Skilled workers from abroad

Prepare. Qualify. Support.

The Goethe-Institut has many years of experience in enabling people from all over the world to achieve language qualifications and become interculturally literate, and preparing them for life and work in Germany. With our study and information programmes and our global network, we are well-placed to provide competent support throughout the migration process.

Learning German for a Life in Germany

Brief analysis

In the recently published brief analysis “Learning German for a Life in Germany”, the Goethe-Institut looks at the importance of German proficiency for the integration of skilled workers from abroad in the workplace and socially.

Learning German for a Life in Germany – a brief analysis of language learning by skilled workers (2023)(PDF, 3 MB)

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Position Paper

German as the key to successful recruitment and integration of skilled workers from abroad: five recommendations by the Goethe-Institut in relation to immigration of skilled workers

Position paper – recommendations by the Goethe-Institut in relation to immigration of skilled workers (2023)(PDF, 171 KB)

© Goethe-Institut

Managing immigration

German proficiency and good preparation for immigration are key elements of a successful, sustainable integration. We have network partners worldwide, allowing us to provide collaborative support to migrating skilled workers.

Our core competences
Well prepared for life in Germany

High-quality language tuition, recognised exams and advice services at home and abroad: we offer a qualification tailored to your needs, so that you are thoroughly prepared for a successful introduction to the employment market and involvement in social life.

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Qualified support
Pre-integration and transition management

We offer a support programme free of charge to individuals who wish to migrate to Germany on a long-term basis for work or private reasons, which starts in your origin country and covers travel to Germany, as well as the early days after arrival.

© Goethe-Institut / Louisa Marie Summer
Recruitment and qualification
German teachers

We implement a broad-based policy for recruitment, qualification and professional development of German teachers, to ensure optimum use of the language course and exam capacities for qualification of skilled workers at locations with high potential for skilled workers.

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Experience and expertise
Integration course system

As partners we are involved in quality assurance, as well as the development and revision of strategy documents central to the integration course system, for example the framework curriculum, the German test for migrants, or the teacher qualification.

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Improving German teaching
Schools abroad

Through our collaborative education services, we uphold the quality standards of language teaching, set up projects to facilitate networking, and broaden international perspectives. We work closely with local partners to meet their needs and update their skills.

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For companies

With our German courses, German exams, integration services and intercultural training, we are in a position to offer your skilled workers an outstanding language qualification and in-depth preparation for the employment market.

German for companies in Germany

Do you want to support your skilled workers optimally when they start work at your company in Germany? We offer individually tailored advice so that your skilled workers learn German efficiently and sustainably. With our competent teachers at Goethe-Institutes in Germany, nothing stands in the way of their success.

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German for companies abroad

Learn German at Goethe-Institutes abroad and prepare for life in Germany: we offer German courses, German exams and intercultural training to ensure a successful arrival in Germany and rapid integration in the workplace.

© Goethe-Institut/Bernhard Ludewig
Immigration of skilled workers

Thanks to our large network, we are the perfect partner to support you in recruiting skilled labour. Due to uniform standards, skilled workers abroad can prepare themselves in a targeted manner and build on their progress at the Goethe-Instituts in Germany.

Working in Germany

Have you completed an apprenticeship or a degree, and would like to work in Germany? We help you with the arrival process – with German courses and opportunities to practise the language, as well as by providing information on all aspects of everyday life and the workplace in Germany.

Web portal
Mein Weg nach Deutschland

Are you planning to go to Germany? You should take a look at this. Important information about living and working in Germany is available here in German (levels A1 to B2) or in one of 29 other languages – in text, video and infographic format.

© Alina Holtmann / Maridav
Support in Germany
Infohäuser (Info houses) and Welcome Coaches

Are you new to Germany and looking for support during the initial orientation phase? You can get information about living and working in Germany and practise your German at six Goethe-Institutes and 35 Infohäuser. The Welcome Coaches also support you during your initial time in Germany.

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Preparation in your home country
Pre-integration

Do you want to migrate to Germany from Southeast Asia, Southeast Europe, North Africa/Middle East, South America, Subsaharan Africa, Central America or South Asia? We provide seminars, information events about everyday life and the workplace in Germany, workshops and intercultural training, as well as learning support and advice on exams.

© Getty Images, Jedrzej Kaminski EyeEm
Checklist
How to identify a good German course

To be able to work in Germany, you often have to provide evidence of German proficiency even at the point of visa application. How can you identify which language schools have good-quality teaching?

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Language offers
Practise German for free

Do you want to live and work in Germany? You can find free media here to help you improve your German for everyday living and the workplace – from A1 to C2.

Foto: Goethe-Institut, Getty Images
Network
Alumniportal Deutschland

The Alumniportal Deutschland is a social network that promotes networking and the exchange of knowledge. It offers free services for learning German, career development, further education, and information about Germany.

© Pexels/Buro Millennial