Participants in integration courses in Germany have very different hopes, which unfortunately are not fulfilled in some cases. The main expectation is to learn the German language quickly in order to find their way around better in everyday life and improve their career opportunities. Many refugees hope that the course alone will provide a basis for finding what they consider to be an appropriate training or job. This may not be enough.
They hope to make social contacts and develop a sense of belonging. This also includes the expectation that the culture and values of German society will become more understandable. The language skills learned are usually not sufficient in the real world to communicate fluently or to meet professional requirements. In addition, social integration can be a major challenge. Participants often report difficulties in making contact with locals.
Disappointments can lead to resignation
Refugees who have little or no prior knowledge of the German language often find it difficult to follow lessons. A negative or unmotivated learning environment, distracting factors or inadequate teaching methods can significantly impair the concentration of integration course participants. Individual challenges such as health problems, family obligations or psychological stress can also complicate the learning process.
Inadequate test results have a negative impact on the participants’ self-confidence. The fear of possibly failing again due to language barriers can create additional stress and permanently reduce motivation to develop further. In many cases, it is important to recognize such individual challenges early on and to create appropriate support offers to help those affected achieve their personal goals.
Mastering the language requires many steps
Attending an integration course is an important first step to learning the German language, but it is far from enough to really deepen language skills.
1. Language skills must be applied regularly in practice to consolidate them. A course alone does not offer enough opportunities to use the language in real situations.
2. Independent learning through books, apps or online resources can deepen what is learned in the course. Practicing vocabulary, grammar and exercises is crucial for progress.
3. Exchanging ideas with native German speakers is one of the most effective ways to improve listening comprehension and speaking skills. This can be done through language tandems, language cafés or social contacts.
4. A deeper understanding of German culture, way of life and traditions can support language acquisition. Films, books, music and attending cultural events can be helpful.
5. Focused training in listening, speaking, reading and writing is important. This can be done through various exercises that are geared towards individual weaknesses.
6. Regularly listening to German podcasts, watching films or reading German newspapers and books not only shapes your vocabulary, but also helps to improve your listening comprehension.
7. Achievable goals should be defined. Whether it is about learning a certain number of new words per week or regularly writing a German text.
In addition to attending an integration course, learners should actively look for opportunities to use the language outside of class. Refugees should also access further resources to comprehensively improve their language skills.
Learning German is perceived to be difficult to varying degrees
The length of time it takes to master the German language well enough to be able to easily pursue a career with it depends on various factors. First of all, the respective previous knowledge that favors the learning process is crucial. The more time you invest in practicing a new language every day, the faster you will make progress. The language environment also plays an important role. If you communicate almost exclusively in your native language, you will obviously not learn much.
Everyone learns at a different pace! Some people have a good feel for languages, while others need more time. Finally, the target level you want to achieve is also important. In order to be able to work in a profession in Germany, a level of B1 or B2 is often required, which can usually take several months to a few years of intensive learning, depending on the factors mentioned.
Learning a language: What is important after the German course | Self-study as the key to success – all articles at a glance.
