According to Eurostat, 77,700 temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine were registered in Austria at the end of June this year. According to the country’s statistical service, the largest group is people under 19 years of age (25,089 people), followed by people under 40 years of age (23,873 people), then up to 60 years of age (21,426 people). Slightly more than half of the arrivals receive social benefits. All Ukrainians who came to Austria as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion are entitled to free language learning up to the C1 level. According to the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), over 54,000 course places have been taken up by Ukrainians in Austria to date. In the first six months of this year, 11,505 Ukrainians attended German courses.  Most of them studied the language at the A1 and A2 levels. Detailed statistics can be found on the Integration Fund website. 

We talked to artists and cultural workers from Ukraine who arrived after the invasion began and are learning German now. They shared their experiences and challenges and discussed how learning the language affects their lives in Austria.

Office Ukraine Wien

Learning German and navigating through life

The ÖIF representative told us that the pass rates of the exams show that Ukrainian displaced persons are making good progress in learning German and that the need for higher course levels is constantly increasing. This also corresponds to the generally very positive feedback from the Ukrainian community.

In addition to the German courses offered by course providers, the ÖIF also expanded the freely accessible online German learning programmes on Sprachportal.at, the largest German learning platform in the German-speaking world: in addition to its own online German courses, which are implemented in cooperation with the Ukrainian universities of Drohobych and Uzhhorod and which Ukrainian displaced persons can attend without registering, the ÖIF expanded its part-time and job-specific German learning programmes in particular last year. At www.sprachportal.at, a range of daily online German courses and job-specific online courses as well as free learning and practice materials are available to all German learners.

©Rainer Moster

Irina Blokhina is a ballerina and classical dance teacher from Dnipro. She worked at the Dnipro Opera and Ballet Theatre for almost ten years. She was invited to Austria at the beginning of the invasion by the famous ballet teacher Alex Ursulyak. Now Irina teaches adults Pilates and barre, gymnastics to children in the club ‘Prestige,’ and chess. Irina has been able to combine these hobbies since childhood. She has been studying German for almost two years thanks to ÖIF, and during this time, she has already managed to pass the B2 level exam and started to master C1.

‘I study the language five times a week for three hours. I am lucky with the teachers. The courses offer a lot of varied material. I try to communicate a lot with native speakers, and I can say that my learning of German was very positively influenced by the chess teaching in Austrian schools. I’ve been playing since I was a child, taking part in tournaments. In Vienna, I found a chess union where I met people who believed in me and helped me. That’s how I got a job as a teaching assistant at a school and gained invaluable experience communicating with Austrian children. It also gave me the opportunity to improve my German,’ says Irina. 

Irina goes to Vienna for her courses even though she lives in St. Pölten. She says that the choice of courses in the big city is better and that with proper planning, this is not a hindrance. During this time, Irina managed to find a job, participate in a choreographic competition in Italy, and receive a special jury prize as a performer. 

However, only some people’s experience of learning German is as organic as Irina’s. 

©Anastasiia Mamay

Anastasiia Mamay, a ceramic artist from Kyiv raising her son and studying at KunstUni Linz, often gets up at five in the morning and goes to bed at midnight to get everything done. She also lives in St. Pölten and goes to Linz almost every day during the semester to study. She devotes several hours a day to German. Anastasiia has studied the language at several schools in Linz and St. Pölten: ‘It depends very much on the teachers. I was lucky with them. In Linz, the classrooms were more modern than in St. Pölten, and we were given more material. The teacher, Ursula Pointner, devoted her time to us completely, not on the phone, which unfortunately also happens in courses. 

She says the course is four months long, but that’s not enough time to master the material. ‘People who come here have to work somewhere, they have to study, and often they have children. Personally, I feel that this is not enough time to learn the language. Even though I passed the B1 exam, I feel this is a stretch. I would have had one more month, and the result would have been better,’ says Anastasiia. 

She believes that more than this level is needed to find a normal job. The artist tries to use German at university, but it only happens sometimes. If something is unclear, she has to switch to English. 

‘For further life in Austria, being fluent in German is essential. Austrians respect their language and will demand it from you. I think it’s the right thing to do. For people who come here and are going to live here, it is necessary. It also shows respect for the country that gave protection.’

©Marianna Kotsan

Marianna Kotsan, an artist and PR manager from Kyiv, started learning the language only six months after arriving in Vienna. However, she wanted to start right away. The delay was due to bureaucratic difficulties related to the processing of the Blue Card. ‘At first, it was difficult to orient myself on what to do, where to go, and what procedures to go through. At the end of the summer of 2022, I enrolled on an initial course at ÖIF. It was an A0 course with alphabet learning. The course was precious because I got to know other Ukrainian women with whom we are still friends. But in terms of language, it turned out to be a waste of time, because I already had an elementary level,’ says Marianna. 

Marianna spends six to seven hours a day on the course because the classes last three hours, with homework and travelling added to that time, and so five times a week. 

‘There are big pauses between courses. After completing the studies, you have to sign up for an exam, take it, wait three weeks for the result, and then only sign up for the next level and wait for it to start. All of this takes a total of three months. And unfortunately, the knowledge is quickly eroded,’ the artist reasons. 

Marianne has lost 50 percent of her hearing since the invasion began, but says this has not stopped her from learning the language, and she is treated with understanding at the courses. She worries that she could not pass the B2 exam on her first attempt. Out of the whole group of twelve  people, only one student, who is already studying at a local university, could pass it. Marianna says she needs a C1 level to find a job in her specialty: ‘It’s not a quick process. Besides, learning a language when you are under chronic stress because of the war and forced migration is very difficult, you just can’t keep anything in your head. The last failed exam was also very stressful for me. I realize that the B2 level is a better opportunity to study and find a job, but so far, it’s a glass ceiling for me, but I’m trying to cope with it. 

Marianne says that she needs help to distinguish between dialectal and individual pronunciation. However, with a hearing aid, she understands the language well and is able to maintain a conversation if her interlocutors speak clearly and loudly. If she doesn’t understand, she is often ashamed and silent. Among the positive aspects of Vienna, Marianna highlights empathy. 

She is grateful to the counselors at ÖIF, AMS, and other institutions that help her find a job. Unfortunately, she has not yet found a place where she could be useful, but she hopes for the best. 

Office Ukraine staff are in constant contact with Ukrainian artists and are aware of the difficulties faced by temporarily displaced people. The most common are difficulties in finding a job, learning the language, and integrating into local society. Most are under stress and find it difficult to cope with everyday responsibilities. Learning the language is an essential aspect of integration. Still, even with available courses and the desire to learn German, more is needed. Everything takes time and patience. We are delighted when people come to us and tell us that they have managed to organize their schedules, moved to the next level, found a job, and completed a project. We hope that there will be more such stories every day. 

“English integration course for Ukrainian refugees” is an ongoing project by Anatoly Belov.

Anatoly Belov’s art project, a textbook for learning English at A1 level, is based on true events that happened to the author of the book and his acquaintances and friends, Ukrainian refugees in various European countries. The textbook, in the form of a comic strip, focuses on learning English in the context of integration into European society. 

The artist also refers to misunderstandings and conflicts that sometimes arise, both with people from the European Union and with Ukrainians, including conflicts within the Ukrainian community.

‘As my integration process into the society of the European Union continues, while the Russian-Ukrainian war also doesn’t end, refugees are also constantly confronted with new life situations. 

There are also plans to continue my comic book with our personal experiences from the A2 level language course,’ states Anatoly Belov.

Office Ukraine Graz

Language Barriers for the Ukrainian Artist* Community in Graz

The Ukrainian Artist* Community has already been an active part of the arts and cultural scene in Graz and Styria for more than two years. In order for inclusion to succeed not only as a private individual, but also as an artist* or cultural worker*, it is necessary to learn German. In this respect, however, Ukrainian artists* living in Graz are confronted with a number of challenges. Although there is a wide range of German language courses on offer in the Graz area, only certain course formats are free of charge for Ukrainians* with displaced person status living in Austria. In line with the Austrian Integration Act, Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) provides German language courses from the teaching of literacy skills to language level C1 free of charge. The situation is different for language courses that are not provided by the ÖIF. If you decide in favour of a different language school or course format, you will usually have to pay the course and examination fees yourself. For many artists* or cultural workers* living in Graz it is difficult to find the right format and the associated motivation to learn. The Ukrainian artists and cultural workers Eva Fomitski and Karina Sunlife have been living in Graz for two years. Eva had already taken an interest in the German language before she arrived. “I’ve always wanted to learn German. Already before I came to Graz, I’d been listening to German music on a regular basis. In addition to this, my first lettering tattoo is in German,” Eva explains, pointing to her forearm.

Karina Sunlife. © Thomas Raggam, Schubidu Quartet

Time Resources and Flexible Working Hours
The artists* and cultural workers* tried out different formats in order to find the best training concept for them in terms of time and content. Eva is currently studying for her A2 exam as part of a language course organised by the ÖIF, and Karina attended a course at the language school Institut für Sprache und Kultur in Graz. She is now placing greater emphasis on self-study and has already received a B1 certificate. Both artists report that the free language courses at the ÖIF require considerable time resources and flexible working hours. “Attendance is compulsory at 80%. Staying away is only permitted with a valid reason. It is easy for me to concentrate and study for an hour and a half. After that, however, a break is necessary. Four hours of German courses are therefore too strenuous for me, so I have switched to another language school. I’m there four days a week for two hours at a time,” Karina explains. Eva, who has had to discontinue ÖIF German courses several times in the past, describes it in similar words. The reason for this was also the strict attendance requirement and the associated incompatibility with her work as an international artist and curator: “During the period of the course, for example, I had the opportunity to take part in an artist in residence programme, which is why I was suspended from the course. Back in Graz, I recommenced the course and heard about another residency, so I had to drop out again.” According to Karina and Eva, the majority of the Ukrainian artist* community in Graz struggles with the same challenges.

Mental Barrier 

This is Eva’s third attempt to attend the ÖIF language course. Her attitude and motivation are different this time compared to her first year in Graz, she explains. According to her, learning German is associated with acceptance for many displaced Ukrainians*: “Many Ukrainians living in Graz have a hard time finding the motivation to learn the language due to the constant uncertainty and lack of prospects. Is the stay in Graz temporary or forever? From a psychological point of view, I have accepted that I will be staying in Graz for longer and that I will not be returning to Ukraine in the near future. Since accepting this, my view and motivation for learning German has changed,” Eva explains. Artist and project manager Karina has a similar view: “It is more than important to find a personal reason and the associated motivation to learn the language.” 

Eva Fomitski. © Thomas Raggam, Schubidu Quartet

Relevance for Activities in the Arts and Cultural Field

In the case of both artists, acceptance of the current situation was favoured by the prospect of possible employment, especially in the arts and cultural sector. Conversely, a certain language level is also a prerequisite for a successful job search. “I wouldn’t have been invited for an interview if I didn’t speak German. It may have been a crazy experience, but I succeeded,” says Karina enthusiastically, who has already gained experience on the Austrian labour market alongside her artistic work. The situation is similar in the arts and cultural sector in particular, she explains: “For example, the Kunsthaus Graz has posted an interesting job advert, but it is impossible to apply without a B1 certificate.” Artist Eva, who assists with art education at Grazer Kunstverein and Schaumbad – Freies Atelierhaus Graz in her spare time, reports from her own experience how relevant knowledge of German can be in this field: “Sometimes it happens that visitors* don’t speak English. As a result, they don’t understand what you’re trying to explain to them. Moreover, knowledge of the German language is necessary to understand more general contexts. If you understand what people are talking about, you can immerse yourself in Austrian society and become a part of it.”

Brigitte Czermak. © Thomas Raggam, Schubidu Quartet

Language Club for the Ukrainian Artist* Community

The need to learn German also gave rise to the idea of a weekly language club, which was organised by the team members of the Office Ukraine Graz. Since May 2024, the Ukrainian artists*, including Eva, have been meeting regularly in the newly created space of ZIEGEL. Ateliergemeinschaft ukrainischer Künstler:innen Graz* in downtown Graz to practise their German. The language club is run by the artist and conservator Brigitte Czermak, who became aware of the project through an appeal by the Office Ukraine Graz. The focus of the language club differs from the ÖIF courses, which is why this format is a helpful supplement for the Ukrainian artists*, Brigitte explains. In addition to speaking German, the focus is also on reading. “I encourage the participants* to read sentences. Moreover, I think it is relevant to explain concepts and words. This introduces participants* to our language world very well, which is particularly important for artists*,” Brigitte explains. Participants* are encouraged to bring their own books and texts, but Brigitte also emphasises the importance of discussing different exhibition texts. The language club format is an advantage for artist and curator Eva: “At the language club, Brigitte asked me about my art installation, and I answered her in German. The reference to art is important to me.” Both artists, Karina and Eva, consider the mixture of different teaching formats to be an advantage and see their growing language skills as having many benefits for their future in Graz.

*ZIEGEL. Ateliergemeinschaft ukrainischer Künstler:innen Graz was founded in May 2024 by artists* and cultural workers* from Ukraine living in Graz who had to leave their home country after the start of the Russian invasion. With their activities, they want to contribute to the cultural and artistic life of Graz, Austria and Europe.

Text: Stephanie Sackl 

Office Ukraine Innsbruck

Language is the key to everything

Interview with Maryna Kryvinchuk and Iryna Kozhyna

Learning German is a key challenge for all temporarily displaced persons in Austria. We asked journalist Maryna Kryvinchuk and artist and cultural manager Iryna Kozhyna about their language learning experiences, what tools they use and what advice they would give to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.

© Maryna Kryvynchuk; 2024; photo: Sophia Martseniuk

Maryna Kryvinchuk was born in the capital city of Ukraine and studied at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, majoring in Media Communications. In Ukraine, she worked in television, at the Ukrainian Book Institute, and in news analytics.

In Austria, Maryna hosted the Voice of Peace radio broadcast about the fate of Ukrainians during the war on FREIRAD – Freies Radio Innsbruck. The enthusiastic singer was also a choir member for a production at the Tiroler Landestheater. She currently works at a language school in Tyrol.

“I learned German as a second foreign language at school. Then there was an eight-year break between school and the full-scale war, during which I used the language only occasionally. When I was forced to move to Austria, I decided to improve my language skills in local schools using the services of the ÖIF [Österreichischer Integrationsfonds]. Now I have reached B2 level.”

It’s no secret that learning a language can be a real challenge. For Maryna, however, the difficulties were not primarily related to the language, but rather to the circumstances in which she found herself. 

“It is extremely difficult to sit in class when you realize that afterwards, you will face problems that you have absolutely no idea how to solve. After my mother and I were kicked out of our state-organized accommodation, I had to find an apartment that no one would rent to me because of my low income. My nervous system could not stand this tension, because the stress I experienced was many times higher than my adaptive capacity and I forgot German in one day. Perhaps it happened because I started to associate the language with all the bad things that happened to me, and my brain simply turned it off to save my psyche. Fortunately, I work at a language school, and I’ve always had a lot of teachers around me, so I started to remember. It took me a long time to get rid of the mental block I had built up during that difficult time.”

For many people, the support of others can be a lever for progress: 

“I feel supported. At work, I am always corrected when I make mistakes, and I have the support of my local friends. It’s very motivating when you haven’t seen someone for a long time and they notice your progress, you feel happy and want to keep improving.”

At the moment, Maryna’s main tools for language learning are courses and communicating as much as possible with native speakers. 

“I would advise you not to blame yourself if something doesn’t work out, to let go of the idea that the language is difficult and not to be afraid to speak with mistakes. Otherwise, you might not speak at all. You should start using the language with the vocabulary you have today and, as you speak, feel respect for this culture with all your heart. Then the language will open up to you, and everything will work out.”

©Iryna Kozhyna; 2019

Iryna Kozhyna was born in the small village of Kozacha Lopan in the Kharkiv region. After graduating from high school, she studied at the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture and graduated with a degree in Cultural Management. She worked in the field of culture and later in IT. She also developed her artistic practice, focusing mainly on architectural and natural landscapes, as well as on realism.

At the beginning of the full-scale war, she was in the occupied city of Kupiansk, and only after four months she was able to leave and go abroad. For the past two years, she has been living in Tyrol, Austria.

After studying German for two years, she successfully passed the German level B1 exam. Her first approach to learning the language was through apps such as Duolingo and Bilingual on her phone, and YouTube vloggers explaining everything in Ukrainian. And after three months in Austria, she started taking AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice) courses at the BFI (Berufsförderungsinstitut). 

“Now I continue to learn the language on my own, but my main concern is how to expand my vocabulary. So one of the tools that really works for me is reading magazines. First, I open an article, read it aloud, then I mark the words I don’t know, write them on flashcards (which are now all over my house), then I go back to the article, read it aloud again, and try to remember the words I marked. I also have grammar books, and sometimes I go back to grammar exercises. I watch YouTube vlogs, but only with native speakers (with subtitles, if possible). Sometimes I watch cartoons in German (without subtitles, because they are distracting) because they use a simpler language for children. And finally, communication is possible.”

When learning a foreign language, you may feel as if you are stuck in one place and your learning has stopped producing results. Iryna also faced this problem:

“The difference is especially noticeable when you understand everything and communicate in the classroom, but when you leave the classroom and find yourself in a German-speaking environment where people mostly speak in dialect, it’s as if you’re not learning the language at all. I found a good job in a library, but unfortunately, after three weeks, I was fired with the explanation that I had a language barrier. Dialects are difficult to understand. So if I want to not only speak but also understand the locals, in addition to German, I need to learn Tyrolean German.”

Despite the obstacles, Iryna continues her studies and is confident in her efforts to improve her German. Some advice from Iryna: “It helps to realize that language is the key to everything: from work to everyday life. Hold on to the motivation you have chosen for yourself. Grammar is important, but communication is the most important thing, so we should try to speak, even with mistakes, because this is the only way we really use the language. My personal experience is to open up to conversations and reading magazines. But the main thing is to continue, to keep learning, and sometimes to look for other methods and try them out.”