Are German language courses tax-deductible in Austria for expats?

Are German language courses tax-deductible in Austria for expats?

If you live and work in Austria as an expat, German is often essential to perform your job properly. Even when English is used internally, German may be required for meetings, documentation, safety instructions, client or patient communication, or interactions with public authorities.

A very common question is whether privately paid German language courses can be deducted from Austrian income tax.

The short answer: Yes, in many cases — but only if the course qualifies as professionally necessary training (berufliche Fort- oder Weiterbildung). Acceptance always depends on the individual situation and the assessment of the Austrian tax authority.

Legal basis in Austria: German courses as Werbungskosten

In Austria, employees may deduct work-related expenses (Werbungskosten) in their annual income tax return (Arbeitnehmerveranlagung).

German language courses can be accepted as Werbungskosten when the taxpayer can demonstrate that the course is:

• directly related to the current professional activity,
• necessary or clearly useful for performing the job in Austria,
• not primarily private, leisure-oriented, or for general integration only,
• paid privately by the employee,
• supported by clear and verifiable documentation.

Language courses taken purely for personal interest or general everyday integration are often not accepted, especially if no professional necessity can be demonstrated.

Typical professional situations expats recognise

Expats may be able to justify deductibility when German is required for concrete work-related situations such as:

• participating in meetings with Austrian colleagues or partners,
• understanding or writing internal documentation and emails,
• complying with safety instructions and regulatory requirements,
• communicating with patients, clients, or customers,
• dealing with public authorities or inspections.

The decisive factor is whether German is required to carry out professional duties in Austria, not whether the course is generally “useful”.

Professions where German courses are often accepted

In practice, German language courses are more frequently accepted for expats working in fields such as:

• healthcare (doctors, nurses, therapists),
• IT and software development,
• engineering and technical roles,
• construction and skilled trades,
• consulting and project management,
• academia and research,
• hospitality and tourism,
• finance, HR, and legal professions,
• regulated or public-sector roles.

However, there is no automatic acceptance. Even within these professions, deductibility is assessed case by case based on professional necessity and documentation.

What type of German course is more likely to be accepted?

Austrian tax authorities place strong emphasis on whether a language course is structured, goal-oriented, and professionally justified.

German courses are more likely to be accepted if they include:

• a defined starting level and target level (e.g. CEFR A2 → B1 or B1 → B2),
• a professional learning plan (Lernplan) linked to job-related tasks,
• a clear description of professional objectives,
• documented attendance and learning progress,
• a transparent invoice issued in the taxpayer’s name.

Courses without structure or without documented professional relevance are more likely to be questioned.

FAQ: German course tax deduction in Austria

Are basic German courses (A1 or A2) tax-deductible in Austria?

In some cases, yes — but acceptance is more restrictive. Basic German courses (A1–A2) may be accepted only if the taxpayer can demonstrate that even basic German skills were necessary to perform the job in Austria (for example, for safety instructions or mandatory workplace communication). Without clear professional justification, basic language courses are often classified as general education (Allgemeinbildung) and rejected.

What documents should I keep for the Austrian tax office?

It is advisable to keep an invoice in your name, proof of payment, a description of course objectives and content, the course duration, and evidence of attendance and progress. These documents help demonstrate professional relevance if the tax office requests proof.

Where do I declare language course costs in the Austrian tax return?

Privately paid language courses are typically declared as Werbungskosten in the Arbeitnehmerveranlagung, usually under Fort- und Weiterbildungskosten or Ausbildungskosten im Zusammenhang mit der beruflichen Tätigkeit.

Cities in Austria with high demand for professional German training

Demand for professionally oriented German courses is particularly high in Austria’s main employment hubs, including:

• Vienna – international companies, healthcare, public administration,
• Graz – engineering, industry, and research,
• Linz – manufacturing and technology,
• Salzburg – tourism and services,
• Innsbruck – healthcare, education, and tourism.

Tax rules are federal and apply throughout Austria. In all regions, professional justification and documentation are essential.

How to declare a German language course in the Austrian tax return

Privately paid German language courses are declared as Werbungskosten in the annual Arbeitnehmerveranlagung, usually under:

• Fort- und Weiterbildungskosten,
• Ausbildungskosten im Zusammenhang mit der beruflichen Tätigkeit.

Taxpayers should retain the following documents in case of review:

• invoice issued in their name,
• description of course content and professional objectives,
• proof of payment,
• learning plan and course duration,
• attendance records or progress documentation.

Why documentation and structure matter so much

For expats, acceptance or rejection often depends less on the course itself and more on how clearly its professional relevance is documented. A structured course with a professional learning plan shows that the training is professionally justified and not a private hobby.

How coLanguage supports tax-relevant German courses in Austria

coLanguage offers professionally oriented German courses for expats in Austria, designed with Austrian tax requirements in mind.

Professioneller Lernplan (beruflicher Lernplan)

Before starting, we provide a professional learning plan (beruflicher Lernplan), which:

• defines starting level and target level,
• links learning objectives to concrete job-related tasks,
• describes professional use cases (meetings, documentation, safety, clients),
• supports justification as berufliche Fort- oder Weiterbildung.

This structured plan is designed to stand up to a potential review by the Austrian tax authority by making the professional relevance of the training clear and well documented.

Job-focused course content

Courses focus on real workplace communication, including:

• professional meetings and internal communication,
• emails and written documentation,
• safety instructions and procedures,
• client, patient, or customer interaction.

Tax-compliant invoice and documentation

Participants receive:

• a detailed invoice issued in their name,
• clear description of course scope and duration,
• attendance tracking and progress documentation,
• activity reports supporting professional relevance.

Flexible delivery formats

Courses are available as:

• individual or small-group lessons,
• online or in-person training,
• lessons at the workplace or in the participant’s city,
• blended learning formats.

Practical example: German course deduction in Austria

Elena, a civil engineer from Italy, works for a construction company in Vienna. German is required for safety briefings, coordination with local teams, and technical documentation.

She enrols in a professional German course (B1 → B2). Before starting, she receives a professional learning plan and course quote. Attendance and progress are documented throughout the course, and she receives a detailed invoice and activity report.

In her Arbeitnehmerveranlagung, Elena declares the course costs as Werbungskosten under Fort- und Weiterbildungskosten. Due to the documented professional relevance and structured learning plan, the deduction is accepted.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Deductibility always depends on the individual situation and the assessment of the competent Austrian tax authority.