Original article (in Slovenian) was published on 18/4/2025; Author: Manca Vertačnik
EU nationals who wish to work in Germany or Austria are not required to speak German, according to the German Federal Employment Agency and the Austrian Ministry of Labour and Economy.
Andrej Kosi, an MP for the opposition Democratic Party (SDS), stated at the 25 March session of the National Assembly that “today a Slovenian cannot go to work in Austria or Germany without speaking German.” He made his statement during a presentation of his party’s position on a proposed amendment to the Aliens Act.
An explanatory note to the proposed amendment states that the changes are necessary to transpose into Slovenian law the revised European directive on the conditions of entry and residence for third-country nationals for the purpose of highly skilled employment.
The aim of the new directive is to strengthen the EU Blue Card system, which facilitates temporary residence for highly skilled workers in the EU, for example, by making it easier for them to move between member states and by simplifying the recognition of professional qualifications.
Kosi’s statement referred to perceived shortcomings in the amendment regarding the integration of foreign nationals into the labour market. He stressed the importance of foreign nationals learning Slovenian, especially when interacting with locals.
The German Federal Employment Agency says that the legal basis for granting residence permits that allow foreigners to work in Germany are the Residence Act and the Employment Regulation for Foreigners.
The agency clarified to Razkrinkavanje.si that for workers holding citizenship of an EU member state, there are no statutory language requirements. An exception applies to EU nationals seeking to work in regulated professions such as healthcare, education, or law. To work in these fields, foreigners must obtain a professional licence (Berufserlaubnis), which requires appropriate professional qualifications and a certain level of German language proficiency.
The required language proficiency depends on the profession and the place of employment. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research explains on its information portal that, for instance, foreign teachers who wish to work in Cologne must demonstrate German at level C2, while lawyers applying to work in Dresden must have a C1 level. For healthcare workers, the ministry recommends a C1 proficiency level.
Third-country nationals, on the other hand, must obtain a visa to work in Germany and demonstrate a certain level of German. Applicants for recognition of foreign qualifications must be proficient in German at an A2 level. Those applying for an Opportunity Card, which allows job seekers to remain in Germany for up to one year, need only A1 proficiency.
The Federal Employment Agency added that most companies in Germany are small or medium-sized enterprises. German is often the working language, particularly in companies with close ties to local clients. Employers therefore typically expect foreign workers to have at least basic German skills.
However, they stressed that language proficiency is less critical for seasonal or short-term work, and in the information and communication technology sector, English is often sufficient initially. Jobs are generally easier to find in larger cities for English speakers, while in rural areas, knowledge of German becomes more important. Language requirements also vary from state to state.
In Austria, the employment of foreign workers is governed by the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act, which does not classify EU citizens as foreigners.
Austria’s Ministry of Labour and Economy explained to Razkrinkavanje.si that EU nationals are free to settle in the country and enter the Austrian labour market without needing special permits or proof of proficiency in German.
Third-country nationals wishing to work in Austria must obtain a combined residence and work permit called the Red-White-Red Card. This permit allows them to reside in Austria temporarily and work for the employer named in their residence application.
The ministry further explained that language proficiency is one of the criteria for obtaining the Red-White-Red Card. However, it is not mandatory to know German: English, French, Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian are also acceptable. The required language level is between A1 and B1.
They added that in some Austrian companies, particularly in the IT sector, English is the dominant business language. Knowledge of German is thus not always crucial for employment.
Nevertheless, Austria requires German proficiency for foreigners seeking to work in regulated professions such as healthcare. The Austrian Medical Association says that doctors must demonstrate B2 level proficiency, while the Vienna Health Association says nursing assistants and nurses must have B1 or B2 proficiency, respectively. Furthermore, to work in a regulated profession, foreign-issued certificates must be officially recognised.
We have informed Andrej Kosi of our findings and will publish his response once we have received it.
