Sprachauswahl
Language, school, education
Where can I learn German?
Most of the people who come to Germany from abroad learn German as part of an Integrationskurs (integration course). Here (Information sheet 'integration course') you can find out about the syllabus taught in an integration course, who is entitled – or even obliged – to attend such a course, how they are organised, and where details of the courses on offer can be found.
Integration courses teach language skills and will help you find your feet; they are organised by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and will teach you the German you need for everyday life. You can search online for integration courses in Magdeburg here.
If you already have a good or very good command of German and would like to obtain further language qualifications, it may be possible for you to take advantage of work-related German language courses, which are also provided by the BAMF and are a direct add-on to the integration courses. You can find out here who is allowed to join the courses, as well as more about their syllabuses. Additional information about work-related German language courses is available from your adviser at the employment agency or Job Centre, or directly from the language course provider.
Click here for a summary of all of the integration courses and work-related language courses in Magdeburg.
Sometimes an integration course or work-related German language course may not be the right answer for you. If you want to learn German, there are many opportunities to do so online. A lot of these are free, but there are also some interactive courses which charge a fee. Please make detailed enquiries before using an interactive service. The learning portal of the German Adult Education Association enables migrants who do not currently have a place on an integration or German course to learn the language free of charge and to a high standard. Link to portal
There are also a few courses in Magdeburg which tend to be run by volunteers. They will not lead to the award of a recognised language certificate, but they do provide a good opportunity to practise your German. An up-to-date list of these classes can be found here.
How are day care facilities (KiTa) and schooling organized in Magdeburg?
In Saxony-Anhalt, every child is entitled to receive day care for the best possible start in life. You can find a description of what is available and details of how to apply here (Information sheet on 'Attending pre-school and kindergarten').
Answers for frequent questions from parents about child day care in Germany
Schooling is compulsory from the age of six in Germany. After attending primary school, children go on to secondary school, where they can attain a range of school-leaving qualifications. Find out here (Infomation sheet on 'Registration for school') how to register your child with a school.
Answers for frequent questions from parents about school and education in Germany
Educational and participation fund (Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket -BuT)
The Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket (BuT) (educational and participation fund) is designed to encourage and support children and young people from low-income families. In addition to having their normal monthly requirements met, these children and young adults can also receive additional educational assistance and be helped to participate in the social and cultural life of the community.
Benefits from the educational and participation fund can be used, for instance, for:
Educational needs:
- (school) excursions / (class) trips
- school equipment
- school transport
- learning support
- school lunches
Participation in social and cultural life:
- membership contributions in the fields of sport, games, culture and social inclusion
- classes in the arts (e.g. music lessons)
- participation in leisure activities
Children and adolescents in receipt of benefits under SGB II, SGB XII, the Housing Benefits Act (WOGG), child benefit supplement (KIZ) or the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG) may apply if they
- are under the age of 25, or 18 in the case of sporting, cultural and social activities,
- are looked after in a day-care facility or nursery,
- attend a mainstream or vocational school, and/or
- receive no training allowance.
You can apply for benefits from the educational and participation fund at the Social Welfare and Housing Office and seek further advice there. Application forms may also be obtained from one of the citizens' offices of the City of Magdeburg and returned there following completion.
