For many foreign residents, learning German is essential for work – but the tax office doesn’t always see it that way. As a result, language lessons often fall into a confusing grey area when it comes to claiming deductions.
Tom Pugh - tom.pugh@thelocal.com
Updated: Thu 4 Jun 2026 16:04 CET
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German learning resources at a language school. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Arne Dedert
For many foreign residents, learning German is essential for work – but the tax office doesn’t always see it that way. As a result, language lessons often fall into a confusing grey area when it comes to claiming deductions.
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