speak ofImmigration to Austria, the first thing many people worry about is not the visa policy or the cost of living, but - "I don't speak German, can I go?" This is actually a very realistic question.
Austria, as a German-speaking country, has a beautiful living environment and excellent social welfare, but the language is really a hurdle that cannot be overcome. **Zero language foundation in the end can notimmigrantsAustria? Are the German language requirements strict? Are there any tips for passing? **Today we will give you a comprehensive analysis, so that you can have a clear idea and no longer be anxious.

I. Is German a "hard threshold"?

The answer is:Depends on which type of immigration you choose.

The various types of residence and immigration programs in Austria do have certain requirements for the German language, but the thresholds vary. Proof of language is mandatory for some types, while others can be flexible.

✅ Explicitly request a path in German:

1. Non-profit residence permits: RequiredGerman A1 levelLanguage certificate (basic listening, reading and writing skills)

2. Red-White-Red Card (Red-White-Red Card): German language skills are required for some categories (especially for low-skilled workers), but highly skilled professionals can demonstrate professional background in English

3. Application for permanent residence or naturalization: Required to achieveA2 or B1Language level (approximately equivalent to daily communication + basic writing skills)

❗ Circumstances in which German may not be required:

• Used by highly skilled immigrant applicantsEnglish degree or professional certificateReady (e.g. IT, engineering, etc.)

• German language requirement can be waived at the initial stage for international company assignments and EU Blue Card holders.

• Pathway applicants do not need to have German language skills before entering the country; the school offers a language adaptation program after enrollment.

Second, what exactly is the level of A1, A2 and B1?

The German language requirements are usually referred toCommon European Framework for Languages (CEFR), which is divided into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Most of what is required for immigration isfoundation stage::

• A1: Introductory Basics
  Ability to make simple greetings, introduce oneself, express interests, vocabulary needed for daily life
  For example: "Ich heiße Lin. Ich komme aus China." (My name is Lin and I am from China.)

• A2: Elementary Advancement
  Ability to take care of daily tasks such as shopping, doctor's appointments, renting an apartment, etc.
  Example: "Ich möchte eine Wohnung mieten." (I would like to rent a house)

• B1: Intermediate daily
  Fluent in workplace communication and reading government documents, required for naturalization or long-term residency.

Third, how to "make up for German" with no foundation?

If you don't know any German at all at the moment, don't worry. The following methods will help you get started quickly from 0:

✅ 1. Online courses are flexible and practical

Recommended Platform:

• DW Deutsch Lernen (Deutsche Welle): free and professional content

• Goethe Institut (Goethe Institute): Officially accredited program, globally recognized

  

• Duolingo, LingQ, Memrise: Suitable for fragmented time learning

✅ 2. Offline training institutes to help with exams

Many German language training institutes in large cities in China offer systematic courses from A1 to B2 with pre-exam sprints, suitable for those who plan to apply for non-profit residence or family reunion.

✅ 3. Tips for applying for language certificates

Common Exams:

• ÖSD (Austrian German Diploma)

• Goethe-Zertifikat (Goethe certificate)

  

Pre-test advice: familiarize yourself with the type of questions, practice speaking more, and simulate listening, especially for the A1 exam, where you only have to deal with simple conversations and basic spelling.

IV. The reality of the impact of language in the migration process

Many people worry about the question "Will a bad command of German affect my life in Austria?". It's true that language is a tool, and not knowing German can be an obstacle in everyday life, for example:

• Inconvenience in registering at hospitals and opening bank accounts

• Difficulty in communicating when your child is enrolled in school

• Misunderstandings in communicating with neighbors and understanding government letters

Liberal PartyIt won't affect your legal residency.In the case of the German language, it is a gradual process to improve the language at a later stage, as long as you have completed the officially required language level and have passed the residence approval. Many immigrants who do not know German at the beginning are able to master their daily communication skills within a few years by relying on hobby classes, children's motivation, watching TV, and grocery shopping conversations.

V. Real Case Sharing

Mr. Li, a Chinese designer, did not speak any German at all when he immigrated to Vienna through the Red, White and Red Card technical path. He submitted a Master's Degree in English with project experience and passed the initial screening with flying colors. After landing, he attended a community language class, passed the A2 language exam within two years, and is now able to handle daily life independently.

His advice is, "Don't be intimidated by words, actions are the best teacher."

Sixth and finally: just because you don't speak German doesn't mean you can't immigrate.

existImmigration to Austria, the language is the gateway to getting started, but it is by no means the only criterion to be judged.
Policies are tightening, but they are also becoming more and more humane. You can immigrate with a zero language base, as long as you have the ability to learn and have a clear way of planning and coping.

Today you may only be able to say "Guten Tag", but three years from now you will be able to write letters, go to meetings and attend parent-teacher conferences in German. This is how every transnational immigrant grows up.