Older refugees find hope and struggle in a Berlin German classroom

Every Thursday morning, a small group of older refugees gathers at Berlin's Villa Lützow community centre for a German language class. Mostly in their 40s to 70s, these learners—many from Syria—face unique challenges as they rebuild their lives in Germany. For some, the path to citizenship has been long and difficult, while others struggle with the emotional toll of leaving family behind.

The class is led by retiree Barbara and instructor Kerem Kayi, with eight regular attendees. Among them is Feryal Berghli, 72, who has been learning German for about a year and is now one of the more fluent speakers. She finds adapting to German culture easier now than when she was younger but still struggles to form close friendships with locals her age.

Elham Zahlouk, 65, also attends the lessons. Once an engineer in Syria, she now works as a kitchen assistant in Germany. She and her husband, Nadem, had hoped to move earlier to continue their careers, but delays left them waiting years for stability. Their son's wife and daughter remain stranded in Syria, a separation that weighs heavily on the family.

Nadem Jamal recently received his German classroom citizenship documents after a five-year wait. Older refugees like him often face extra hurdles, including financial demands and strict language requirements. Official figures show that only around 7% of newly arrived refugees in 2018 were over 45, with just 1% over 60, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). While 83,150 Syrians were naturalised in 2024—up from over 75,000 in 2023—no data breaks down how many were older adults.

The German language class at Villa Lützow offers more than just lessons—it provides a space for older refugees to connect and share their experiences. For many, citizenship remains a distant goal, while others, like Nadem, have finally secured their status. Yet the emotional and practical challenges of starting over in a new country persist, especially for those separated from family.