municipal authority (“Magistrat“) (of the town or city) or the district administration (“Bezirkshauptmannschaft“) (federal state), may grant a period of respite for fulfilling the IA by issuing a decision taking into account the personal circumstances: Examples of personal circumstances:

• Problems during pregnancy
• Serious (psychological or physical) illness or
• Lack of courses available.

A period of respite can be granted for a maximum of one year in each individual case. As a result, the expiry period of the voucher will also be extended (see above).

If you have attended at least 75% of a certified integration course and have successfully completed the A2 level ÖIF test (A2 Integration Test or higher) within 18 months after issue of the voucher, you will be granted funding for up to a maximum of 300 teaching units or 50 per cent of the course fees, but up to EUR 750 at most.

In the case of fees up to EUR 5 per course unit, 50 per cent of the fees will be granted as support. In the case of fees above EUR 5 per course unit, EUR 2.50 per course unit will be granted as support, up to a maximum amount of EUR 750 for 300 course units.

Migrants are eligible for financial support in the form of the blue ÖIF federal voucher for attending integration courses (module 1) at a certified course institute. Under certain circumstances the settlement authorities, i.e. the municipal authority (“Magistrat“) or the district administration (“Bezirkshauptmannschaft“), issue the voucher to so-called family members. Family members are spouses and partners or unmarried minors of Austrian citizens, Swiss citizens, EEA citizens and third-country nationals with a longer-term residence permit (e.g. permanent EU residence, settlement permit, asylum seekers, ...).

• Minors under age: Children and youths who, two years after the residence permit was granted, are still under age, i.e. under the age of 14, are excepted.

• Persons who on account of their physical or psychological condition cannot be expected to fulfil: in such a case a medical report issued by a medical officer must be presented to the authority at the person's own expense.

• Persons who declare in writing that their residence will not exceed a period of 24 months within three years. Such a declaration shall contain an irrevocable waiver of the filing of a further extension application after the first extension application.

Module 1 (residence permits limited by time) requires knowledge of German at A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages and knowledge of the fundamental values of Austrian legal and social order. For migrants whose knowledge of the language is inadequate there are special, subsidised integration courses. Attendance of integration courses is not obligatory, however.

Module 2 (permanent EU residence or Austrian nationality) requires knowledge of German at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages and in-depth knowledge of the fundamental values of Austrian legal and social order.

Third-country nationals who after 01.10.2017 were granted any of the following residence permits must fulfil module 1 of the IA within two years of having received the residence permit:

- Red-White-Red Card (with a Red-White-Red Card module 1 has already been fulfilled by law)

- Red-White-Red Card plus

- Settlement permit

- Settlement permit - with the exception of gainful employment

- Settlement permit - family member

- Residence permit for family members

- Settlement permit - artist

- Settlement permit - special cases of dependent gainful employment

All the options for fulfilling module 1 of the IV can be found in § 9 Para. 4 of the Integration Act.

The Common European Framework of Reference: Teaching, Learning, Assessment deals with the assessment of learning progress in a foreign language. In doing so it explains what has to be learned in order to be able to make oneself understood in a language.

There are 3 competence levels that are subdivided into 6 different reference levels.

• A: Elementary use of language
  A1: Beginner
  A2: Basic knowledge  

• B: Independent use of language
  B1: Advanced use of language
  B2: Independent use of language

• C: Competent use of language
  C1: Expert knowledge of language
  C2: Approximately native-speaker knowledge

   

At A1 level learners can understand and apply familiar, everyday idioms and very simple sentences. They have learned to introduce themselves and to ask other people simple questions concerning them and also answer questions.

At A2 level learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions, with which they are familiar however and which are associated with their direct life environment. This means that learners can communicate concerning familiar topics (family, shopping, work) in simple, everyday situations and, using elementary means, can describe themselves and their direct environment.

At B1 level learners can already understand the main items of familiar spheres of life (e.g.  school, occupation, family, leisure, etc.). At this level of language proficiency learners can cope well with everyday travel situations. They can now talk cohesively about familiar and personal areas of interest, describe them and also briefly back up and explain their opinions.

At B2 level learners can already understand the main content of complex texts concerning abstract topics. Also, in their own subject area learners can find their way about, explain their own points of view and also state the pros and cons of various options. They can communicate spontaneously and fluently so a conversation with native speakers takes place effortlessly.

At C1 level learners can already express themselves concerning complex situations clearly, in a structured manner and in detail. They can link individual items with one another in an appropriate manner. They can understand sophisticated lengthy texts and also recognise implicit meanings. Also, in spontaneous speaking situations they can express themselves fluently. They can use the language flexibly and effectively, no matter what context.