Working in Bolzano: Do you need to know German?
Working in Bolzano can be an excellent opportunity, but it's important to know that knowledge of the German language is often a fundamental requirement.
Private sector: A competitive advantage
In the private sector, knowing German is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended, especially in sectors in close contact with the public, such as tourism, commerce, healthcare, catering and services. In many job advertisements it's specified "knowledge of German language preferred" because a significant part of the population speaks German as their first language.
Public sector: Mandatory bilingualism exam
In public competitions and public administration jobs, however, knowledge of German is mandatory. To demonstrate it, you must take and pass the bilingualism exam, managed by the Bilingualism Exam Office of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.
The exam is divided into different levels (A2, B1, B2, C1), depending on the type of employment you're applying for. It covers both written and oral comprehension and production, and is conducted for both official languages of the province: Italian and German.
Useful information
- It's possible to prepare for the exam by attending specific courses offered by language schools and local public institutions.
- Registration for the exam takes place online through the official portal of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.
- There are exemptions in special cases (for example, those who attended schools in German or Italian may automatically have a certain level recognized).
Knowing German in Bolzano is not just a work requirement, but also represents a gateway to the culture and local daily life. Investing in learning the language can open up many more opportunities for you, both professional and personal.