Learning German in Brazil
German decides how fast every other step goes. Start before you have chosen a route.
Where
- Goethe-Institut Brazil has sites in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre) and online courses (online). Course and exam prices not checked.
- Private language schools: their own certificates do not count for the visa; only recognised exams do.
Which certificates count
German missions accept certificates of ALTE-standard tests such as Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF. Check the mission page for your route; some ask for a recent certificate. The Goethe-Institut describes exams for visa purposes at its Brazil page.
Level by route
| Route | German |
|---|---|
| Degree taught in German | usually C1 (TestDaF, DSH) |
| Studienkolleg | B1–B2, depending on the Kolleg |
| Ausbildung | B1 as a rule |
| Opportunity Card | A1 German or B2 English |
| Skilled worker | often B1 to B2; Blue Card: none by law |
| Nurse | A2 for the § 16d measure as a rule; the profession usually needs B2 |
| Spouse joining a partner | A1, unless an exception applies (none for German partners just because you are Brazilian) |
In Berlin: vocational language courses via BAMF and the Volkshochschulen. See After arrival.
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