For the first time, Ukrainian is being introduced as a second foreign language in German schools. 

In Hesse, Ukrainian is introduced as a second foreign language in the school curriculum. It is the first German federal state to take such a step.

Ukrainian as a second foreign language: what does it mean?

Studying the Ukrainian language as a foreign language involves the use of a special methodology. Students will start learning from the basics: the alphabet, basic dialogues and phrases. This training is aimed not only at Ukrainians, but also at children from mixed families, for example, Ukraine + Georgia, as well as at Europeans interested in learning the language.

How to apply?

Not all students will be able to start studying Ukrainian as a second foreign language from the fall of 2024. The project includes three groups of children:

1. Schoolchildren who have finished the 6th grade and are entering the 7th grade.
2. Schoolchildren who have completed the 8th grade and are entering the 9th grade.
3. Schoolchildren who have finished the 10th grade and are entering the 11th grade.

Eighth graders can join classes designed for seventh grade. This opportunity is available to both Realschule and gymnasium students.

Which schools participate?

Not all schools in Hessen introduce the Ukrainian language into the curriculum. So far, only 24 schools across the country have expressed their willingness. The list of schools can be expanded depending on the number of willing students. Children have the right to attend Ukrainian lessons in other schools, if their educational institution does not offer such lessons. Groups will consist of 10-16 students. If there are more applications, additional groups will be created or classes will be opened in other schools. If necessary, a school bus will be provided, especially for small settlements.

List of schools

The list of schools in Hessen, which will introduce Ukrainian as a second foreign language from the fall of 2024, will be published later and may be updated depending on the number of applicants.

1. Schiller School Frankfurt
2. Goethe-Gymnasium Bensheim
3. Elly Heuss School Wiesbaden
4. Freiherr vom Stein School Fulda
5. Humboldt School Bad Homburg
6. Herder School Giessen
7. Alexander von Humboldt School Lauterbach
8. Georg Christoph Lichtenberg School Kassel
9. Gutenberg School Wiesbaden
10. Hessenwaldschule Weiterstadt
11. Marienschule Limburg
12. Alfred Wegener School Kirchhain
13. Albert Schweitzer School Offenbach
14. Ludwig Geißler School Hanau
15. Max Planck School Rüsselsheim
16. Friedrich-Dessauer-Gymnasium Frankfurt
17. Käthe Kollwitz School Langenselbold
18. Berthold Brecht School Darmstadt
19. Melibokusschule Alsbach-Hähnlein
20. Ricarda Huch School Dreieich
21. Max Beckmann School Frankfurt
22. Schwalmgymnasium Schwalmstadt
23. Copernicus School Freigericht
24. Alexander von Humboldt School Viernheim

This list can be updated depending on the number of applications and the readiness of other schools to join the project.

Why did Hessen decide to implement such an initiative?

1. Integration of Ukrainian refugees: Because of the war in Ukraine, many Ukrainian families were forced to move to Germany. The introduction of the Ukrainian language will help the integration of Ukrainian children into the local educational system, preserving their cultural identity.
2. Support of the Ukrainian community: There are a significant number of Ukrainians living in Hesse, and this initiative is a way to support and strengthen the Ukrainian community by providing opportunities to learn the native language.
3. Increasing cultural understanding: Learning the Ukrainian language will help German children understand the culture and history of Ukraine, which will contribute to the development of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
4. Educational innovations: Hessen has always strived to be at the forefront of educational innovation. The introduction of the Ukrainian language as a second foreign language is another step in the direction of diversification and enrichment of educational programs.
5. European values ​​and solidarity: This initiative demonstrates solidarity with Ukraine and support for European values, such as respect for cultural diversity and support for democratic principles.
6. Demand among students and parents: The authorities of Hessen also took into account requests from parents and students who expressed interest in learning the Ukrainian language. This shows a real need and support from the local community.