Statistics & Research

Language Opens Doors: What the Research Really Shows

Immigrants who speak the language of their new country fluently have significantly better job market prospects – and earn measurably more. This is confirmed by independent studies from OECD (2023), IAB (2022), BAMF (2021) and IZA (2021).

+22 pp

Higher employment probability with strong German language skills

IAB Study, 2022

+17%

Wage premium compared to immigrants with weak language skills

OECD, 2023

3×

Faster job search after reaching B2 level compared to A-level

BAMF Research Report, 2021

Employment Rate: With vs. Without Language Skills

The chart below shows employment rates for immigrants in Germany, broken down by German language proficiency (OECD/IAB data, annual average 2022).

Very good / good German skills

Weak / no German skills

Men – very good skills 72%

72%

Men – weak skills 51%

51%

Women – very good skills 63%

63%

Women – weak skills 38%

38%

Source: OECD "Settling In 2023", IAB Research Brief 2022. Simplified and rounded for illustration.

Wage Comparison by Language Level

It's not just whether someone speaks the language – it's how well. The better the language skills, the higher the earnings:

Average hourly wage – immigrants in Germany (Index: A1 level = 100)

B2 / C1 – excellent skills 117%

117% of baseline

B1 – intermediate skills 109%

109%

A2 – basic skills 103%

103%

A1 – beginner 100%

Baseline

Source: IAB Research Report 3/2022, own indexing based on original data.

Why Language Makes Such a Difference

The numbers make sense when you think about what language actually unlocks:

Job interviews – clear communication leaves a strong impression
Networking – professional connections are built in the local language
Qualification recognition – many recognition processes require B2 or C1
Training & advancement – courses, certifications, and promotions are language-dependent
Team trust – employers prefer candidates they can communicate with effortlessly

The Employer Perspective

73%

of employers say language skills are the most important hiring criterion for immigrants

European Commission / EURES, 2022

2.4×

higher interview invitation rate when a B1/B2 language certificate is included

IZA Discussion Paper, 2021

Integration Course: A Measurable Career Boost

Germany's state integration course ends with the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) at B1 level. Here's what happens next:

Employment within 12 months after completing the integration course

Passed at B1 or above 58%

58%

Passed at A2 37%

37%

Did not complete the course 19%

19%

Source: BAMF Research Report 38, 2021 – Evaluation of Integration Courses.

The Research Conclusion

According to OECD (2023) and IAB (2022), strong language skills are the single most powerful factor in successful labour market integration for immigrants – with a greater impact than educational credentials or work experience alone.

What You Can Do Now

The data is clear: every hour you invest in learning German pays off – financially and personally. Whether it's an A1 starter course or B2 career preparation – we'll help you find the right course.

Find a Course & Apply Now

Sources

OECD (2023). Settling In 2023: Indicators of Immigrant Integration. OECD Publishing, Paris. oecd.org
IAB – Institute for Employment Research (2022). IAB Research Brief 3/2022: Language Skills and Labour Market Integration of Refugees. iab.de
BAMF – Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (2021). Research Report 38: Evaluation of Integration Courses. bamf.de
IZA – Institute of Labor Economics (2021). Discussion Paper No. 14402: Language Skills and Labor Market Outcomes of Immigrants. iza.org
European Commission / EURES (2022). Report on Labour Shortages and Surpluses 2022. ec.europa.eu
Söhn, J. (2011). Bilingual Education Programmes and Labour Market Integration. WZB Discussion Paper. wzb.eu