Quick answer
Important
1. Choose the course by its purpose
A course is useful only if it leads to the level and evidence you need. Everyday communication, university admission, vocational training, regulated professions and residence procedures can require different levels and different certificates.
Use the Common European Framework levels A1 to C2 as a learning scale, but do not assume any certificate at a stated level is accepted everywhere. The receiving institution decides which exam it recognises.
| Route | Best for | Check before joining |
|---|---|---|
| Integration course | General German plus life and institutions in Germany | BAMF eligibility, contribution and exemption rules |
| VHS / general course | Flexible local learning from beginner to advanced | Schedule, class size and exam preparation |
| Berufssprachkurs | German for employment and particular occupational contexts | Participation authorisation and entry level |
| University preparation | Recognised language evidence for a degree | The exact exams and scores accepted by the programme |
2. BAMF integration courses
An integration course normally combines a language course with an orientation course about Germany’s legal system, history and society. The standard route is designed to build practical language ability and commonly targets B1, but individual starting points and course formats differ.
Some people are entitled or required to participate; others may be admitted if places are available. Fees, exemptions and reimbursement depend on the official rules and personal circumstances, so check the BAMF information rather than relying on a school’s marketing summary.
Official source
German language and orientation courses, who is entitled or obliged to attend, and the final examinations.
BAMF
3. Volkshochschule and general German courses
A Volkshochschule, or VHS, is a local adult education centre. Many offer German courses at several levels, intensive and evening formats, and preparation for common exams. Prices and timetables are local rather than nationally fixed.
Private language schools may offer faster schedules or smaller groups. Compare total teaching hours, class size, refund terms, exam fees and whether the course is recognised for your purpose—not only the advertised level.
The German words you will see
- Volkshochschule (VHS)
- A municipally connected adult education provider offering local courses, including German.
4. German for work and Ausbildung
BAMF job-related language courses, called Berufssprachkurse, build workplace language and may include occupationally focused formats. Access is not automatic: the Jobcenter, Employment Agency, BAMF or another authorised body may be involved depending on your situation.
For Ausbildung, employers and vocational schools commonly expect functional German because both work instructions and examinations are usually in German. The exact level belongs to the employer, school and visa assessment rather than to one nationwide promise.
Official source
Official information about German courses for work, available course formats and participation requirements.
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
5. How to find and enrol in a course
Collect the acceptance requirement first, then compare providers. This prevents paying for a certificate that the receiving organisation will not use.
Define the required outcome
Ask the university, employer or authority for the accepted level, exam and deadline in writing.
Take a placement test
A provider should assess your current level rather than place you from a guess.
Check BAMF participation
If an integration or vocational course fits, confirm entitlement, authorisation, fees and exemptions.
Compare the whole offer
Check teaching hours, schedule, class size, materials, exam fees, cancellation terms and accessibility.
Register for the exam separately if needed
A language course does not always include an exam place or fee.
6. Frequently asked questions
A BAMF-regulated programme combining German instruction with an orientation course about Germany. Eligibility, obligations and costs depend on the official rules and your situation.
A VHS is a recognised local adult education provider, but whether a particular certificate is accepted depends on the university, employer or authority asking for evidence.
BAMF-supported vocational language courses focused on workplace communication. Participation requires the applicable authorisation or eligibility.
Ask the receiving institution for its accepted exams and required score before registering. Acceptance differs by purpose and programme.
Exemptions or publicly funded participation may apply in some circumstances. Do not assume it; confirm with BAMF, the Jobcenter, Employment Agency or the provider using the official decision.
Use the BAMF course information and your local VHS search, then contact providers directly for the next placement test and available dates.
Official information
Rules and amounts change. Always verify current requirements using official sources.
Integration courses, opens in a new tab
BAMF
German language and orientation courses, who is entitled or obliged to attend, and the final examinations.
Vocational language courses (Berufssprachkurse), opens in a new tab
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
Official information about German courses for work, available course formats and participation requirements.
Vocational training in Germany, opens in a new tab
Make it in Germany
Federal overview of how Ausbildung works and who can apply from abroad.
Related guides
Amounts and legal requirements can change. We verify this information against official sources and show when each figure was last checked, but always confirm important requirements with the responsible authority before you apply.
Einfach Germany is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the German government.