Diakonie warns: German courses inadequate real integration!

Diakonie warns: German courses inadequate real integration!

The Diakonie Austria has practiced sharp criticism as the current state of German courses for refugee. In a press conference on Monday, director Maria Katharina Moser repeatedly pointed out the defects in the integration system. The German courses, which are considered crucial for the integration of refugees, are rated as "completely inadequate" by Diakonie. Above all, the reduction of the lessons from 240 to 180 hours wasaered sharply without the learning objectives being adjusted. In addition, the lack of quality of teaching, frequently changing teachers and too little speaking is criticized. These problems are not only limited to urban areas, but also affect rural regions in which courses are often not available and there are long waiting times between the courses.

In the analysis of Moser, the insufficient consideration of practical challenges such as arrival, travel expenses and childcare is also very incomprehensible. The lack of information about existing courses also strengthens the problems that refugees experience in language acquisition. In addition, the concept of German support classes in schools is considered failed, since there is a lack of language models and an effective connection between language acquisition and knowledge. The migration researcher Judith Kohlenberger emphasizes that many adults have to struggle with considerable hurdles when learning German, including lack of system knowledge and mentally social stress.

demands for improvements

Diakonie calls for a comprehensive quality and efficiency offensive in the field of German courses. Moser demands that access to these courses must be guaranteed in Austria from the first day. This includes the need to link language acquisition with the labor market integration. A proposal includes that specific vocabulary for shortage professions is included in the courses. It is also emphasized that multilingualism is promoted during integration and should not be equated with a lack of German competence.

The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) contradicts the statements of Diakonie. He emphasizes that every person entitled to claim can quickly gain access to a suitable German course. In 2024, more than 67,500 sponsored courses and over 150,000 participation in online German learning offers were recorded. The offer in regions outside of Vienna is greater than ever, which should be an answer to the challenges mentioned.

Criticism of punishment for course participants

Another critical point is the punishment of refugees that do not exist. Moser and Kohlberger emphasize that such measures do not contribute to integration. Instead, incentives should be created and barriers should be reduced to facilitate participation in the courses. The ÖIF is actively involved in promoting language skills and offers various support measures to facilitate the acquisition of the German language for refugees.

The Diakonie not only calls for a quick implementation of its suggestions, but also a stronger strengthening of parent work and educational partnerships in elementary schools. The challenges of learning German and integration are still high, and the need for high -quality education is more urgent than ever. In view of these grievances, the demand for extensive access to efficient German courses is getting louder.