Evaluation of job-related German language training

Since 2016, German language courses for professional purposes in accordance with §45a of the German Residence Act have been a regular instrument in German integration policy. The goal of these courses is the acquisition of job-related German language skills by immigrants. The evaluation examines whether the goals of job-related German language training are achieved, how job-related German language training affect the labour market integration of participants, which target groups particularly benefit from it, which factors promote or inhibit the effects of job-related German language training and which recommendations can be derived from the results of the study.

The evaluation was conducted in the period from October 2020 to October 2023. Overall, the results of the evaluation paint a differentiated picture. On the one hand, they show participants' success in language acquisition and in gaining access to subsequent vocational training, measures and further training. Different subgroups benefit from the vocational language courses to varying degrees. The various types of courses, including the piloted formats, open up opportunities for the heterogeneous groups of participants to further develop their linguistic and social integration. On the other hand, job-related German language support only partially achieved the desired effects in terms of labour market integration in the period under review. As a result, job-related German language support was not self-sustaining in fiscal terms during the period under review, although this should not necessarily be viewed negatively due to its investment nature.

Final report (in German)