Courses and language learning

Having to unexpectedly find your way in a completely new country is a challenge faced by millions who are currently fleeing the war in Ukraine. In 2017, to offer help with such situations, the Free State of Saxony was a nationwide pioneer when it developed special courses, so-called “initial orientation courses”. These are now being adapted to suit the particular needs of Ukrainian refugees and have, since 12 April 2022, been funded on the basis of the new funding notice of the Saxon Ministry of Social Affairs.

Alongside the welcome/reception centres, these initial orientation courses can also be offered in other facilities. The special thing about the courses is that they are usually conducted in tandem with a course leader with a migrant background and in Ukrainian. In this way, course participants learn all the basic information on everyday life in Saxony quickly and compactly in thirty 45-minute lessons. Lessons aren’t rigidly divided but can be adapted to suit the exact needs of the target group.

Besides learning basic information on dealing with the authorities and medical facilities, participants also learn about local conventions and customs, values and norms and practical basic phrases and sayings which are used in these contexts. Course providers can now submit applications for course funding – in accordance with the funding notice and on the basis of the “Integrative Measure” (Part 4) directive – at the Sächsische Aufbaubank. Alongside the existing course providers, this could also involve particularly clubs and associations that are currently looking after Ukrainian war refugees.

The initial orientation course comprises of two parts: “Everyday orientation” and “Social orientation”. As part of the funding notice, “Everyday orientation” can also be given separately.

Learning the German language is very important for your life in Germany. The advisory offices and your communal foreign resident and / or integration representative can provide further information on free language and literacy courses.

The »Learn German!« booklet and placard are available on the Saxon Foreign Resident Representative website.

Find out about how you can learn German from your advisory office or social worker. Some language courses also offer childcare.

A summary of the many offers and language course providers as well as those in your area is available here (only in German).

www.integrationsakteure.sachsen.de/auf-einen-blick-3972.html#/

Access to integration courses of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

One of the key tasks of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is the promotion of language which can, for example, occur by attending an integration course. The development of the German language amongst refugees who come from Ukraine to Germany is a special concern of the federal government. Individuals with a residence permit in accordance with § 24 AufenthG (German Residence Act) are therefore able to attend an integration course as part of the Admissions Procedure in accordance with § 44 Para. 4 German Residence Act. Please use the Application form on the BAMF website and (if you live in Saxony) send the signed, completed form as well as a copy of your temporary residence permit and copy of your identity document to the following address:

Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (Office for Migration and Refugees)

Otto-Schmerbach-Straße 20

09117 Chemnitz

If you are registered with the job centre you may be obliged to attend an integration course as part of the integration agreement between you and the job centre.