Teaching Democracy: The Role of the German Orientation Course for Refugees from Authoritarian Regimes

Abstract

To support immigrants in becoming familiar with German culture and politics, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has developed the so-called orientation course, the final course module of the integration course, a German language and culture class consisting of 700 teaching units. Given that many participants come from authoritarian regimes, this course often represents their primary - if not only - exposure to political education in the context of democratic values. This article examines the legal and structural framework, curriculum, and teaching materials of the orientation course to assess its effectiveness in fostering a democratic culture. The analysis reveals that structural contradictions and deficits - both within and outside the course - hinder the internalization of democratic principles. These limitations create a paternalistic environment that is incompatible with fostering self-reliance and democratic engagement.