Mastering the language barrier: your key to success for care abroad

Foreign country, foreign language - what now? Language is a key factor for quality and trust in care. But what happens if the caregiver and the person in need of care don't speak the same language? The answer: misunderstandings, uncertainty and sometimes even health risks. Especially for nursing staff who are brave enough to leave their home country and gain a professional foothold in a new country such as Austria or Germany, the language barrier is often the biggest hurdle. These barriers not only affect the Communication with the people being cared for, but also with doctors, colleagues and relatives.

This article shows you how to overcome language barriers in nursing practice - with real examples, practical tips, tools and targeted language support. You will see: With noracares at your side, you will not only find the right job, but also the support you need for successful communication. Because at noracares, we connect caregivers directly with families so that open and honest communication is possible right from the start.

The power of language in nursing: More than just words

Language enables us to do so much. It is the gateway to understanding, trust and interpersonal closeness. In care, it is a powerful toolthat, when used correctly, can achieve great things. But what happens when we reach our limits in terms of language and understanding? What impact does this have on us and our lives, and above all - how can we change everything for the better, increase our understanding of a foreign language and thus significantly improve our career and earning opportunities?

Language barriers in care are no longer an exception - they have long been part of everyday life. Especially for Caregivers from abroad this means: high pressure, uncertainty and sometimes the feeling of not being enough. But at the beginning there is often just one dream: to help people, to be there for others - no matter in which country.

But language is more than just grammar and vocabulary. It is the key to trust, dignity and connection. And that is precisely why it is so important to find ways to overcome these barriers - together.

Language barriers in everyday care: Where they are particularly critical

Linguistic misunderstandings can have serious consequences in care. Here are the areas where they are particularly critical:

Real experience: Livia between language barrier and vocation

Livia's dream since childhood was to work in Austria, just like her cousin. She grew up in a small village in Romania with two younger brothers. In this family structure, it was obvious that she would take over the care of her bedridden grandfather. She fulfilled this task with love and dedication. As a result, Livia soon decided that she wanted to pursue a career in the care sector.

So she began training as a nurse at the age of 17. After graduating, she worked in a retirement home in Romania and looked for a foster home in Austria on the side. At the age of 25, Livia was given her first opportunity to care for an elderly lady in Vienna. Just 1 week later, she said goodbye to her family and friends and set off for Austria full of anticipation.

On arrival in Vienna, she realized that her knowledge of German was not as good as she had thought. The old lady was very nice, but communication between the two of them was difficult. Livia was desperate! How was she supposed to do her job well and successfully if no one understood her and she too reached her limits with every second word?

The demand for nursing staff from abroad is constantly growing. The majority of those already employed in Austria come from countries such as Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Poland. The biggest hurdle to overcome for all those concerned is the Language barrier. Not speaking the same language is often a major obstacle for both caregivers and those in need of care.

Better language skills: Why they are so important

Although Livia was a good student in math, she has never had an easy time in English or German. In order to pass her language exams, she always had to study more than her classmates. In Vienna, her difficulties with German made her feel very lonely. The long conversations she knew from caring for her grandfather were not possible due to the communication difficulties with the elderly lady. Livia was happy when they managed to explain the most important, basic things to each other. Communication with the elderly lady's family also became increasingly difficult. Although the relatives had been very patient and accommodating so far, Livia had noticed the growing resentment of her actual clients.

Just as Livia had misjudged her own language skills, the family also assumed the wrong things. Classifications of language skills in A1 or B1 are far too imprecise parameters in the care sector. Experience and a large, care-relevant vocabulary are the cornerstones that come into play here. This is the only way to ensure a well-functioning exchange of information with relatives and the responsible doctor on the one hand and to guarantee active communication between the nursing staff and the person being cared for on the other. As the caregiver is usually the most important person for the person being cared for, this social contact is immensely important for the person being cared for in order to prevent loneliness or social isolation.

But it is not only for the person being cared for and their relatives that the language skills of the care staff have a very direct and important impact. Better language skills also change many things for the nursing staff themselves. Two aspects in particular should be emphasized here:

1. Better earning potential: First of all, this pragmatically results in better earning opportunities. The elderly lady's family has also already decided to pay less attention to costs in future and more to the linguistic suitability of the care staff. Livia has also offered her services more cheaply this time. Because she knows that every day, every experience, every word she learns will be worth hard cash for her in the future.
2. Building a private network: Secondly, this opens up better opportunities for them to build up a functioning private network and environment at their new place of work. Spending the little free time you have in the course of 24-hour care with like-minded people in as relaxed a manner as possible lets you forget the problems of everyday life for a short time and recharges your batteries.

Concrete solutions: How to overcome language barriers in care

Livia was very happy to have found her job. Accordingly, she was looking for ways to improve her German quickly and effectively. During her research, she came across a language café that offered German courses. She was very excited when she attended the meeting at the language café for the first time. She really liked it there, which is why she decided to attend the language afternoons regularly. Her German language skills improved noticeably and she also managed to make new friends from other countries.

After 3 months, she understood her patient better, was able to communicate with the family - and gained confidence. Her story stands for many.

Learning a new language is always a big challenge. It has been proven that children find it much easier to learn a foreign language than adults. In children's extremely receptive brains, the synapses required to learn a new or additional language are formed much more quickly. The challenge is further increased by the time required for learning. The language level is divided into a sequence of letters and numbers. If you are learning a language for the first time, you are initially graded below A1. As your language skills increase, you move up through the levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. Those who have reached level C2 speak the language at native speaker level.

There are people with better and there are people with worse cognitive prerequisites for learning new languages. However, this does not mean that people who are not well equipped cannot learn foreign languages. Everyone has different talents and so there are some people who learn more easily and others who need to invest more time. The following applies: only practice makes perfect. To keep the learning process as fast and efficient as possible, it is particularly helpful to classify yourself into one of the four known learning types.

What type of learner am I?

As already mentioned, we differentiate between four learning types: the visual type, the auditory type, the haptic type and the communicative type. By classifying yourself into the right learning type, you can optimize your own learning behaviour and thus learn significantly faster and more efficiently.

Learning types and effective learning methods

In order to learn a new language quickly and efficiently, it is helpful to know your own learning type. That way you can adapt your learning strategy to suit you. Here is an overview of the four main learning types and the effective methods that suit them:

What are the options for learning languages?

One thing is certain: the best way to learn languages is by speaking them. The best way to do this is with people who are native speakers or fluent speakers. In the beginning, it is often difficult to communicate in a new language, which is why, in addition to all other efforts, you should also get books that explain the vocabulary and grammar of that language. This is because grasping the written word and spelling are also important milestones in the targeted learning of a foreign language.

Effective methods and tools for language learning

Learning a new language requires commitment, but the right tools and methods can make the process much easier. Here you will find an overview of proven approaches to help you improve your German language skills for everyday care:

Which of these methods best suits your learning style? By combining different approaches, you can optimize your learning process and make faster progress.

Communication despite the language barrier: tips for everyday life

Even if you don't speak perfect German yet, there are many ways to avoid misunderstandings and establish good communication:

• Speak slowly and clearly: Clear pronunciation and simple sentence structures help enormously.
• Use gestures and facial expressions: Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool to support what is being said.
• Repeat important statements: If you are unsure whether something has been understood, repeat it in other words or ask.
• Please provide feedback:Question directly: "Did you understand that?" or "Can I explain that to you again?".
• Use visual aids: Picture cards, nursing vocabulary cards or simple drawings can be very helpful to explain terms.
• Build trust: Show empathy and patience. An empathetic caregiver often recognizes needs through observation and reactions, even when words are lacking.

Employers & institutions: Their role in language promotion

Employers and care facilities also have an important responsibility to break down language barriers and promote the integration of care workers from abroad:

• Provide training on intercultural communication: This not only helps foreign colleagues, but also German-speaking colleagues to interact better with each other.
• Provide interpreters or digital tools: For particularly critical situations or educational conversations, professional translators or special apps can build a bridge.
• Support with course registrations and certifications: Financial or organizational support for attending language courses is an investment in the quality of care and employee satisfaction.
• Create an open corporate culture: Encourage exchange and the willingness to learn from each other. At noracares, we place great importance on fostering a sense of family and belonging among our customers and team members. Our corporate language reflects warmth, inclusivity and approachability while ensuring consistency across all our communication channels.

External help & resources: Your way to better German language skills

There are numerous trustworthy contact points and resources that can support you on your way to better German language skills in the care sector. Whether you are working in Austria or Germany, these services will help you to communicate confidently and competently.

For information on anti-discrimination in the health and care sector, the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency offers important information. Especially for care workers in Austria, the Language Portal Austria - German for Care Workers is a valuable resource that is tailored to the linguistic needs of everyday care work. Innovative visual communication aids can be found at the Bern University of Applied Sciences - Talking Pictures Project, which can help you to make yourself understood even without many words. For in-depth scientific insights into care and communication, the ZHAW - Pflege & Kommunikation studies offer interesting findings.

If you are looking for structured language courses, the WIFI Austria - language courses in Austria are an excellent choice. In Germany, the renowned Goethe-Institut known for its high-quality German courses, which often include special modules for healthcare professions. KERN AG also offers language courses that are tailored to the needs of nursing staff and can prepare you for relevant language certificates (telc).

Use these resources to specifically improve your German and feel even more confident in everyday care!

Nursing doesn't need perfect language, it needs heart! Leaving home and starting all over again is never easy. This is usually compounded by a different culture and a language that you don't understand well. Caregivers from abroad undeniably achieve a lot. They have to perform under the pressure of finding their way alone in a new country, in a new environment. Like Livia, they leave their family and friends behind and move to a new country. But there are many ways to learn a new language. The most important thing is to find the right learning method. Of course, you also need to engage with the learning material on a regular basis.

Yet - the best way to learn a language is by speaking it, whether alone or with other people at the beginning. Even if the (foreign) language is incomprehensible at the beginning - don't give up! With regular practice, you will speak the language faster than you think.

Language barriers are real - but they can be overcome. With patience, practice, digital tools and the right attitude, you can provide good, trustworthy care even without perfect German language skills. Because in the end, it's not just about words - it's about understanding and the heart you put into your work. Keep at it. You are not alone. And you can do it.

• A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2: These are the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They describe language skills from beginner (A1) to native speaker level (C2).
• Anamnesis:The targeted questioning of a patient by medical staff to gather medical history, current complaints and other relevant information for diagnosis and treatment.
• Audit learning type:A type of learner who absorbs and processes information best by listening, e.g. by reading aloud.e.g. by reading aloud, voice recordings or discussions.
• BFH project "Talking Pictures": A Bern University of Applied Sciences project that develops visual communication aids to bridge language barriers in the healthcare sector.
• CareTranslate: A special translation app tailored to the needs and vocabulary of the care and healthcare sector.
• Goethe-Institut: A globally active cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany for the promotion of the German language abroad and international cultural exchange. Offers language courses and examinations.
• Haptic learner type: A type of learner who learns best by touching, trying things out and being active. Practical exercises and role-playing games are ideal for this type.
• Communicative learner type:A type of learner who learns best through conversations, discussions and exchanges with others. Explaining and arguing helps him to internalize what he has learned.
• Care Interpreter: A term that refers to assistive technology (e.g. books or apps with picture cards).A term that refers to aids (e.g. books or apps with picture cards and vocabulary) that facilitate communication between caregivers and patients with language barriers.
• Synapses: contact points between nerve cells that are responsible for the transmission of information in the brain. During learning, new synapses are formed and existing ones are strengthened.
• WIFI: Abbreviation for Wirtschaftsförderungsinstitut. The economic chambers in Austria offer a wide range of training and further education courses under this brand, including language courses.
• ZHAW: Abbreviation for Zurich University of Applied Sciences. It conducts studies and research in the field of health, including communication in care.