How to Get Your German Course Sponsored by Your Employer
Successful conversation about employer-sponsored German language training in the DACH region.
A Clear, Professional Guide for Expats & Professionals in Germany, Austria & Switzerland
This guide is written specifically for expats in the DACH region by Nina Sauer, founder of German Online Institute (GOI), based on 12+ years helping professionals secure employer-funded German training.
Employer-sponsored German courses are one of the smartest, most tax-efficient ways to boost your career in the DACH region — and thousands of expats already get their German classes fully funded.
This guide shows you exactly how to secure employer sponsorship, how tax rules work in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and how to present your request in a way managers say "yes" to.
Done correctly, your German course becomes free for you, fully deductible for your employer, and a win-win investment in your performance and integration at work.
Disclaimer: This guide reflects common practice, not formal tax or legal advice. Always confirm details with HR or a tax professional.
In This Guide
- Why most expats are wrong about sponsorship
- The legal and tax framework in DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
- The 5-Step Sponsorship Framework™
- Email template for your proposal
- Mistakes to avoid
- Real examples from the DACH region
Key Terms
Job-Related Training (Berufliche Weiterbildung) Any training that improves your professional skills or employability. German courses for non-native speakers almost always qualify.
Tax-Free Benefit (Steuerfreie Leistung) In all three DACH countries, employer-funded job-related training is typically exempt from income tax for the employee.
§ 3 Nr. 19 EStG (Germany) The German tax code provision that explicitly makes employer-funded training tax-free when it improves the employee's employability — including language courses.
Employer-Ready Invoice A direct invoice from the language provider to your employer, making the transaction simple and compliant for corporate accounting.
Business Case The specific, measurable benefits your German improvement will bring to your team — the backbone of a successful sponsorship request.
The Misconception
Most expats assume:
"My employer will never pay for my German course."
or:
"If they sponsor it, I will have to pay tax on it."
Both are usually wrong.
The Reality
DACH tax systems — Germany, Austria, Switzerland — actively encourage employers to invest in employees' professional development. German courses for non-German-speaking staff often qualify as job-related training, which can be:
- Tax-free for you (no additional income tax)
- Fully deductible for your employer
- Cheaper than giving you salary (no social security contributions)
- Administratively simple if the provider invoices the company directly
In many companies, sponsoring German is easier than paying a bonus.
The Legal Framework: Why This Works
Germany
The German Federal Ministry of Finance clarified in 2017 that employer expenses for language courses qualify as tax-free training costs ("Fortbildungskosten"). Under § 3 Nr. 19 EStG, training that improves employability is explicitly tax-free for employees — including "non-job-specific language or computer courses."
Since January 2019, a direct connection to the current job is no longer required. The training just needs to improve general employability.
Austria
Austrian tax law allows employees to deduct language course costs as "Werbungskosten" (income-related expenses) if the language is professionally relevant. For non-native German speakers working in Austria, this is easy to justify for virtually any profession. Employer-funded training is treated similarly — tax-free when job-related.
Switzerland
Swiss employers commonly fund language training as part of integration support. While tax treatment varies by canton, employer-paid professional development is generally not considered taxable income when it serves a clear business purpose. Many Swiss companies view German training for international employees as standard practice.
Why Employers Say Yes
In all three countries, the legal wording focuses on:
"Improving the employee's professional skills or employability."
German language skills nearly always fall under this — because:
- You communicate better with clients and colleagues
- You understand documentation, processes and systems
- Miscommunication decreases
- Your integration at work improves
- Your company gets more value out of you
And employers know this.
Many HR departments now treat language learning as:
- Productivity training
- Integration support
- Talent retention
- Workplace harmony
In Switzerland especially, companies almost expect international employees to struggle if their German never improves — so sponsorship is becoming standard.
This context makes your request logical, not needy.
The GOI Framework for Getting Sponsorship
The 5-Step Sponsorship Framework™
This framework is optimised for expats working full time in the DACH region.
Step 1 — Identify Your Company's Benefit (not your personal wish)
Your employer cares about:
- Smoother communication
- Fewer misunderstandings
- Increased autonomy
- Improved efficiency
- Ability to take over German-speaking tasks
- Stronger local presence
Write down 3 specific scenarios where better German benefits your team.
Examples:
- "I can take over German-speaking support calls."
- "I can draft simple German emails instead of waiting for help."
- "I can join meetings with German clients."
- "I can handle onboarding forms or vendor communication."
This becomes the backbone of your request.
Step 2 — Choose an employer-ready German provider
Your chances increase dramatically if your provider can:
- Invoice your employer directly
- Offer flexible schedules (before/after work)
- Tailor lessons to your job
- Provide documentation for HR/Finance
- Offer VAT-free / reverse-charge invoicing if needed
- Work with corporate clients regularly
German Online Institute (GOI) is built exactly for this:
- Private 1:1 or private group
- Flexible times for professionals
- Tailored CEFR courses (A1–C1)
- Exam/citizenship preparation when needed
- VAT-free corporate invoices (CH/AT/DE ready)
- Trusted by expats since 2013 (5-star reputation)
Step 3 — Confirm internal training policies
Check:
- HR guidelines
- Learning & Development budgets
- Weiterbildung / Fortbildung policies
- If colleagues already received training support
Many companies simply don't advertise this benefit — but approve it when asked.
Step 4 — Send a concise proposal (with tax efficiency explained)
A strong proposal includes:
- The course (name, provider, schedule)
- Why it benefits the company
- When you would attend (minimal work disruption)
- Total cost
- Tax note ("In DACH, employer-funded, job-related training is generally tax-free for employees.")
- Thank you + commitment
Your proposal should make your employer say:
"This is inexpensive, useful, and professionally presented — let's approve it."
Step 5 — Have a short meeting with your manager
This is where you secure the "yes".
You say things like:
- "This helps the team operate more efficiently."
- "This reduces communication barriers."
- "This is a common, tax-efficient benefit in the DACH region."
- "Other companies support language training as part of integration."
Use your research. Show confidence. Frame it as mutually beneficial.
Email Template: Your Sponsorship Proposal
Subject: Proposal: German Language Training for [Your Role]
Dear [Manager's Name],
I would like to propose employer-supported German language training to improve my effectiveness in [specific area: client communication / team collaboration / documentation].
**The Course:**
- Provider: German Online Institute (GOI)
- Format: Private 1:1 online lessons
- Schedule: [e.g., 1x per week, before/after work hours]
- Duration: [e.g., 6 months]
- Cost: [€ amount]
**Business Benefits:**
1. [Specific benefit #1 — e.g., "I can take over German client calls"]
2. [Specific benefit #2 — e.g., "I can handle internal German documentation"]
3. [Specific benefit #3 — e.g., "Reduced dependency on colleagues for translation"]
**Tax Note:**
In Germany/Austria/Switzerland, employer-funded professional training is generally tax-free for employees and fully deductible for the company.
GOI can invoice [Company Name] directly.
I'm happy to discuss this further. Thank you for considering this investment in my development and contribution to the team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Practical Steps This Week
- Draft your 3 business reasons
- Identify a suitable course (GOI offers VAT-free corporate invoices)
- Check HR policies discreetly
- Write your proposal using the email template above
- Schedule a 15–20 minute meeting with your boss
- Frame it as a strategic request, not a favour
These steps significantly increase your success rate.
Mistakes to Avoid
✗ Asking without a business case ✗ Making it sound like a personal hobby ✗ Presenting too many course options ✗ Not mentioning tax efficiency ✗ Talking about "German for fun" ✗ No clarity on schedule ✗ Asking via chat instead of a structured email
Your request must sound professional and prepared.
Real Examples from the DACH Region
Anna — Berlin (Germany)
English-first startup shifting to German clients. Proposed a B2 online course after work. Showed how it reduces workload on senior staff. Manager approved immediately. 3 months later: she leads German client calls.
Bruno — Zürich (Switzerland)
Wanted more informal integration + work efficiency. Mentioned Swiss rules on employer-paid training. HR approved and allowed 2 lunch breaks per week. Now handles communication with a German-speaking supplier.
Lena — Vienna (Austria)
Needed Business German. Offered cost-splitting and gave a clear plan. Employer paid 50%, tied to 12-month stay. Helped her secure a major regional client.
Why Companies Approve GOI Easily
GOI is:
- Built for expats and professionals
- Trusted (5★ rated since 2013)
- Fully remote & flexible
- 1:1 or private groups only (high effectiveness)
- Employer-invoice friendly
- VAT-free / reverse-charge ready
- Fast to implement
- Aligned with DACH expectations of professionalism
Your employer sees:
- Structured lessons
- Measurable progress
- Correct German (C2-level standard)
- Reliability
- Integration support
This makes GOI a risk-free, smart choice for companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is employer-sponsored German training really tax-free?
In Germany, yes — under § 3 Nr. 19 EStG, job-related training is explicitly tax-free for employees. In Austria and Switzerland, similar rules apply when the training improves professional skills.
What if my job doesn't "require" German?
Since 2019 in Germany, a direct job requirement is no longer necessary. The training just needs to improve your general employability. For any professional working in a German-speaking country, this is easy to demonstrate.
Can my employer deduct the cost?
Yes. Training costs are fully deductible as business expenses in all DACH countries.
What if my employer says no?
Ask why. Sometimes it's budget timing, not rejection. Offer to start smaller (e.g., 10-hour package) or propose cost-sharing. You can also ask if there's a learning budget you weren't aware of.
Does GOI provide documentation for HR?
Yes. GOI provides professional invoices, attendance records, and progress documentation suitable for corporate HR and finance departments.
Conclusion: You're Not Asking for a Favour
You're asking your employer to invest in:
- Your productivity
- Your communication
- Your integration
- Your long-term value
DACH tax systems were literally designed to make this investment easy and efficient.
With a clear proposal, a sensible provider, and a structured conversation, most employers will say yes.
Ready to Start?
Book your free 30-minute trial
Let us help you prepare the perfect employer-ready learning plan — tailored to your job, schedule and goals.
