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The integration course and exams

Integrationskurs und Prüfungen

The integration course teaches German, law and culture. At the end come the German test for immigrants and the Life in Germany test.

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Overview

The integration course (Integrationskurs) is a state programme that aims to teach new migrants the German language and knowledge of the state's system, history and culture. It is organised by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and offered by approved schools.

It ends with two exams: the language test (DTZ) at level B1 and the orientation test Leben in Deutschland. The course may be compulsory for some residents or a right for others. This guide explains who may attend, how to register, the cost of the course, its content, the tests and results, and their benefits for residence and naturalisation.

1

Who may attend and how to register

Most new lawful migrants and some longer-term residents may attend, and the foreigners office or BAMF issues a Berechtigung, that is an entitlement certificate, and some may be obliged to attend as a condition of residence.

  • To get eligibility, apply to BAMF or request it at the foreigners office, then search for an approved school near you using the search tool on the BAMF website.
  • Contact the school to set a placement test (Einstufung) appointment and register with them.
  • You may be put on a waiting list, so register early.
  • There are special course types for women, parents, young people and slower learners.
2

Cost and exemptions

The course is partly funded by the state, and the participant pays a share for each teaching hour, while recipients of Bürgergeld or people in financial difficulty can request an exemption (Kostenbefreiung) from BAMF and pay nothing.

  • If you pass the test within the given period, you may get back roughly half of what you paid.
  • Request the exemption with the eligibility application and keep proof of your income.
  • Travel costs may be covered for some participants if the school is far, so ask the regional BAMF office.
3

Course content and duration

The general course consists of a language module of six hundred teaching hours that brings you to level B1 of the European framework, and an orientation module of one hundred hours that covers law, history, culture and daily life in Germany, such as the system of government, rights and duties, family and work.

  • It is organised in a class, in the morning or evening, full or part time.
  • Regular attendance is necessary, because heavy absence affects your rights.
  • Your school helps you prepare for the test.
  • And your success depends on practising the language daily outside the class too.
4

The exams and their results

The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) tests reading, listening, writing and speaking, and gives you a certificate at level A2 or B1.

  • Leben in Deutschland is a multiple-choice test of 33 questions about society, law and history, and you need 17 correct answers to pass.
  • You receive the Zertifikat Integrationskurs if you pass both tests, and it eases naturalisation, residence extension and permanent residence.
  • If you fail you may retake the test, and the state sometimes grants extra hours.
  • Use the free practice tests to prepare.
5

After the course: residence, naturalisation and study

The course certificate is useful in several cases: it allows the shortening of the time to get permanent residence, it proves your knowledge of the language and society for citizenship, and it opens the door to higher courses such as vocational language courses (Berufssprachkurse) supported by the state.

  • Naturalisation today requires language conditions, usually B1, and proof of knowledge of society through the Einbürgerungstest.
  • Keep learning the language to B2 and C1 if you want to study or take a career that requires higher language.
  • In the meantime look for volunteering and clubs to practise the language.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Request the eligibility certificate (Berechtigung) from BAMF or the foreigners office.

  2. 2

    Find a nearby approved school through the official search tool.

  3. 3

    Take the placement test and register in a class.

  4. 4

    Request the fee exemption if you are eligible.

  5. 5

    Attend regularly and practise with sample tests.

  6. 6

    Pass DTZ and Leben in Deutschland and keep the certificate.

Documents checklist

  • The eligibility certificate or obligation to attend.
  • Residence permit and passport.
  • Proof of income or Bürgergeld for exemption.
  • The course registration agreement with the school.
  • Test and attendance certificates.

Key vocabulary

  • derIntegrationskurs
    integration course
  • derSprachkurs
    language course
  • derOrientierungskurs
    orientation course
  • dieBerechtigung
    entitlement certificate
  • diePrüfung
    exam
  • dasZertifikat
    certificate
  • derEinstufungstest
    placement test
  • dieKostenbefreiung
    fee exemption
  • dieEinbürgerung
    naturalisation
  • dasNiveau
    level
  • derTeilnehmer
    participant

Useful phrases

  • Ich möchte an einem Integrationskurs teilnehmen.I would like to take part in an integration course.
  • Wo kann ich den Einstufungstest machen?Where can I take the placement test?
  • Ich habe eine Berechtigung vom BAMF.I have an entitlement from BAMF.
  • Kann ich eine Kostenbefreiung beantragen?Can I apply for a fee exemption?
  • Wann beginnt der nächste Kurs?When does the next course begin?
  • Ich habe den Test bestanden.I passed the test.

At the language school

  • Mitarbeiterin

    Guten Tag. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?Good day. How can I help you?

  • Sie

    Guten Tag. Ich möchte einen Integrationskurs machen. Ich habe eine Berechtigung vom BAMF.Good day. I would like to take an integration course. I have an entitlement from BAMF.

  • Mitarbeiterin

    Sehr gut. Zuerst machen wir einen Einstufungstest. Haben Sie morgen Zeit?Very good. First we do a placement test. Do you have time tomorrow?

  • Sie

    Ja, ab neun Uhr. Und wie viel kostet der Kurs?Yes, from nine o'clock. And how much does the course cost?

  • Mitarbeiterin

    Wenn Sie Bürgergeld bekommen, können Sie eine Kostenbefreiung beantragen.If you receive Bürgergeld, you can apply for a fee exemption.

  • Sie

    Danke. Ich bringe morgen alle Unterlagen mit.Thank you. I will bring all the documents tomorrow.

Common mistakes

  • Delaying registration until classes fill and waiting lists grow.
  • Frequent absence from classes and then losing the right to a fee refund.
  • Relying on class alone without practising the language daily.
  • Not keeping the certificates you will later need for residence and citizenship.
  • Postponing the final test for months after the classes end, so that you forget what you learned and the period for refunding part of the fees may expire.

Cultural tips

  • Use free apps and books to prepare for the Leben in Deutschland test.
  • Form a study group with classmates to practise speaking.
  • Ask the school for past DTZ sample exams and practise them under time.
  • Use the city library and clubs for more practice.
  • Ask your school about preparatory courses or support lessons if your level is weak at the start, since there are literacy courses and special courses for mothers with childcare that help you continue without interruption.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

How many teaching hours does the general language module have?

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