German in the Workplace — Professional Language Courses and Meeting Tips

Why German in the Workplace Matters

Even if you work in an international company — in German professional life, German is predominantly spoken during meetings, emails, and informal conversations. Those who master specialized terminology significantly increase their career prospects and integrate into teams faster.

DeuFöV — Work-Related German Language Courses

Work-related German language support (DeuFöV) is funded by the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) and is free for many participants.

Course Modules

UH = Instructional Hours (45 minutes each)

Who is Eligible?

• Persons with migration background and completed integration course
• Job seekers with language support needs (via job center or employment agency)
• Employees who need better German skills for their job
• Apprentices with language deficits

Costs

• Job seekers: Free (BAMF funding)
• Employees with income over €20,000/year: Cost contribution €2.56 per UH — 50% refund upon passing the exam

Professional Language in Your Field

Depending on your industry, you need specific vocabulary:

• Office/Administration: minutes, meeting, deadline, application, feedback
• Healthcare/Medicine: medical history, ward round, documentation, wound care
• Trades/Technology: tools, unit of measurement, safety briefing, acceptance
• IT: requirement, approval, deployment, troubleshooting

Tip: Start a professional vocabulary notebook and record 3–5 new workplace terms daily.

Meeting Tips for Non-Native Speakers

1. Preparation: Read the agenda beforehand and look up unfamiliar terms
2. Active Listening: Ask clarifying questions: "Do I understand correctly that…?"
3. Take Notes: Write down key concepts — this helps with follow-up
4. Questions Are Welcome: "Could you please explain that again?" is completely normal
5. Practice Small Talk: Before and after the meeting — weather, weekend, cafeteria

Further Development Opportunities

• VHS Courses: "German for the Profession" from approx. €150–300
• Online Platforms: vhs-lernportal.de (free), Goethe-Institut
• Company Courses: Many employers offer internal German courses — ask your HR department

How to Find a DeuFöV Course

1. Consult with your job center or employment agency
2. Obtain authorization certificate (referral)
3. Search for course providers near you: kursnet-finden.arbeitsagentur.de
4. Register with the course provider using your authorization certificate

As of: March 2026. All information without guarantee.