Why German Skills Are Becoming a Major Challenge in Vienna’s Primary Schools

Insufficient German skills are creating growing challenges in Vienna’s primary schools. According to the latest figures from the Vienna City Hall, many first-graders cannot understand their teachers well enough to participate fully in lessons.

44.6% of first-graders have insufficient German skills

The latest statistics show that 44.6% of first-graders in Vienna do not understand their teachers adequately because they do not speak German well enough. Two years earlier, the figure was “only” 36%, suggesting that the situation is continuing to deteriorate.

The figures are particularly notable because 61% of the children with weak German skills were already born in Austria, while 24% are Austrian citizens.

The situation is not evenly distributed across Vienna’s districts. In seven districts, more than half of first-graders fall into the “Außerordentliche” category. These pupils do not yet have sufficient German skills to participate in regular education.

A class in which no child speaks German as a first language

A young primary-school teacher described a class of 22 pupils in which none speaks German as their first language. Three pupils cannot yet read or write and do not recognise a single letter.

The teacher believes that many parents want to support their children but do not understand the assignments well themselves. In other families, however, the child’s education is largely ignored and school is not considered important.

The role of kindergarten before school starts

Under the law, every child should spend at least one year in kindergarten before starting school. However, one school principal points out that the type of kindergarten matters, as does the language used there.

If German does not receive enough attention, children may not acquire the basic language skills they need before starting school. Spending time in kindergarten alone therefore does not necessarily provide the same preparation for school in every case.

The impact on the whole class

Insufficient German skills are a challenge not only for pupils who are struggling. Teachers and classmates who already speak German well are affected too.

Schools say they are placed in a difficult position: they must focus on pupils with weaker language skills, but this can also slow the progress of children who are performing better.

What families can do in practice

1. Give German a clear role before school starts: Consider whether the child’s kindergarten provides enough opportunity to hear and use German.
2. Stay in contact with the school: Ask teachers about the child’s understanding of instructions, reading and writing development, and participation in class.
3. Check assignments together: If school tasks are difficult to understand, clarify them with the teacher rather than allowing the child to fall further behind.
4. Take language difficulties seriously: Early attention can help families understand what support the child needs during the transition into school.

The current figures show that German-language skills have become a major obstacle in Vienna’s education system. Schools and families will need long-term solutions to address the problem.