German/French Language Support: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how children with non-native language backgrounds can access extra language lessons at school to help them succeed in their studies.
This scheme provides additional language instruction within the school system for children who do not speak the primary language of their classroom as their native tongue.
Who it's for
This support is specifically designed for children who have non-native language backgrounds. It is intended for students who may find it difficult to communicate or understand instructions because the language used in the classroom is not the language they speak at home.
What you get
Students can receive extra language lessons at school to help them better understand their subjects and participate in classroom activities. These sessions are intended to bridge the communication gap so that a child can follow along with their peers. Depending on the specific needs of the student, these lessons may be referred to by local terms such as Soutien linguistique or DaZ.
What it costs you
This service is provided free of charge to families. There are no fees for the extra lessons or the specialized instruction provided by the school boards.
The catch to know
While many parents may view this as an optional tutoring service, it is often mandatory. If a child is struggling to follow the standard school curriculum because of their language level, the school may require them to participate in these sessions as a formal part of their educational path.
How to apply
- Discuss your child's language development and classroom performance with their teacher.
- Request a meeting with the local school board to understand the specific support options available for your child's situation.
- Complete any necessary assessments required by the school to determine the level of language instruction needed.
- Work with the school to integrate these extra lessons into your child's regular school schedule.