German integration courses, aimed at helping migrants and refugees settle into their lives in Germany, are focusing their lessons around Christmas in the run-up to the holiday.
In the Bavarian city of Nuremberg, teacher Daria Semlali explained German Christmas traditions to a group of migrants who hail from countries all over the world including Syria, Poland, Iraq and Iran.
Semlali explained the significance of Stollen, a fruit and marzipan cake that is eaten in the Christmas period, as well as other customs including Christmas markets, mulled wine and fruit bread.
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The integration courses are organized by the Federal Agency for Migration and Refugees and can be attended by any EU citizens voluntarily, but some non-EU citizens are required to take the courses if their German is not at a high enough level.
Benjamin Beckmann, from the Federal Agency for Migration and Refugees, said the courses have changed to meet the requirements of the influx of refugees Germany welcomed from Syria in 2015
The integration course typically consists of a 600-hour language course and a 100-hour orientation course, which covers topics like German history, the judicial system, social values as well as German holidays.
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