Learning German in Germany: levels, integration courses and certificates
In German: Deutsch lernen (Integrationskurs, Sprachzertifikat)
Required for some permits, permanent residence and citizenship; recommended for everyone.
Who needs it
Speaking German is recommended for everyone who lives here. For some legal steps, a certificate at a specific level is mandatory.
Levels (CEFR)
German law uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR, in German GER). The Residence Act gives each level a legal name (§ 2 AufenthG):
| Level | Legal term | Roughly means |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | einfache Kenntnisse (basic) | Simple phrases, introduce yourself |
| A2 | hinreichende Kenntnisse (elementary) | Routine everyday situations |
| B1 | ausreichende Kenntnisse (sufficient) | Handle most daily life, work and offices |
| B2 | gute Kenntnisse (good) | Follow complex topics, work fluently |
| C1 | beherrscht (proficient) | Near-professional use |
Which level for which step
| Step | Level usually required |
|---|---|
| Spouse joining a partner (family visa) | A1, with exceptions (for example spouses of Blue Card holders) |
| Opportunity Card | A1 German or B2 English |
| Permanent residence for Blue Card holders | A1 (27 months) or B1 (21 months) |
| Permanent residence, general rule | B1 |
| Citizenship | B1 |
| Studying in German | Often C1 (set by the university) |
When
Start early. Moving from zero to B1 usually takes many months. Test dates can fill up weeks in advance, and you need the certificate in hand when you apply for permanent residence or citizenship.
What you need
To join an integration course you need:
- a Berechtigungsschein (certificate of entitlement) from the Ausländerbehörde, or
- approval from the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) after you apply, or
- a referral from the job centre, if you receive citizen's basic income
How to do it
1. Check if you can join an integration course
The Integrationskurs is run by the BAMF through local course providers.
- Entitled or obliged: most non-EU citizens who received a residence permit for work, family or humanitarian reasons after 1 January 2005 and live here long term. The Ausländerbehörde may also oblige you to attend if your German is weak.
- Admitted on application: EU citizens, Germans with language needs and others can apply to the BAMF. There is no legal right, and admission depends on free places.
2. Understand the course
A general course has 700 lesson units: 600 units of language and 100 units of Orientierungskurs (orientation on law, history and society). Special courses (for example with literacy training) can have up to 1,000 units.
It ends with two tests:
- the DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer), which certifies A2 or B1
- the "Leben in Deutschland" test on life in Germany
Passing B1 and the orientation test gets you the Zertifikat Integrationskurs. This proves both B1 German and knowledge of Germany for permanent residence.
3. Find a provider
Search for course providers near you with BAMF-NAvI. Bring your Berechtigungsschein or approval to the provider.
4. Other options
- Volkshochschule (VHS): public adult education centres in almost every town. Courses are usually affordable. Find your local one via volkshochschule.de.
- Deutsche Welle: Germany's public international broadcaster offers free online German courses for several levels.
- Goethe-Institut: Germany's publicly funded cultural institute runs paid courses and exams worldwide.
- Private schools and apps: see our comparison of language courses.
What happens afterwards
Your certificate is your proof. Keep the original safe. Offices usually want to see the original and keep a copy.
Certificates offices commonly accept
- DTZ (from the integration course): A2 or B1
- telc Deutsch exams (for example telc Deutsch B1)
- Goethe-Zertifikat (A1 to C2)
- TestDaF: for university admission, B2 to C1 level
- ÖSD (Austrian German Language Diploma)
Common problems
Can I get the integration course for free?
You can apply to the BAMF for an exemption if you receive citizen's basic income, unemployment benefit or social assistance, or have a low income. Employees below an income limit can also be exempted.
I'm an EU citizen. Can I join an integration course?
You can apply, but you have no legal right to a place. The BAMF decides based on your German level, integration needs and free places.
Does an online certificate count for my permanent residence?
Only certificates from a recognised exam taken under supervision count. Certificates of completion from apps or online courses usually don't.
I failed the B1 part of the DTZ. What now?
You get an A2 certificate if you reached that level. You can apply to the BAMF to repeat up to 300 lesson units once.
Costs
The integration course costs €2.29 per lesson unit, or €1,603 for a full general course of 700 units. You pay per module of 100 units. If you pass the final test within two years of receiving your entitlement, you can apply to get half of your contribution back. Exam fees for telc, Goethe or TestDaF outside the integration course are set by each provider.
Official sources
Rules can change. These are the pages we checked — they have the final word. How we check facts
Related guides
- Permanent residence · NiederlassungserlaubnisWhen you can get permanent residence in Germany: the 5-year rule, the Blue Card fast track after 21 or 27 months, skilled workers, German levels and pension months.
- Citizenship · EinbürgerungGerman citizenship rules in 2026: 5 years of residence, dual citizenship allowed, B1 German, the Einbürgerungstest, income rules, fees and where to apply.
- Residence permit · Aufenthaltstitel (Aufenthaltserlaubnis, eAT)Who needs a German residence permit, the main permit types for work, study, family and job search, how the Ausländerbehörde works, and what to do while you wait.
- EU Blue Card · Blaue Karte EUEU Blue Card in Germany 2026: salary thresholds, degree recognition, job changes, family rules and the fast track to permanent residence after 21 or 27 months.