Learning German
German at B1 opens most long-term routes: settlement permit, citizenship, Ausbildung. Many universities require C1.
- Integration course (BAMF): language course up to B1 plus an orientation course; ends with the "Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer" and the test "Leben in Deutschland". People with § 24 can be admitted. Current admission rules and costs for 2026 were not checked.
- Job-related German courses (Berufssprachkurse, BAMF) build on B1 for work and recognition, via the Jobcenter, the employment agency or directly at the BAMF.
- Certificates accepted by authorities: for example Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF and DTZ. Keep the original.
Find course providers with the BAMF course search (BAMF-NAvI). A course can also lift the residence rule (§ 12a), see Temporary protection.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.