The Top 12 German Courses In Austria

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” – Chinese Proverb

By Odunayo Ajike

When I first heard I might move to Vienna in 2022, the first thing I googled was: How much will the language matter? The internet, in its infinite wisdom, gave me a million different answers.

Luckily, I was already on Duolingo, so I thought, how hard can this be?

Then, I went to my first local supermarket. [Insert crowd laughter]

Let’s just say I left with groceries… and a new fear of the cheese counter.

Fast forward to 2025: I still shop at that same store, but the cold sweats? Mostly gone. I walk in without rehearsing sentences in Google Translate. I just… speak. Mistakes, grammatical errors, and all.

I’m still learning, but now with more structured support. And as a proud NIWA member, I believe your glow-up is my glow-up. So, I’m passing you the recipe, not guarding the gate.

“Do I really need to learn German to live in Austria?”

Short answer: No… with conditions.

If you are here short-term, staying in your own bubble, and not really integrating, you will be fine.

But if you want to soak up all the glamorous bits and weird bobs of life here —like chatting with the sweet-but-stern alte Dame down the street or calling to follow up on an order without sweaty palms—then yes, you will want to learn German.

Isn’t everyone bilingual here?

Mostly, yes. But as the saying goes: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

German is often the bridge, even between two internationals who do not share a mother tongue.

And while the “I’ll just learn on Duolingo” mindset is a solid start (been there!), it’s not enough on its own. Duolingo is fantastic for basics and vocabulary, but nothing beats:

• A good German course

• Speaking constantly, mistakes and all

• Watching and listening to German-language shows, films, and podcasts

So where do you start?

Austria has no shortage of German courses, ranging from intensive four-week bootcamps to slow-and-steady evening classes, from cosy in-person groups to Zoom sessions in your pajamas. But here’s the catch: not every course fits every woman’s schedule, learning style, or budget.

That’s why we’ve pulled together this guide to the best German courses in Austria, mixing official top picks with tried-and-tested favourites from NIWA members (because if something works, we don’t gatekeep).

Whether you’re looking to ace the ÖIF exam, survive your first Austrian work meeting, or just confidently order an Eiskaffee without panic… there’s something here for you.

Let’s dive in.

Top 12 German Courses in Austria

These are our top recommendations for German courses in Austria. Split by type or audience (e.g., flexible online vs. intensive in-person vs. for moms, for jobseekers, etc.).

• ÖIF-funded integration courses: Funded by the Austrian Integration Fund, these courses combine German language learning with Austrian culture and values. They’re often partially or fully subsidised, but you’ll need to attend regularly, participate actively, and complete the course with an official ÖIF integration exam.

  • Cost: Varies (subsidised rates available)

  • Best for: Newcomers on residence permits who want structured learning with accountability.

• DeutschAkademie: Known for small group sizes (max. 12 students) and central locations, DeutschAkademie offers intensive and semi-intensive courses across all CEFR levels. Teachers are native speakers, and the pace is practical without being overwhelming.

  • Cost: From €399

  • Best for: Learners wanting quick confidence-building in a friendly, social setting.

• INNES Institute Vienna: A favourite among international professionals and university students, INNES blends academic German with cultural immersion. Formats range from private lessons to summer intensives, with special attention to Austrian German quirks.

  • Cost: Private lessons from €65/hour; intensive courses €440–€490

  • Best for: Busy learners who want flexible schedules and cultural context.

• Sprachenzentrum Uni Wien: Run by the University of Vienna, this centre offers beginner-to-advanced courses, plus exam preparation. Expect a more academic style, ideal for those aiming for fluency or certification.

  • Cost: From €270

  • Best for: Academic learners or those prepping for formal exams.

• Sprachzentrum – Universität Salzburg: Academic-style courses from beginner to advanced, plus exam prep. Integrated into the university community, providing a structured and formal learning environment.

  • Cost: From €290

  • Best for: Learners aiming for academic German, language certificates, or integration into student life.

• Inlingua Salzburg: Offers small-group German courses (max. 6–8 students) with a focus on oral skills and practical communication. Located in a charming historic building near Salzburg’s market square, it uses its own audiovisual materials.

  • Cost: From €315

  • Best for: Learners who want a conversational focus in a cultural city setting.

• Deutsch in Graz (DIG): With over 35 years of experience, DIG offers year-round A1–C2 courses in small, level-specific groups (max. 12 students). They’re also an official ÖSD and ÖIF exam centre. Cultural and sporting activities are integrated into the program.

  • Cost: From €595

  • Best for: Learners wanting a structured program with plenty of cultural immersion.

• Deutsch & Mehr Innsbruck: Focuses on communicative learning with cultural activities. Offers intensive and part-time courses with plenty of real-world practice opportunities.

  • Cost: From €350

  • Best for: Learners who want immersive, conversation-driven learning paired with cultural experiences in the Austrian Alps.

• ABC Sprachschule Linz: Offers small-group and private lessons, with flexible daytime and evening options. Intensive courses run year-round.

  • Cost: From €320 

  • Best for: Learners who need flexible scheduling and prefer a mix of group and one-on-one instruction in a smaller city.

NIWA Members Recommend…

• Irene Malagon-Bisanz: Certified and experienced German teacher and examiner, Irene tailors her classes to what you actually need, ranging from work emails to language exams. As NIWA Board Member, Sonya, puts it, “Irene is AWESOME! I always felt uncomfortable in group classes, scared to ask a question and being the only person confused. So I stayed confused and didn’t truly progress even though I was in A2.2 . So,  I chose to do private tutoring instead, and I’m so glad I did. Irene takes the anxiety of learning German away. I’m never scared to ask questions, and I leave each session feeling more confident to speak in the world I step into.”

  • Cost: From €55 per session

  • Best for: Personalised, flexible learning that fits your goals.

• WIFI Tirol: Offers A1–C2 courses with flexible schedules (morning, evening, weekend). Prices include books and materials. NIWA member Fatima praised the engaging professor who even gave small gifts for top scores.

  • Cost: From €44 (exam prep) to €761 (advanced)

  • Best for: Learners in Tirol wanting variety and local engagement.

• Wien Expat Info: My current course and a gem for expats juggling work, family, and life. The teacher is patient, the pace is realistic, and it feels like learning with friends, not strangers.

  • Cost: €179

  • Best for: Community-oriented learners who want an encouraging environment.

NIWA’s Tips for Learning German Like a Woman on a Mission

• Speak, Reden, Sprechen. Keep talking, even if you’re unsure about pronunciation or grammar. Every sentence builds fluency.

• Don’t fear “Denglisch.” Mixing German and English happens—native speakers do it too.

• Find the right teacher. A good teacher can make an average course feel extraordinary. As NIWA member Nour says: “I had two teachers who absolutely smashed it. They made all the difference.”

• Join a Sprachcafé. Relaxed meetups for practising languages in person or online. Examples of some include Internationale community Vienna (in-person), Wien Expat Info German Language Café (online).

• Try a tandem exchange. Partner with a German speaker learning your language, with coffee, conversation, and mutual correction included. Usually free, and much less pressure than a classroom.

• Top up online. Platforms like Lingoda offer live classes with native speakers 24/7, while apps like Deutschtrainer A1 are perfect for vocabulary and grammar drills on the go. Great for topping up your skills between in-person lessons.

From “Wie Bitte?” to “Na Klar!”

Sure, German has its quirks (why so many compound words??), but each misstep is just a plot twist in your language journey. At NIWA, we’ve all been there (imagine asking for käse to go with your sandwich and somehow ending up with a Kaiser Franz Josef roll). The key? Keep speaking, keep laughing, and keep going. We’ll be right here, with the vocab, the encouragement, and maybe even a pastry. The right one.