German Language Teachers

Dr. Katsiaryna Ackermann

Where I come from: Minsk, Belarus
My language skills: English, German, Italian, French, practically all Slavic languages, a little Lithuanian and Farsi, as well as many "dead" languages such as Latin, Ancient Greek, Sanskrit, Hittite, etc.
My educational background: Studies of English, German, Romance languages and literature at teacher's level, additional training "Computational Linguistics", Minsk State Linguistic University (1997-2003); English studies with subject combination of Slavic and Indo-Germanic languages and literature, Institute of English and American Studies, University of Vienna (2001-2003); Master's degree in Indo-European Studies combined with selected subjects from Slavic Studies, Iranian Studies and Byzantine Studies, Institute of Linguistics, University of Vienna (2002-2005); Ph.D. in Indo-European Studies, dissertation on Slavic verbal morphology. Summa cum laude. Institute of Linguistics, University of Vienna (2005-2011).
My professional career: "Russian for advanced learners" for the ÖNB (2009); language and intercultural training as well as regional studies teaching at the Security Academy of the BMI and the National Defense Academy of the BMLVS (since 2010); external lecturer in the field of Slavic linguistics at the Institute of Slavic Studies, University of Vienna (since 2010); at the Language Center of the University of Vienna since May 2010.
My teaching motto: Learning by doing.

Mag.a Ingrid Ambrozy

Where I come from: Austria
My language skills: German, English, basic knowledge of French, Hungarian and Russian
My educational background: studies of musicology, German, philosophy, psychology, pedagogy, University of Vienna (teaching degree for secondary schools)
My professional background: Lecturer at the EKTF Pedagogical College in Eger, Hungary. DaZ teacher for adults in Vienna
My teaching motto: Students bring their individual strengths with them. They need to be appreciated.

Mag. Alexander Arbeiter

Meltem Arslan, BA BEd MA

Where I come from: Salzburg
My language skills: German, Turkish, English
My educational background: Salzburg University of Education - Teacher training programme "English/Art", University of Salzburg, Bachelor's degree in "Educational Sciences", University of Vienna Master's degree in "Educational Sciences", Istanbul Cerrahpasa University - "Teaching Turkish as a foreign language" course, University of Vienna - "Teaching German as a foreign and second language" course
My professional background: English course leader for secondary level 1 at Viennese adult education centres, DaF/DaZ course leader at Interface, teaching at secondary level 1 (MS), DaF/Turkish course leader at Viennese adult education centres

Mag.a Zinaida Audzei

Where I come from: I come from Belarus.
My language skills: I have enjoyed learning German at school since the age of 10, which was later a decisive factor in my choice of study.
My educational background: German and Belarusian studies at the Belarusian State University in Minsk, followed by doctoral studies in comparative literature, several research and training stays in Germany and Austria; methodological-didactic course at the Goethe Institute in Minsk.
My professional career: 2000-2002 assistant at the chair of Romance-Germanic linguistics, 2002-2016 lecturer or senior lecturer at the chair of German linguistics BSU; since 2014 collaboration on the project CoMolTe (author contract with the association "Förderung von Deutsch als Wissenschaftssprache e.V.") ; 2009-2013 honorary lecturer at the Goethe Institute Minsk (incl. multimedia and moodle-supported courses)
My teaching motto: "In order for learners to learn well, they must enjoy learning; in order for them to enjoy learning, they must enjoy learning." (L. Tolstoy) And I as a teacher have to make sure of that.

Dipl.-Ing. Manuela Becker

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Barbara Békési

Where I come from: Vorarlberg
My language skills: German (mother tongue), Montafon dialect, English, French, Italian
My educational background: University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, University of Vienna (comparative literature, French, DaF/DaZ), VHS Ottakring (literacy with migrants), ÖSD (item writing, test sentence preparation)
My professional career: 1991-2000 on various stages in Austria and abroad, in hotels in national parks, in the administration of the AKH Vienna and in other adventurous places on the road) - Since 2000 language course instructor for DaF/DaZ in Austria and abroad (Italy, Mongolia), 2005-2006 language course instructor for literacy at the VHS Vienna, 2006-2009 subject group leader and language expert for DaF/DaZ at the VHS Vienna, since 2004 active in teacher training (esp. Since 2004 active in teacher training (especially methodology/didactics in DaF lessons, differentiated teaching with and without textbooks, use of pictures in language lessons), since 2005 active as an author in the field of DaF (textbooks, teacher's manuals, exam preparation for all common exam formats in Austria A1-B1).
My teaching motto: Pick up the participants where they are. Make them aware of how much they can already do and not what they are still missing. Discovering and developing personal learning strategies together. And later let them successfully follow their individual "language learning path" all by themselves. And have fun at the same time! A great challenge for all teachers, but a wonderful one!

Dr Elisabeth Berger

Where I come from: I come from Upper Austria
My language skills: English, Spanish, Romanian, Italian (A2)
My educational background: Doctorate in literature, DaF/DaZ training, Resonanz/NLP training as a life and social counsellor
My professional career: DaF/DaZ trainer at Alpha, 5 years Austria lecturer at the university in Romania, 6 years owner and managing director of Sprachinstitut eloquent, lecturer at FH Burgenland since 2020
My teaching motto: Yes, we can do it! :)

Mag.a Ruth Bernardi

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: German, English (rudimentary: French, Dutch)
My educational background: Commercial College, Studies: German Philology, Political Science
My professional background: K & C corporate consultancy, ActiLingua, Cultura Wien, WIHOK/Language Center University of Vienna
My teaching motto: It's a new day. Every day!

Ines Birkhan, BA

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Mag.a Dr. Katalin Blasko

Where I come from: Hungary
My educational background: Studies of German and Hungarology at the University of Debrecen (Hungary) and the University of Vienna

Dr. Agnes Borbelyne Meszaros, MA

Dr. Judith Bösch

Woher ich komme: Lustenau, Voralberg, Austria
My language skills: German(mother tongue), French, English, Italian, Spanish
My educational background: Master's degree in German Studies with focus on DaF/Romance Studies (Vienna, Paris), Doctorate in Romance Studies (Vienna, Paris)
My professional background: 18 years of teaching experience in higher education, DaF, among others LBS, Vienna; Modul University Vienna, Diplomatic Academy Vienna, Universite Telecom Paristech, Goethe Institute Paris
My teaching motto: A new language is the key to a new world.

Mareike Boysen, BA

Where I come from: From the green and white football metropolis of Europe (Bremen)
My language skills: German, English, Spanish, receptive French and Low German
My educational background: Studied German, theatre, film and media studies and German as a foreign language/second language at the University of Vienna and University College London; trained as a speaker at the School of Speech
My professional career: Teaching GFL/German as a foreign language at various Viennese institutions since 2006, teaching internships in Havana, Cuba in 2012 and 2013, training examiners for the Austrian Language Diploma from 2012-2015; freelance journalist and lecturer in (sports) journalism at the University of Salzburg and FHWien

Katalin Butt-Pajorin

Where I come from: Baden-Württemberg
My language skills: German, Hungarian, English
My educational background: I completed my DaF/DaZ training in 2017 - since then I have been teaching (face-to-face
and online) with passion - building bridges and growing together!
My professional career: IP Centre, DeutschAkademie, Meridian, DeutschPlus
My teaching motto: "You have as many lives as you speak languages!"
Every new language is like an open window that opens up a new view of the world
the world and broadens the mind.

Irene Cañada Mullor, MA MA

Where I come from: Barcelona
My language skills: Catalan / Spanish (mother tongue), English, Italian, German and a little Russian
My educational background: I first studied classical singing, then discovered my love for the German language at the age of 31 and went on to study linguistics and German as a foreign language.
My professional career: I have been teaching singing, choral singing and foreign languages to professional singers all my professional life, and have been teaching German as a foreign language for almost 10 years.
My teaching motto: To speak a language well, you first have to speak it badly. But you have to speak it. There is no way around that. Mistakes are our friends - that's the only way to learn.

Dr. Adam Czartoryski

Where I come from: Poland
My language skills: Polish, German, English, a little bit of Russian and Slovak.
My educational background: University of Vienna: Diploma in Slavonic Studies, University of Rzeszow: MA German Studies & PhD Linguistics
My professional background: since 2017 teaching DaF/DaZ at private institutes in Austria and Poland (adult education), 2019-2022 research assistant in the field of German language at the University of Rzeszow (Poland), ÖSD examiner (A1-B1)
My teaching motto: Slowly and without stress we go forward.

PD Dr. habil. Silvia Demmig

Where I come from: From Linz and also from Thuringia, born in Kiel, for those who want to know where I "originally" come from :)
My language skills: German, English, French, Italian, basic knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish, Russian
My educational background: School, Matura, studies, doctorate, habilitation
My professional career: GFL*C teacher, lecturer in Paris, research assistant, visiting professor (e.g. in Vienna), university professor, French teacher, GFL*C teacher, hopefully soon a lecturer again and the whole thing all over again?
My teaching motto: Learn from each other. Everyone is an expert!

Aleksandar Djordjevic, BA

Mag.a phil Viktoria Luise Döberl

Where I come from: Steyr, Austria
My language skills: German, English, a little Russian
My educational background: Secondary school, studies: German philology and history
My professional background: INNES Institute Vienna, ActiLingua

Mag.a Elisabeth Duselag, BA

Where I come from: Styria
My language skills: German, Portuguese, Spanish, English and French
My educational background: Diploma in Romance Studies and Bachelor's degree in International Development at the University of Vienna, semester abroad at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, DaF training at the Goethe-Institut
My professional career: Teaching German as a foreign language at various institutes in Vienna since 2012, at Goethe Youth Courses and at the Austrian-Portuguese Summer College, conducting and supervising exams and training examiners at the ÖSD
My teaching motto: German is a fun language!

Mag.a Barbara Dvoran

Where I come from: I come from the second district in Vienna and have also lived in Lisbon and Palermo.
My language skills: German, English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and French
My educational background: I studied German language and literature with a focus on German as a foreign and second language and linguistics and passed C2 level exams in Portuguese and Italian.
My professional background: I have worked as a translator for international institutes and as an editor. In Austria and Italy, I have taught German at high school, in company courses and at faculties. I also write a blog on the subject of language in the daily newspaper "der Standard."
My teaching motto: Learning a language should be varied and enriching.

Oana Maria Eichinger, MA

Where I come from: Transylvania, Romania 
My language skills: Romanian, German, English, Norwegian, Spanish, French
My educational background: German, Scandinavian and Romance studies at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and at the University of Vienna.
My professional career: German teacher at the Language Center of the University of Vienna since 2017; German teacher at the Cultural Center Cluj-Napoca (Goethe Center cooperation partner) since 2021; Romanian language trainer since 2014; Romanian lessons in the Mother Tongue program at the Vienna International School and preparation for the IB.
My teaching motto: “Immerse yourself in the culture and speak the language to understand the language”.

Mag.a Selda Essenko

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Mag.a Gerlinde Farkas-Zehetner

Where I come from: Burgenland, Austria
My language skills: German, English, French, Hungarian
My educational background: Teacher training (history, Hungarian; supplementary studies: German, Jewish studies), life and social counseling, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, group psychoanalysis, coaching
My professional background: teaching at various public and private schools, at the Adult Education Center, at the Hungarian Embassy and at the University of Vienna; psychotherapist in private practice and at the Vienna Cancer Aid.
My teaching motto: As long as we keep learning, life is interesting.

Mag. phil. Mandoffane Faye

Where I come from: I was born in Dakar (Senegal) and have lived in Austria for many years.
My language skills: Serer (mother tongue), Wolof, French, German, English.
My educational background: Langue et civilisation des pays germanophones at the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, semester abroad at the University of Saarland, study of German and translation (German, French) at the Karl-Franzens-University Graz
My professional career: Teacher of German at the pre-study course of the Viennese universities, trainer for German as a foreign language / second language at Viennese adult education centers, German trainer, project coordinator at ibis acam Bildungs GmbH, ÖIF examiner
My teaching motto: Together on the way to language competence

Mag.a Martina Feichtner

Where I come from: Tyrol
My language skills: English and Italian
My educational background: Degree in Comparative Literature, GFL course, training as an ÖSD examiner
My professional background: GFL trainer and ÖSD examiner at the Austrian Institute (Rome), German lecturer and CLIL teacher for intermediate and advanced levels (Rome), GFL trainer in adult education (Vienna)

Mag.a phil. Barbara Fichtenbauer, MA

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: German, French, Spanish, English; basic knowledge of other languages.
My educational background: Diploma in French, Master's degree in Translation (German, French, Spanish)
My professional background: long-time trainer for DaF, freelance translator for German, French and Spanish as well as Easy & Simple Language; proofreader; ÖSD examiner
My teaching motto: 1. build bridges so that communication succeeds. 2. "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I may learn." (Benjamin Franklin)

Dr. Gottfried Fischer

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: I have dealt intensively with German and English. I can survive in Italian and Spanish. I have read a lot of Norwegian literature, and I have studied many living and extinct languages.
My educational background: I studied German and linguistics.
My professional background: DaF teacher at the Language Center and university lecturer for linguistics at the Institute for German Studies at the University of Vienna (focus on word formation)
My teaching motto: 1. practice, practice, practice! 2. repeat, repeat, repeat! 3. language learning is like swimming against the flow: If you want to get ahead, you have to work very hard, if you want to stay in the same place, you have to work hard, and if you stop, you are immediately driven back - unfortunately! 4. communicating in general and language learning in particular build bridges, broaden horizons, enrich people, give pleasure and are often very funny!

Kurt Freimüller

Where I come from: Gmunden (Upper Austria)
My language skills: French English, Italian
My educational background: University of Vienna: Philosophy/Romance Studies, Université de Bordeaux III: German Studies/littérature comparée
My professional background: French and German teacher
My teaching motto: I love teaching for my life!

Raphaela Freudenberger, BA

Where I come from:  I am from Lower Austria, but at home I am all over the world.
My language skills: My first language is German, but since childhood my heart beats for foreign languages. Even before my Russian A-levels, it was clear to me that I would study Russian more intensively after school. Besides German and Russian, English and B/K/S also play important roles in my life.
My educational background: After graduating from high school, I first started studying to be a teacher (Russian & German), but then I studied Slavic Studies at the University of Vienna and spent a semester abroad in Russia.
My professional background: after various internships in (adult) educational institutions in Austria and abroad and some stopovers at language schools, I have been working as a German teacher at the Language Center of the University of Vienna since 2016.
My teaching motto: Learn with all your senses!

Mag.a Evelyn Fux

Where I come from: Freistadt, Upper Austria
My language skills: German (mother tongue), English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
My educational background: Studies of German and Romance Philology at the University of Vienna and in Paris, furthermore completion of the module German as a Foreign and Second Language at the University of Vienna. Training as an adult educator.
Since 2002 I have been working as a German teacher and ÖSD examiner at adult education institutions in Vienna.
My teaching motto: Every new language is like an open window that opens a new perspective on the world and broadens one's outlook on life. (Frank Harris)

Denise Gensel, MA

Where I come from: Leipzig (Germany)
My language skills: Spanish, English, Turkish, French
My educational background: Bachelor's degree in German & Romance studies, bi-national Master's degree in German as a foreign language at the Herder Institute of the University of Leipzig& at the University of Guadalajara (Mexico)
My professional background: Teacher at the German School Oruro (Bolivia), one-year DAAD language assistantship at the University of Guadalajara (Mexico) and the Türk-Alman-Üniversitesi Istanbul, five years DAAD lecturer at the University of Sevilla (Spain)

Mag.a Susanne Gregor

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Mag.a Gabriele Gugerell

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Rita Hann

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Gabriela Hecher

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Hildegund Heczko, MSc MA

My educational background: History/German Studies; University Course in German; University Course in Journalism; Information Management Studies; European Studies Studies
My professional background: trainer for German as a foreign language; project management in the field of education; editor in daily newspaper and online editorial offices
My teaching motto: Learning is beautiful.

Where I come from: Wiener Neustadt, Austria
My language skills: German (first language), English (C2), Austrian Sign Language (B1), Dutch (A2), Turkish (A1), BKSM (A1)
My educational background: After graduating from a humanistic grammar school in Wiener Neustadt, I began studying for a bachelor's degree in educational science and German philology at the University of Vienna. I then moved to Graz to study for a Master's degree in Social Pedagogy, where I also trained as an interpreter for Austrian sign language. I am currently completing a Master's degree in German as a foreign and second language at the University of Vienna.
My professional career: After gaining teaching experience as a tutor for hearing and deaf students at the University of Vienna, I was given the opportunity to teach German as a foreign and second language in Istanbul after completing my Master's degree in Social Pedagogy. There I was able to teach German as a first foreign language at a Turkish school for two years. Inspired by this teaching activity, I then devoted myself more to adult education and was able to gain a lot of online teaching experience with over 700 lessons in the last few years. I also had the opportunity to teach German for six months at the university in Novi Sad, Serbia, where I gained a lot of teaching experience.
My teaching motto: Individualization in the classroom and taking into account the personal needs and interests of the learners helps to support and motivate them in learning German!

Mag. Martina Heuser, MA

Where I come from: Vienna / Carinthia
My language skills: German, French, English, Spanish
My educational background: Translator diploma for French and Spanish, Master German as a foreign and second language.
My professional background: language assistant in France, coordinator and translator in an international organization, since 2010 as a German teacher at VHS Vienna, Institute of German Studies at the University of Vienna, three years as a lecturer at a French university, since August 2015 at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.
My teaching motto: Language learning should be fun!

Mag. Dr. Katarzyna Ewa Hibel

Where I come from: Warsaw, Poland
My language skills: Polish, German, English, Hebrew, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian.
My educational background: Polish Studies, German Studies, Oriental Studies
My professional background: Polish trainer, German trainer since 2000
My teaching motto: Teaching and learning with enthusiasm

Mag. Maria Hirtenlehner-Weillechner

Where I come from: I was born and grew up in the mountains in Upper Austria.
My language skills: German (first language), French, English, Italian.
My educational background: Studies (Romance languages and literature, philosophy/psychology) at the universities of Vienna, Orléans, Amsterdam and Lille.
My professional career: After studying and working abroad, I began teaching German as a second language. I also worked professionally on the topics of migration, human rights, intercultural communication and multilingualism.
My teaching motto: A new language opens up new worlds. To do this, we not only need vocabulary, grammar and texts, but above all people with whom we can practise and communicate.

Juliane Hofer, MA

Where I come from: Augsburg (Germany)
My language skills: German, English, Spanish, Italian
My educational background: Bachelor's degree in "Translation Studies" (University of Heidelberg), Master's degree in "German as a Foreign and Second Language" (University of Vienna)
My teaching motto: To awaken curiosity about the unknown, to stimulate the desire to discover the language and to generate joy in learning and in one's own performance!

Mag. Walter Höggerl

Where I come from: Austria
My language skills: German, English, Bulgarian
My educational background: German studies and philosophy, training as a seminar leader in adult education, course in academic cultural management, certified Qigong trainer
My professional background: bookseller, adult educator, Austria lecturer in Sofia and cultural manager, German teacher, DaF trainer and Qigong trainer

Eva Huml, BA

My language skills: English, German, French, Italian, Bulgarian, Russian, Spanish, a little Arabic and Serbian.
My educational background: DaF/DaZ language trainer training ATi Vienna (2019), Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (2009); Teaching degree at the University of Bremen with English and French (2004-2006), Bachelor Music Academy Sofia (1993-1997) and postgraduate studies at the Richard Strauss Conservatory Munich (1998-2000).
Professional background: Teacher of English and German at the Language Center of the University of Vienna since 2013; trainer for in-house business and general English language courses (Wiener Linien, Coca-Cola, EVN, Vienna Airport, AMS, Symrise, etc.) since 2007, German teacher at BFI Vienna (2020-2021)
My teaching motto: structure, clarity and practice, practice, practice.

Dott.ssa Laura Isnenghi

Where I come from: Padua, Italy
My language skills: Italian (first language), German (second language - C2), English C1, Greek B1-B2, Spanish, French and Portuguese receptive A2-B2, productive A1, Croatian and Russian: basic knowledge.
My educational background: Studies in Literature + Classical and Byzantine Philology (University of Padua), research work as a doctoral candidate in the history of medieval mentality (University of Vienna and Athens), versatile training and further education in adult education as a group leader and language didactician, wba-certified and certified adult educator, trained classroom observer (also online), SAPA course as a further trainer of language course leaders, VHS course for DAZ/DAF course leaders.
My professional background: Italian course instructor and university lecturer, language didactic trainer for language course instructors, interdisciplinary classroom observer, expert for online teaching, DAZ/DAF course instructor.
My teaching motto: I have to believe in a method and identify with the didactic approach in order to use it successfully in class. And yet not every activity works in every learning group!

MMag. Katharina Kafka

My educational background: double degree in Scandinavian Studies and Musicology with German as a Foreign Language module at the University of Vienna and Stockholm, DaF internship abroad at Matej Bel University (Faculty of Economics) in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, archival internship and thesis research at Svenskt Visarkiv in Stockholm. Training as a Swedex examiner for A2, B1 and B2; advanced training for Swedish teachers abroad at Stockholm University (15 ECTS).
My professional career: Already during my studies I taught Swedish and DaF in adult education and Swedish tutoring at the Institute for Scandinavian Studies in Vienna. After graduation I worked as a Swedish teacher at the Scandinavian Studies Department of the University of Vienna. I also taught Swedish courses for the Austrian-Swedish Society, did translations, and now teach Swedish and German as a foreign language full-time, as well as coordinating German courses at the A-levels at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.

Mag.a Dr. Irmgard Kanwar

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Mag^a Almut Kleinhansl

Where I come from: Private sector and public service
My language skills: German, English, Italian
My educational background: AHS, degree in journalism, language course instructor
My professional background: Journalist, PR assistant, language teacher, dyslexia counsellor, adult educator, German trainer
My teaching motto: Success lies in joy and repetition. The secret lies in working together.

Mag.a Anita Klinglmair

Where I come from: Upper Austria
My language skills: German, French, English, Spanish
My educational background: Diploma in German, French speaker training
My professional background: DaZ trainer for many years in various institutes of adult education, e-learning tutor
My teaching motto: "A different language is a different vision of life." (Federico Fellini)

Mag.a Elisabeth Koger

Mag.a Natascha Kontny

Mag.a Rita Kreiss

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: German, French, English as well as basic knowledge of Italian and Spanish.
My educational background: Studies of Comparative Literature and French Philology in Vienna and Paris, DaF training at the Institute for German Studies at the University of Vienna
My professional background: internships in Austria and abroad, trainer at a language school in Vienna, holding courses in international companies. Since 2007 German trainer at the Language Center.
My teaching motto: Together we learn better - It is a special concern of mine to establish a good group atmosphere where weaker participants can benefit from stronger ones and motivation increases through fun and new friendships.

Dr. phil. Kurt Krottendorfer

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: German, English (B2), Spanish (A2)
My educational background: studies of German and theater, dissertation on Robert Musil's "Three Women"
My professional background: administrative and teaching position at the Language Center since 1985, part-time freelance editor

Mag. Ingrid Kschwendt-Michel-Bilgir

Where I come from: Vienna
My educational background: Translation studies at the Institute of Translation Studies at the University of Vienna as well as at the University of Lisbon; subsequent studies of German as a foreign language at the University of Vienna with stays abroad at the universities of Ljubljana, Slovenia and Amman, Jordan.
My professional career: Translator German/English in the economic field; since 1999 teacher (German and English) at various institutions for adult education as well as refugee aid in Austria and internationally (Bulgaria, Turkey). Since 2008 German teacher at the Language Center.

Mag. Kai Kugler

Mag.a Barbara Ladinser

Where I come from: South Tyrol, Italy
My language skills: German (mother tongue), Italian, English, French, Russian
My educational background: University of Vienna: Studies of German and Romance Languages. Postgraduate Center of the University of Vienna: Certificate course in Teaching German as a Second and Foreign Language
My professional background: Until my retirement I worked as a journalist in the foreign affairs department of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation.
My teaching motto: New languages, new friendships.

Mag. phil. Elisabeth Lang

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: German, English, Hungarian, some Italian, some Latin.
My educational background: Study of "Translation and Interpreting" at the Center for Translation Studies at the University of Vienna (German-English-Hungarian); elective course "DaF/DaZ" at the Institute for German Studies at the University of Vienna; five-month teaching internship at the Institute for German Studies at ELTE University in Budapest/Hungary
My professional background: teaching "DaF/DaZ" at various language schools in Vienna; teaching "English as a foreign language" at the JBBZ/Vienna; 6 years OeAD-lecturer at the Department of German Studies at the West Hungarian University in Szombathely/Hungary; teaching in the German course at the Center for Translation Studies at the University of Vienna; teaching at the Language Center of the University of Vienna
My teaching motto: "Teaching does much, but encouragement does everything" (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

Sarah Leonte, BA

Where I come from: (Upper) Austria
My language skills: German, English, French, Romanian fluently
My educational background: Studies of Romance languages and literature, university course "German as a second language"
My professional background: Voluntary social year in the care of refugees and migrants,
German language training at a language institute in Vienna
My teaching motto: Together we discover how beautiful language learning can be!

Valentin Leonhard Liszt, MA

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: German, English, Portuguese, Spanish (very good knowledge); ÖGS, French, Italian, Russian (basic knowledge).
My educational background: BA Linguistics; BA Transcultural Communication; MA Translation - Technical Translation; Goethe-Institut - DLL Standard (advanced course for German as a foreign language)
My professional background: Support for people with cerebral palsy at KOMIT GmbH; German teacher at LOQUI Language and Education Institute; German teacher at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil; freelance translator, copywriter and subtitler
My teaching motto: It is especially important to me to create a pleasant and communicative atmosphere in my classroom. The more comfortable the students feel in class and the better they know each other, the less they are afraid and the more they dare to learn the language not only analytically, but above all practically.

Mag.phil. Christine Lomis

Where I come from: Schwarzwald, Germany
My language skills: German, English, French
My educational background: Diploma in German/Anglistics at the University of Vienna, DaF course at the University of Vienna, training as DaF/DaZ language course instructor in the Association of Viennese Adult Education Centers, ÖIF examiner, ÖSD examiner
My professional career: individual and group lessons in various projects, companies and institutes (Verein Grenzenlos, Mama lernt Deutsch, ibis acam, UniCredit Bank Austria, Erste Bank der österreichischen Sparkassen, Mondi Group ...), since 2011 at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.

Sabine Malicha, BA

Where I come from: Austria (Carinthia)
My language skills: German (mother tongue), English (C1), French (A2), Italian (A1)
My educational background: Grammar school, University of Graz, University of Vienna
My professional career: Alongside my studies, I taught German as a course leader in a Slovenian/Italian - Hermagoras - language school for the first time on a regular basis, then and in parallel as a private tutor. After a long period of employment in the arts/cultural sector, I returned to teaching in 2014 after taking parental leave and graduating from university and have been working enthusiastically as a course instructor / DazDaF teacher in several institutes and language schools ever since.
My teaching motto: Obstacles and difficulties are steps on which we climb upwards - and when we enjoy learning, climbing is much easier. (loosely based on F. Nietzsche)

Raphael Martin, MA

My language skills: English (C1/C2), Spanish (B2/C1), French (B1/B2), Russian (A1), German (mother tongue) 
My educational background: Master's degree in DaF/DaZ, University of Vienna
My professional background: Several years of experience in the GFL context, OeAD lecturer at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico
My teaching motto: It is important to me to give impulses for reflection, whereby familiar perspectives can be turned upside down and questioned.

Angelika Meinhardt, Academically certified translator

Where I come from: Burgenland and Vienna
My language skills: German (mother tongue), English and French, Hungarian
My educational background: Interpreting and translation studies for French and Hungarian at the University of Vienna, branch translators
My professional background: Working as a translator and language teacher in Vienna and Budapest, DaF teacher in adult education and for students in various language institutes (BFI, ÖOG). Since 2010 working as a German teacher at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.
My teaching motto: Strengthen confidence in the language to be learned.

Igor Miksche, BA

Where I come from: Salzburg / Austria
My language skills: German, English
My educational background: Participation in the "Lernen macht Schule" project, DaF/DaZ study supplement, employment at VHS Salzburg
My professional background: Mülln primary school, Michaelbeuern private secondary school, BORG Oberndorf - Matura, University of Salzburg - Bachelor's degree in German Studies
My teaching motto: Teaching is communicative exchange that is fun.

Yuliya Moessmer, MA

Where I come from: I have been living and working as a German teacher and language diagnostician in Vienna for about twenty years, but I was born in Ukraine.
My language skills: Therefore, I understand many Slavic languages, speak English and have learned a little Spanish. My working language, which I also teach, is German.
My educational background: I studied German language and literature at the University of Vienna and graduated with an MA in DaF/Z.  
My professional career: As a teacher, I have been cooperating with various language schools in Vienna for years, where I have led and conducted numerous courses as well as individual lessons.  These include Das Sprachenstudio, VHS Wien, Sprachfactory, Sprach.Kult, EDUstream, Language Center University of Vienna.
I also work as an examiner and language diagnostician for ÖSD and ÖIF.
My teaching motto: Lifelong learning - TOGETHER and FROM EACH OTHER

Mag. Lydia Moschinger

Where I come from: Lower Austria
My language skills: German, English, Polish
My educational background: Diploma degree in German Studies, History and Theater Studies as well as 24-hour module German as a foreign language/second language at the University of Vienna, certificate course "Auslandslektorat. Further qualification for university lecturers" at the Postgraduate Center of the University of Vienna
My professional background: since 2012 teaching German as a second language and German as a foreign language in various adult education institutions in Austria and abroad, GFL internships in Abakan (Russian Federation) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), university lecturer in Warsaw (Poland); many years of board work for the ÖDaF (budgeting, funding, accounting); teaching in the training and further education of teachers in Austria and abroad (BFI Vienna, BFI Upper Austria, Culture and Language, OeAD); IDT 2022: Head of the didactic workshops and member of the participation support concept group; psychosocial counselor iAuS

Mag.a phil. Maria Moser

Where I come from: Upper Austria
My language skills: German, English, Spanish, French, Estonian, Czech
My educational background: studies of German language and literature, political science, DaF/DaZ in Vienna and Santander, Spain
My professional background: Teaching internships and research stays in various European countries, then lectureship at the Universities of Tallinn/Estonia, Oxford/UK, Bratislava/Slovakia as well as teaching and research activities at national and international institutions in the field of DaF/DaZ, e.g. Evangelischer Flüchtlingsdienst, VHS, Diplomatische Akademie Wien, Goethe Institut, Österreich Institut, ÖSD, BMuKK); currently working in Vienna as DaF/DAZ teacher and in teacher training.
My teaching motto: Learning in a group together with others is the most fun! :)

Sabine Müllauer, BA

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: German, English, basic knowledge of Italian, French and ÖGS.
My educational background: German studies, DaF/DaZ training

Mag. phil Barbara Müller, MSc

Where I come from: Waidhofen/Ybbs (Lower Austria)
My language skills: German, Russian, English, Hungarian
My educational background: Diploma studies in Russian and Finno-Ugristics in Vienna and St. Petersburg; further education in German as a foreign language in Vienna; Master studies in language support and clinical linguistics in Salzburg
My professional background: teaching experience in German as a foreign language since 1998 in Austria, Hungary, Russia and Ukraine; at the Language Center since 2009

Peter Natter, certified translator

Where I come from: Germany
My language skills: German (native speaker), English, Spanish, French and basic Bulgarian.
My educational background: Diploma in Translation (Spanish and French) at the University of Saarbrücken, Germany (1998); University Certificate in German as a Foreign Language at the University of Saarbrücken, Germany (1998); Multiple Teaching Credential (teaching qualification for elementary schools in California) at the National University San Diego (2008)
My professional background: Trainer for German as a Foreign Language at the Carl-Duisberg-Centren in Saarbrücken, Germany (1998); Lecturer for German as a Foreign Language at the University in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria (1999-2000); Language Trainer for German as a Foreign Language at the VHS and at the University of Applied Sciences in Saarbrücken, Germany (2001-2005); Elementary School Teacher at a bilingual school in San Diego, California, USA (2006-2009); since 2010 Trainer for German as a Foreign Language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna, Austria.
My teaching motto: Learning German is a serious thing that should be fun.

Mag. art. Doris Neidl

Where I come from: I come from Upper Austria
My language skills: English, French, Italian (basic knowledge)
My educational background: Studied painting and graphics, postgraduate course in cultural management, DaF/DaZ training
My professional career: DaF/DaZ trainer since 2012 
My teaching motto: "Nelson Mandela once said: "If you speak to a person in a language they understand, it goes into their head. If you speak to him in his language, it goes to his heart." He was so right. When you make the effort to speak someone else's language, even if it's just a few simple sentences, you're telling them, "I understand that you have a culture and identity that transcends me." (Trevor Noah)

Mag. Verena Ngantchun

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: German, English, French, Spanish and a little bit of one or the other.
My educational background: Sociology and Political Science at the University of Vienna, Goethe DaF advanced training Methodology & Didactics
My professional background: My love for people, cultures and languages led me to the world of language schools, where I first organized courses, advised participants on course selection and trainers on classroom management. At that time I could not imagine teaching myself. German grammar seemed much too complicated to me. It wasn't until I took some time off and traveled around the world that I realized that teaching languages was my dream and that with enough courage I could take on this task.
My teaching motto: German language difficult language, but with courage and motivation quite simple!

Vera Maria Omari, BA

Mag.a Anna Pawluk

Mag.a Birgit Pedevilla Auer

Where I come from: South Tyrol, Italy
My language skills: Italian, English, French, Arabic
My educational background: Diploma studies in Cultural and Social Anthropology in Vienna, Palestine and Yemen; Master studies in German as a Foreign Language at the University of Vienna
My professional background: 7 years as a flight attendant for Austrian Airlines; teaching at the University of Jordan, at the Goethe-Instituts Amman and Ramallah
My teaching motto: No grammar, no fun!

Mag.a Eva Perdacher, MA

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: German, English, Greek
My educational background: After graduating from high school I studied archaeology and history, DaF/DaZ course. Master's degree in German as a Foreign and Second Language at the Institute for German as a Foreign and Second Language at the University of Vienna.
My professional career: teaching German in integration courses ("Mama learns German") and in adult education at various institutes in Vienna, since 2012 working at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.
My teaching motto: Learning from each other and with each other.

Mag.a Sibylle Pitschl, MA

Where I come from: South Tyrol, Italy.
My language skills: German, Italian, English, French, Spanish.
My educational background: Translation studies in Vienna and Geneva, Management College at the
Wifi Vienna, Master's Degree in German as a Foreign and Second Language
at the University of Vienna.
My professional career: International project management in the translation industry,
Assistant to management and human resources in the
energy industry, German language teaching in language schools, companies and
for integration courses.
My teaching motto: Languages are best learned with all the senses.

Monika Poschner

Where I come from: Place of birth: Erlangen/BRD
My language skills: Native German speaker; teaching qualification in German and English; I also speak Portuguese
My educational background: Matura at BG 13, Fichtnergasse; teacher training programme in German/English at the University of Vienna
My professional career: After graduating, I spent two years in London; taught German at the Goethe-Institut there and at various adult education institutes; most recently taught at Wiedner Gymnasium/Sir Karl Popper School until I retired; immediately afterwards, I worked as a lecturer at the Institute for English and American Studies (Literature for English Teachers); currently teaching German to Ukrainian secondary school pupils at Parhamer-Gymnasium, 1170 Vienna
My teaching motto: Knowledge gives freedom!

Ina Rager, MA

Where I come from: Linguistically Upper Austria, at home in Vienna
My language skills: First language German; English, French, Spanish
My educational background: Certificate as a language course instructor for GFL/German and basic education at VWV; Writing Pedagogy course at Boes; Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English/American Studies at the University of Vienna; training as a mentor for academic writing at the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Vienna, certificate course for children's and young adult literature at STUBE.
My professional career: Trainer for DaF/DaZ and basic education since 2004 with employment at various institutes, in projects in basic education, in the adult education initiative and at the summer school of the University of Vienna. Writing mentor, course leader for creative writing and writing coach.
My teaching motto: Cooperative learning with humour is my motto

Lic. Nele Rampart, MSc

Where I come from: Antwerp, Belgium
My language skills: Dutch, German, English, French
My educational background: 2006-2012: master course in supervision, coaching & OE (ARGE Bildungsmanagement Wien); 2006-2009: course in German as a foreign language, level 2 (VWV Wien); 1990-1994: master course in Dutch and German philology + teacher training (Universiteit Antwerpen)
My professional background: since 2021: teacher of German as a foreign language (WU Vienna, University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Language Center of the University of Vienna); since 2006: trainer for German as a second language (e.g. bfi Vienna, Interface); 2007-2021: lecturer for Dutch language at the University of Vienna; 1999-2006: head of Dutch language studies at Masarykova Univerzita Brno; 1996-2002: lecturer for Dutch language at Karl-Franzensuniversität Graz
My teaching motto: You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself. (G. Galilei)

Heike Reimann, MA

Where I come from: Berlin
My language skills: German, French, English and Spanish
My educational background: Studies in German as a foreign language/second language at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland; studies in interpreting and translation at TH Köln, Germany; specialist trainer in adult education, Vienna; learning coach, dyslexia and dyscalculia trainer (BFI Vienna)
My professional background: Interpreter and translator in Switzerland, GFL/GFL teacher (children's and youth courses) in Geneva and Vienna, GFL trainer in integration courses in Vienna
My teaching motto: Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I might remember it. Let me do it and I will be able to do it. (Confucius)

Mag.a Stephanie Reisinger

Mag.a Ursula Reitner

Mag. Dr. Barbara Rieger

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: German (mother tongue), English, Italian, French, Slovak.
My educational background: Studies of history and German language and literature as well as doctoral studies at the University of Vienna. Further education in German as a foreign language (DaF).
My professional background: Teaching experience: university lecturer in Slovakia and Ireland, course instructor for DaF at various institutions in Vienna. Since 2002 at the Language Center.

Dr. Anneliese Rieger-Roschitz

Where I come from: From Lower Austria
My language skills: German (first language), English (excellent), French (advanced) and Chinese (advanced)
My educational background: Degree in Philosophy and German Studies at the University of Vienna, doctoral studies at Andrássy University Budapest
My professional career: Kindergarten teacher since 2008, lecturer in German studies abroad since 2015, most recently OeAD lecturer in Taiwan and Ireland.
My teaching motto: Every language - a new world; quickly learned when diligence is combined with humor.

Nina Rottmann, BA

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Mag.a Chiara Rudel

Mag.a Martina Ruf

Where I come from: Vienna
My educational background: Studies in English & American Studies and German as a Foreign Language/Second Language at the University of Vienna and University of Nottingham/UK. Research stay at UC Santa Barbara/USA. ÖSD + Goethe-Zertifikat examiner license.
My professional career: Group leader in international youth work. OeAD internship at the University of Tallinn/Estonia.
Goethe-Institut youth program. OeAD lecturer at Queen Mary University of London. Project assistant at the Austria Institute Vienna.
Since 2009 at the Language Center.
My teaching motto: "A foreign accent is a sign of bravery." & "Everyone smiles in the same language."

Mag. Hannelore Scattolin

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: English, Italian, Spanish
My educational background: Translation Studies English/Italian at the University of Vienna, 3 years of study at Sussex University in Brighton, UK. Completed 4 years of training at the Viktor Frankl Institute as a speech therapist.
My professional background: Lecturer for German as a Foreign Language at the University of Vienna since 1965 and Lecturer for Business German at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration. Lecturer for Business English and Business Italian at banks and various companies. Translator for English and Italian at various embassies.
My teaching motto: With joy to a correct German, English and Italian.

Doris Schneider, BA MA

Where I come from: Upper Austria
My language skills: German, Spanish, English
My educational background: Studied Art History (University of Vienna, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain), Master's degree in German as a foreign and second language (University of Vienna)
My professional career: Teacher of German as a foreign/second language at various language schools in Vienna since 2014

Mag. Dr. Frank-Rüdiger Schnell

Where I come from: Was a German citizen until 1977 because parents are from Germany; have been an Austrian citizen since 1977
My language skills: German (mother tongue), Portuguese first foreign language, English, French, Italian, Turkish, Spanish and some Modern Greek.
My educational background: grammar school Amstetten, tourism school Krems (graduated 1983); in Brazil Portuguese-English undergraduate studies (University of the Methodists Piracicaba 1990-1993), Masters (Applied Linguistics/Intercultural Communication - UNICAMP Campinas 1994-1997, graduation 1997); Doctorate (Applied Linguistics/Intercultural Philosophy) at the University of Vienna 1997-2006, PhD 2006).
My professional background: In Brazil: teaching at various language institutes and companies (English, German, French and Portuguese as a foreign language), various translation jobs 1987-1997; in Austria: lecturer for German as a foreign language (Language Center / Innovation Center of the University of Vienna) since 1998.
My teaching motto: The teacher is also a student.

Mag.a Larysa Schober

Where I come from: My roots are international, so I am a typical Viennese
My language skills: English, some Modern Greek, Russian and Ukrainian (approx. A2)
My educational background: Studies at the UNI Vienna, research assistant at the UNI Vienna
My professional background: teaching at home and abroad (New York, Quito, Karachi - teacher training) Vienna: AMS, BFI, VHS, AHS in Vienna, individualization and differentiation, learning coaching, LOB, method training, supervising teacher, since 1979: at the language center
My teaching motto: For me, teaching means constant, joint action on a basis of mutual trust.

Mag.a. Gabriele Schöffmann

Where I come from: Graz, Austria
My language skills: German, English, French
My educational background: Studies (teaching profession: French, History) at the University of Graz; training as a certified ÖSD examiner; training as a certified ÖIF examiner; DaF/DaZ course for teachers at the BFI (Vienna)
My professional background: Long-term employment as a trainer for German as a foreign language at a language school in Vienna; work as an examiner for ÖSD and ÖIF
My teaching motto: Learning with and from each other in a pleasant atmosphere. Discovering language, opening up new possibilities.

Mag.a Nicole Schramm

Where I come from: Vorarlberg, Austria
My language skills: German, English
My educational background: German philology studies with focus on German as a foreign language (DaZ/DaF)
My professional background: Since 1993 German trainer at various institutions, e.g. Helping Hands (ÖH), Peregrina Women's Counseling Center, VHS Galileogasse and Brigittenau, bfi, Cultura Wien, Austrian Orient Society, Mentor, Language Center of the University of Vienna

Arjola Schratt, MA

Woher ich komme: Shkodër, Albanien
Meine Sprachkenntnisse: Albanisch, Deutsch, Englisch, Italienisch
Mein Ausbildungsweg: Lehrgang „Deutsch als Fremdsprache“ und Masterstudium Germanistik an der
Karl-Franzens-Uni Graz; Schulungen für ÖSD-Prüfende
Mein beruflicher Werdegang: Lehrbeauftragte bzw. Lektorin am Germanistikinstitut an der Uni Shkodër,
Übersetzerin und Dolmetscherin an der Frauenorganisation „Woman to
Woman“ in Shkodër, ÖSD-Prüferin bei ÖSD-Albania
Mein Unterrichtsmotto: „Unterrichten liegt mir am Herzen.“

Mag.a Elisabeth Schütter

Where I come from: Langenwang, Styria
My language skills: German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Tunisian Arabic. I am also learning Italian, Turkish and Armenian
My educational background: Diploma degree in teaching (Spanish, history and civic education), currently studying for a Master's degree in DaF/DaZ
My professional background: Teaching as a GFL* teacher at a secondary school in Vienna; GFL teacher at the University of Manouba in Tunis, Tunis; OeaD foreign lecturer at Brusov University in Yerevan, Armenia; ÖSD examiner

Mag. Dr. Christa Schwab

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: French, English, Spanish, basic knowledge of Croatian/Bosnian.
My educational background: Studies of political science and combination of subjects at the University of Vienna
My professional background: Language assistant for German in England and France; lecturer at the Faculty of German Studies in Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina; editor at the Austria presse Agentur in the foreign policy department; assignments as election observer for the EU and OSCE in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America; German as a Foreign Language (DaF) trainer at various language institutes in Vienna; since 1998 German as a Foreign Language trainer at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.

Mag.a Helene Schwaiger

Where I come from: From the beautiful Salzkammergut region of Austria
My language skills: German, Spanish, English; basic knowledge of Portuguese, Catalan, Italian and BKS.
My educational background: Studies in Romance languages and literature (focus on Ibero-Romance languages) and diploma studies in teaching at the University of Vienna, Erasmus studies in Barcelona, further education in DaF/Z, ÖSD examiner license
My professional background: DaF foreign lectureship at the University of Sarajevo, teaching at various Austrian and German language institutes, since 2022 language teacher at the WU Business Language Center as well as at the Language Center of the University of Vienna
My teaching motto: Awakening curiosity and joy in discovering the language

Mag. phil. Slavica Serdar

Where I come from: Croatia
My language skills: German, Croatian, English, French
My education: Commercial Academy Krems, diploma studies in translation and interpreting at the Karl-Franzens-University Graz, university course German as a foreign and second language in Graz
My teaching motto: Perseverance is rewarded sooner or later - but mostly later.

Christina Serebrennikov, BA MA

Where I come from: From the green heart of Austria - Styria
My language skills: As a native speaker of German, I have a charming touch of the Styrian dialect in addition to the standard language. My English reaches an advanced level of C1 to C2, I also have a solid command of French at C1 level and have begun to deepen my knowledge of Spanish at A1/A2 level. In addition, I have acquired basic knowledge of Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) at A1/A2 level and have a basic knowledge of the Russian alphabet.
My educational background: My interest in languages led me to a Bachelor's degree in Translation Studies (English and French) and a subsequent Master's degree in Dialogue Interpreting and Translation for English at the University of Graz. I also studied in Brussels at the Saint-Louis Université as part of the Erasmus program. I have also completed further training in the field of German as a foreign and second language (DaF/DaZ), including courses offered by Caritas and training courses from publishers such as Cornelsen and Hueber. My language teaching skills are characterized by an integrative and needs-oriented teaching approach that also takes cultural specifics into account.
My professional background: As a translator and interpreter for many years, I have extensive experience in language teaching. I have special expertise in teaching German to DaF/DaZ children and as a trainer for adults in this field. During my year in public institutions, I had the opportunity to gain a wealth of experience and valuable insights. I also work as an ÖSD examiner.
My teaching motto: Language shapes realities and builds bridges that weave together the shores of our experiences and perspectives.

Lic. José Simão Mértola, MA

Where I am from: Lisbon, Portugal
My educational background: licenciatura in German and Portuguese language and literature at the Universidade de Lisboa (2001); trainer training for Portuguese as a foreign language at the CIAL Institute Lisbon (2003); DaF teacher training at the Goethe Institute Lisbon (2005); master's degree in German as a foreign and second language at the University of Vienna (2012).
My professional background: German and Portuguese trainer at the Language Center of the University of Vienna (since 2006); special courses for German learners (theater, 2008-2009 & poetry slam since 2012) at the Language Center of the University of Vienna; language projects (e.g. German at Five) in the libraries of Vienna (since 2008); Portuguese courses for various companies (Magna Steyr, Siemens Austria, Andritz Group) in Vienna.
My teaching motto: There are no real mistakes, only experiences from which we can learn.

Mag.a Magdalena Simmerer, MA

Where I come from: Born in Vienna, grew up in Lower Austria
My language skills: German, English, French; basic knowledge of Spanish, Greek and Farsi; a few words in Arabic
My educational background: Diploma in Comparative Literature, Master's degree in German as a Foreign and Second Language (University of Vienna)
My professional career: DaF internship abroad at the University of Pune (India), DaZ trainer in the Start Wien - Das Jugendcollege project, basic trainer at Interface Wien
My teaching motto: "If you don't make mistakes, you can't learn." (Moshé Feldenkrais)

Benedikt Stain, BA

Where I come from: Vienna 
My language skills: German, English, French, Spanish
My educational background: Studied cultural and social anthropology, DaF/DaZ certificate course (University of Vienna)
My professional career: Teaching at various language institutes in Vienna since 2019
My teaching motto: All things are difficult before they are easy. (Thomas Fuller)

Dominik Stelzl, MA 

Where I come from: Styria, Austria
My language skills: English, Portuguese, Spanish, a little Italian
My educational background: bachelor's degree in Transcultural Communication with German, Spanish and Portuguese, master's degree in Global History and Global Studies, training as a certified ÖSD examiner.
My professional background: language assistant in Spain (2016/2017), since 2017: teaching at the VHS Donaustadt, at the Wiener Lernhilfe, at the Language Center of the WU and the University of Vienna (2022), working as an ÖSD examiner.
My teaching motto: Mistakes are also something good and help learning. But if you are afraid of making mistakes, you will not learn.

Mag. Sandra Stift-Nzekwu

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Mihaela Stollhof, MA

Where I come from: Bulgaria
My language skills: Bulgarian, German, Swedish, English, Danish and a little Russian.
My educational background: Bachelor's degree in Scandinavian Studies at the Universities of Sofia, Unversität Wien and Umeå, Sweden (2009-2014); Master's degree in German as a Second and Foreign Language at the University of Vienna (2013-2016); teaching internship at the Goethe-Institut, Bratislava (2014); SI seminar for Swedish teachers on the island of Tjörn, Sweden (August 2016)
My professional career: Swedish teacher, VHS Polycollege, Vienna (2013-2015); tutor for Scandinavian literature and for German as a second and foreign language, University of Vienna; from 2014.
Swedish and German teacher at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.
My teaching motto: In foreign language teaching, everything is allowed that promotes foreign language acquisition.

Maria Szobek, MA

Where I come from: Lower Austria
My language skills: Spanish and English
My educational background: I studied English and History at teacher training level and a Master's degree in German as a Foreign and Second Language.
My professional background: I have taught German in Spain and Mexico, currently I teach German in Vienna and online.

Mag.a Martina Szüsz

Where I come from: From the cozy Burgenland
My language skills: German, English, French, Italian
My educational background: Diploma in Law; Cambridge English Language Teaching for Adults; University of Vienna - certificate course DaF/DaZ teaching
My professional background: law intern; university assistant; staff member + head of legal department media RTR-GmbH; Österreichische Orient-Gesellschaft Hammer-Purgstall; Berufspädagogisches Institut der ÖJAB; INNES Institute Vienna; Theresian Military Academy
My teaching motto: For me, teaching means trusting in the miracle of learning and strengthening the learners' confidence in themselves. My main task is to help people to open up to a new world and to face its challenges.

Andreas Terkl, MA

Mag. Petra Theobald

Where I come from: Vorarlberg, Austria
My language skills: German, English
My educational background: German philology studies with focus on DaZ/DaF
My professional background: Since 1993 German trainer at various institutions, e.g. Helping Hands (ÖH), Peregrina Women's Counseling Center, VHS Galileogasse and Brigittenau, bfi, Cultura Wien, Austrian Orient Society, Mentor, Language Center of the University of Vienna

Dr. Gabriele Thomson-Wohlgemuth

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: German, English, French, Latin
My educational background: teaching (English, music), translation studies (Mag. and PhD), piano and recorder (Vienna Conservatory of Music)
My professional career: teaching (English, music, piano, recorder), founding and managing a music school, moving to Great Britain, teaching there (DaF), moving back to Vienna: still working as DaF trainer
My teaching motto: Organization and consistent action are important - but don't forget humanity and humor :).

Mag.a Andrea Tögel

Anna Trójniak, MA BA

Where I come from: Poland
My language skills: Polish, German, English, BKS, French, Russian
My educational background: Matura, BA in Language, Culture, Translation at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, MA in Translation at the University of Vienna.
Additional qualifications/ further training: Examiner licenses ÖIF, ÖSD; literacy, gender & diversity.
My professional background: Completed an additional module in foreign language pedagogy during my studies. In addition to my studies, I held courses for exchange students. Created grammar exercises/tasks for an online learning platform. Internship in foreign language didactics, tutor
Active in adult education since 2010: Lecturer, examiner, learner assessor.
My teaching motto: An appreciative learning atmosphere, a goal in mind and fun in learning are the right way to success.

Natalia Turczynska-Williams, MA

Where I come from: Vienna, Austria
My language skills: German, Polish, English, Russian
My educational background: Bachelor's degree in Slavic studies (Russian), Master's degree (DaF/DaZ)
My professional background: since 2015 German trainer at various institutions of adult education in Austria, internship abroad in Ulan-Ude (Burjatien, Russian Federation)

Mag. Walter Türk

Where I come from: Carinthia, Austria
My educational background: studies of German and communication sciences at the University of Vienna.
My professional background: After several years of freelance journalistic work at the Austria Presse Agentur, I have been a teacher at the German courses of the University of Vienna since 1991. In addition, regular German trainer at various integration institutions in Vienna and the surrounding area.

Mag. Felix Untersmayr

Where I come from: Linz, Upper Austria
My language skills: Spanish, English, Italian
My educational background: Teacher training at the University of Vienna (German, Spanish, Psychology & Philosophy), focus on DaF/Z, training as ÖSD examiner
My professional background: Teaching at various language schools in Vienna and Berlin, at the Free University of Bozen/Bolzano and at the Language Center of the University of Vienna
My teaching motto: From wanting to be able - because what you like to do, you do well.

Mag.a Brigitta Vavken, MA

Where I come from: born and went to school in Vienna. Life stations: New York, Cairo and Salzburg, further professional activities in Canada, Moldova, Slovenia and Turkey.
My language skills: German, English, French. Basic knowledge of Russian and Turkish
My educational background: Studies of German Philology with focus on DaZ/DaF at the University of Vienna. Master's degree in Gender Studies with a focus on Linguistics and Philosophy also at the University of Vienna.
My professional background: teaching in secondary schools/ commercial academies (BHS), as well as 17 years in adult education.
My teaching motto: "The joy of learning creates lasting success".

Mag. Ulrich Viehweider

Mag.a Doris Wackerle

Where I come from: Bregenz, VLBG and a little bit from everywhere.
My language skills: German, English, French and a gram of Finnish
My education: High school - University of Innsbruck, study visit in Finland, "trial year" in Vienna

Mag. Nora Wanka

Where I come from: I have previously worked at various language institutes (Weltsprachen, Deutschothek, Milingua, CIB, Team Ledl, Meridian, Sphinx Lingua)
My language skills: German (first language), English (C1), French (B2), Arabic (A2), basic knowledge of Italian, Swedish, Russian
My educational background: Studies in linguistics and journalism, DAF/DAZ module at the Institute of German Studies, various further training courses in the field of DAF/DAZ, ÖIF certification, ÖIF A1 examiner license
My professional career: DAF/DAZ trainer at various adult education institutes since 2014, courses at all levels and in various formats (grammar courses, conversation courses, intensive courses, integration courses, ÖIF courses, etc.)

David Weidinger

Where I come from: Vienna/Mistelbach, Austria
My language skills: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Russian.
My educational background: Studies of Arabic and Oriental Studies as well as Philosophy at the University of Vienna; DaF/DaZ training at BFI Vienna.
My professional background: Since 2019, teaching German, English and Spanish at the language institute TU'ES (Tausend Und Eine Sprache).
Translations from and into German as part of my work for the art foundation T-B A21.
My teaching motto: Learning a language means integrating it into your life and everyday life.

Mag. phil. Pia Weninger

Where I come from: Although I was born in the mountains in Hall in Tirol, I was socialized in Vienna. I still love Vienna - despite some great stays abroad. *+*
My language skills: German - mother tongue (C2), English - C1, French - A2, Italian - A1
My educational background: 2009 - 2016: Teaching degree in Philosophy/Psychology & German Philology @ University of Vienna (Austria)
2012 - 2013: Erasmus student of Philosophy @ University of Heidelberg (Germany)
My professional career: 2022 - current: German trainer @ Ipcenter. Space for Education (Vienna)
2018 - 2021: University Teacher in German @ Cardiff University (Wales, Great Britain)
2016 - 2017: Lecturer & German teacher at the German Department @ University of Debrecen (Hungary); in cooperation with the "Austrian Exchange Service" (OeAD,Vienna)
2014 - 2015: Foreign language assistant in German @ Bristol Red Maids Secondary & Bristol Grammar School (England, Great Britain); in cooperation with the "Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research" (BMBWF, Vienna)
My teaching motto: "Let's find as many analogies to & in the German language itself as the *stuff* will hold!" *+*

Mag.a Barbara Wild

Teacher of German as a foreign and second language at the Language Center of the University of Vienna for many years

Mag.a Vanessa Winkler

Where I come from: Vienna
My language skills: Besides German and English, I also speak some Russian and have some basic knowledge of Czech. Currently I am learning Spanish.
My educational background: I studied German and Psychology/Philosophy at the University of Vienna and additionally completed the 24-hour module DaF/DaZ.
My professional background: From 2018 to 2021 Program Manager at the Postgraduate Center, University of Vienna.
Currently: teaching at the Vienna Adult Education Centers, at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and at Webster Vienna Private University, lecturer for methodology for online teaching at the Postgraduate Center, University of Vienna, lecturer at the Center for Translation Studies, University of Vienna.
My teaching motto: Learning a new language means discovering a new world.

Mag.a Katalin Wirker-Dobány, BA

Where I come from: born in Pécs (Hungary), grew up in Burgenland, live in Vienna.
My language skills: Hungarian, German, Italian, English, French
My educational background: Studies at the West Hungarian University of Szombathely (German language and literature with specialization in 'contrastive linguistics' and teaching German/Italian); Teacher training (Hungarian and German) at the University of Vienna with additional training in German as a foreign and second language.
My professional background: language trainer (Hungarian) at the Summer College Szombathely (2011, 2012, since 2016) Since June 2015 language trainer for German and Hungarian at the Language Center of the University of Vienna.
My teaching motto: Discovering together opens up new worlds for all of us

Dr Karin S. Wozonig, PhD

Where I come from: Graz, Styria, Austria
My language skills: German (mother tongue), English, French
My educational background: Studied Comparative Literature, German Studies/DaF and English Studies in Vienna and Los Angeles, PhD in "Modern German Literature"
My professional career: Lecturer for "German Language and Literature" and course leader for GFL at the University of Ústí nad Labem (Czech Republic), Bremen University of Applied Sciences and the Hamburg Conservatory

Linda Zacharias, BA

Where I come from: Graz (Austria)
My language skills: English and German
My educational background: Bachelor's degree in "Educational Science" (University of Vienna), in the final stages of my Master's degree in "eEducation" (FernUniversität Hagen), diploma in "Mental Training".
My professional background: I have been working as a German teacher since 2016. The love for language and teaching led to my Instagram profile "german_with_joy", where I am a content creator. Before that, I worked in the educational field with children. This approach still shapes my very playful way of teaching today.
My teaching motto: What you like to do, you do well! It is therefore important to me to create a motivating learning environment that ensures the joy of learning.

Mag.a Sonja Zaytsev

Where I come from: Klagenfurt
My educational background: studies of Arabic language and literature
My professional career: DaF trainer since 1999

Mag.^a Heike Ziehr

Where I come from: Europe
My language skills: German, English, a little Russian
My educational background: Humboldt University Berlin, University of Vienna: Pedagogy & German Studies
My professional background: since 1991 teaching DaF/DaZ at private institutes, AMS and VHS for adults and young people, for diplomats (e.g. the former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon), specialization in pronunciation and test preparation (ÖSD), in pedagogical leading position since 2005
My teaching motto: The best way to learn a language is to fall in love with it.