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Knowledge of German creates the basis for building a good future in Germany. Learning German means acquiring skills with which you can start your career successfully and find your way around in Germany more quickly. Here you can find out more about the ways and conditions to learn German.
It can be very beneficial to learn German already while abroad.
The first point of contact for German courses and questions about German culture is the Goethe Institute, which has locations around the world where various language courses with internationally recognised exams are offered.
The institute offers individual and special courses that are specifically geared towards individual topics and needs or prepare for language exams according to the European Framework of Reference (level A 1 to C2). There are also special German courses that prepare you for everyday work and incorporate intercultural elements. The offer of the Goethe Institute also includes online courses that can be completed individually or in groups.
You can find a list of all Goethe Institutes worldwide with information in the respective national languages on the website here. The courses at the Goethe Institute are chargeable.
Deutsche Welle offers a free alternative. Here you will find many opportunities to learn and, if necessary, deepen your knowledge of the German language: via e-learning on the computer, with videos, audios and podcasts - or in the traditional way with worksheets to print out.
In addition, commercial language schools across Europe offer German courses.
If you are already in Germany, you can take part in the State-sponsored integration courses. An integration course consists of a language course and an orientation course in which knowledge of the legal system, history and culture of Germany is imparted.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) can admit you and your family members to the integration course if you and your family members do not speak enough German, have not yet attended an integration course and there are free course places. As an EU citizen there is no entitlement to admission to an integration course.
However, especially if you have little knowledge of German, you should always apply for admission to a German course.
The integration course consists of
The costs of integration courses and professional language courses are partly State financed.
Information on the integration course and admission can be found here. The WebGis information system of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees provides information on the local integration course providers and course offers (Integration course location).
This course is aimed specifically at young EU citizens who are not older than 27 years old and which is geared towards the specific needs of young adults. You can find more information about the youth integration courses here.
With this offer, the Federal Office would like to address women in particular who, in addition to the German language, also receive important information on the topics of family, children and education. The topics are broad and range from upbringing to everyday life in Germany to educational opportunities for children in Germany. You can find further information here.
If you have not yet attended a German course and have lived in Germany for a few years, the support course offers you the opportunity to improve your German. You can find further information here.
Tip: You can also find out about all integration courses close to your home. To do so, go to our Advice Centre Search to look for a migration advice centre or a youth migration service near to you.
If you have already reached language level B1, you can take part in professional language courses. These language courses promote the professional integration of job-seekers into the labour market. The professional language courses build on the integration courses and serve to improve language skills from level B1 to level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (GER). In addition, special modules are offered, for example, aimed at individual professional groups in connection with the procedure for professional recognition or access to a job. Modules are also planned for those who could not attain language level B1 by attending integration courses. The module, which should serve to acquire level B2, is already available, the other modules are being developed gradually. Further information is available on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
In principle, it does not matter what nationality you have for participating in a professional language course. To be eligible, however, you have to fulfil certain requirements. There is also no legal right to attend a professional language course.
