Modern languages at LFV

Learning French

At the Lycée Français de Vienne, French is not merely a subject: it is the language of everyday life, of expression and academic achievement.
As part of the AEFE network, we place French at the heart of all learning, from science to history. This constant immersion develops our pupils' intellectual agility and mastery of both spoken and written French. Thanks to our passionate teams, we nurture multilingual, critical and open minds. Thinking, debating, acting: here, French is the gateway to achieving every ambition

Learning Native German - From Kindergarten to High School

Austrian education in native German

The Austrian curriculum is intended for students of Austrian nationality as well as non-national students who have demonstrated a sufficient level of proficiency in German (native language, passing a level test or teacher recommendation). Classes are taught in native German bei teachers from the Bildungsdirektion Vienna and strictly follow the Austrian educational curriculum.

The cultural agreement between France and Austria defines teaching in native German as follows:

• Native German language lessons (4 to 6 hours per week)

• Austrian history and geography lessons in native German from CM2 onwards (1 to 2 hours per week)

• At the end of 3ème, pupils take two oral exams: one in native German and one in Austrian history and geography.

• In Terminale, they take the Austrian high school diploma exams and are awarded the “complementary” Matura. They will thus benefit from a double diploma, one French and one Austrian.

• Religion classes. Depending on their declared religious affiliation, Austrian pupils attend religion classes (1 to 2 hours) in native German. This religious education is compulsory for Austrian pupils who are registered as having a religion, but families can withdraw their children from these classes by submitting a simple written request at the beginning of the school year.

The following classes are currently offered at the LFV from CP onwards: Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim religion from CP to CM1.

Austrian pupils without a declared religious affiliation can register in writing at the beginning of the school year for one of the religious education classes with the teachers from the Bildungsdirektion Vienna.

• Matura – Austrian High School Diploma - Cultural agreements between France and Austria define the conditions for obtaining the “complementary” Matura. “Complementary" exams:

  • one written exam in native German

  • two oral exams

    • in native German,

    • in Austrian history or geography.

The complementary Matura is valid under the following conditions:

• successful completion of the examinations;

• all marks for the individual Matura examinations are positive.

Marks in native German are taken into account for the French Baccalauréat:

• marks achieved at the Matura examinations,

• marks achieved in continuous assessment in 1ère and Terminale.

Learning German as a second language

Pupils whose education is not based on the Austrian curriculum take German as a second language classes tailored to their skillslevel. 

From 2nde onwards, they can take the ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom, Austrian German Language Diploma), organised outside school, for certifying their skills and competences in German, particularly necessary if their aim is to study in Austria or another German-speaking country later on.

The English department at the Lycée Français de Vienne cultivates multilingualism and intercultural openness in a resolutely international environment. In Vienna, a strategic hub for diplomacy and the global economy, proficiency in English is a key academic skillset. 

A Differentiated and Demanding Education

Our English teaching is delivered by an experienced and committed team and is adapted to a wide range of linguistic profiles.

• In middle school: Organisation into skill groups (Standard and Advanced levels) provides tailored guidance, ensuring smooth and ambitious progress for each student.

• In high school: Building on a common core, teaching practices are differentiated. They stimulate autonomy and encourage students to fully engage with mastering the language.

Culture and Analytical Thinking

Learning English also means decoding the world. Through the study of authentic documents, literary masterpieces and contemporary themes, our students develop their critical thinking skills and acquire a solid understanding of English-speaking societies.

For students wishing to extend their studies, the department offers the ELCE (Foreign Language and Culture Education) option. This course reinforces language proficiency while exploring historical and cultural challenges of the English-speaking world.

By placing the focus on individual students at the heart of its programme, the English department confidently prepares high school students for future academic achievements and successful international mobility.

A path starting in 5ème

Unlike the traditional French curriculum, where the third modern language (LVC) begins in 2nde, our school offers spanish course starting in 5ème. This unique programme allows our students to reach a level close to that of a second modern language (LVB) by the end of their schooling.

Spanish as optional subject

• 3 hours per week

• Small groups and aligned timetables to encourage oral expression and level-based groups.

• Assessment: The marks obtained in this optional subject are taken into account for the Baccalauréat from 1ère onwards.

• Weighting: This choice determines the expectations (according to the European Framework) and the weighting of languages (LVA, LVB, LVC) for continuous assessment.

• Specialised subjet: Our school does not offer the Language Litterature and Culture Spanish specialisation, but students can enrol via the CNED (French remote learning center). The costs are to be covered by the Student's families.

DELE certifications (Instituto Cervantes)

• We strongly encourage our students to take the official DELE certifications. These diplomas are a major asset for Parcoursup applications, international universities and future CVs.

• Preferential rates: The school is eligible for a discount (from 10% to 30% depending on the number of candidates).

• Recommended levels:

  • A2/B1 escolar: ideal after 3ème.

  • B2: for advanced level.

  • B2/C1 escolar: new format available from 2026.

Organisation: Teachers communicate the registration procedures each year (May or November sessions). The written exams take place at the School in Radetzkystraße 2A, 1030 Vienna, and the oral exams at the Cervantes Institute in Vienna.

The Lycée Français de Vienne offers Arabic language classes from 5ème to Terminale, as part of its commitment to cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Both an ancient and modern language, Arabic belongs to the Semitic language family and is now the fourth most spoken language in the world, with over 400 million speakers in more than 60 countries. Learning Arabic allows students to discover a language with a unique writing system and structure, as well as a rich vocabulary.
Teaching is based on Modern Standard Arabic, the common language of the Arab world, while raising students' awareness of the diversity of dialectal variants, which reflect the cultural richness of Arabic-speaking societies.

Arabic is taught in more than 170 schools in the French education network worldwide and is becoming increasingly popular. The Lycée Français de Vienne is fully committed to this trend, offering students a challenging language programme and a better understanding of contemporary cultural and international issues.

The International Section in German at the Lycée Français de Vienne is aimed at curious, motivated pupils who wish to deepen their mastery of the German language while fully embracing the cultures of German-speaking countries.

It is a challenging and stimulating pathway to excellence, ideally preparing pupils for subsequent integration into the French International Baccalaureate (BFI) programme.

A programme for committed students who are passionate about languages

Open to students of non-Austrian nationality upon application, the SI is aimed at students who:

• are motivated to learn German and open up culturally,

• have sufficient linguistic autonomy to express themselves spontaneously in both spoken and written German (approximately B1 level),

• are ready to commit to an ambitious programme.

Why choose the International Section?

The International Section offers:

• intensive and in-depth practice of German,

• the opportunity to develop a love of reading, debating and expressing oneself in an authentic, idiomatic and vibrant language,

• solid cultural background, promoting open-mindedness and intercultural understanding,

• progressive and consistent preparation for the French International Baccalauréat (BFI).

• a recognised and valued academic path with a view to higher education.

Practical details

• Tuition fees in International Section (2026-2027): €600 per school year from 6ème to 2nde.

• Application: applications must be submitted by April at the latest, using a form written in German, to the teachers.

French International Baccalauréat (BFI)

Academic standards, linguistic excellence, international perspective: the French International Baccalauréat at the Lycée Français de Vienne is an ambitious programme for curious, committed and forward-looking students and a decisive advantage for international higher education. 

The Lycée Français de Vienne offers a trilingual programme:

• French, language of reflection and analysis

• German (Modern Language A), taught at the highest level (target C1/C2)

• English (Modern Language B), reinforced in terms of language, culture and literature (target B2/C1)

• Options in Modern Language C (Spanish, Arabic, etc.) may be continued.

The BFI promotes:

• Better integration into French and international universities

• A solid international cultural background

• Intellectual autonomy and the ability to express oneself with ease, both orally and in writing

Who is it for?

• Students of non-Austrian nationality

• Strong language skills at the end of 2nde

  • German: B2 required

  • English: B1+ required

• Strong motivation and desire to commit to a demanding programme.

Please note: the BFI is not compatible the specialised subjects Language Litteratures and Cultures in German and in English, nor with preparation for the complementary Matura.

Application

• Application form to be submitted by the end of March

• Oral interviews in German and English (April–May) to assess motivation, project and proficiency level

Investing in excellence

BFI tuition fees 2026–2027: €900 per school year.