"'Language is the key to integration'
Spiegel Online's Anna Reimann interviews Armin Laschet, North Rhine-Westfalia's Minister for Generations, Family, Women and Integration.
Mr Laschet, do you believe that being compelled to speak German, as has been introduced at a school in Berlin, helps foreigners to integrate?
I believe that knowledge of the German language is the key to integration and to success both at school and in a future profession. The advantages of the Berlin school's rule are that it was developed by pupils, teachers and parents working together, and that the pupils themselves are very satisfied with it, because they know that speaking correct German increases their opportunities. Therefore I find this approach very good."
More:Expatica's German news in English: 'Language is the key to integration'