German courses and language levels

A1 and A2 are the beginner level for basic communication, B1 and B2 are the intermediate levels that allow independence in life and work, and C1 and C2 are the advanced level for university study and demanding professions.

• Many jobs require B1 or B2, universities require C1 or B2 with a specific certificate, and citizenship usually requires B1.
• Health, legal and teaching professions need B2 or C1 and sometimes a medical or specialist language certificate.
• Check the requirements for your goal beforehand to plan the learning time, and remember that moving from one level to the next often takes a few months of intensive learning.

There is the integration course supported by the state, vocational language courses (Berufssprachkurse) that link language to a field of work such as nursing or trades, courses at the Goethe-Institut, adult education centres (Volkshochschule) at reasonable prices, private schools, intensive university courses, online courses and learning apps.

• Choose an approved and known school, ask about class size, teachers and success rate, and try a trial lesson if possible.
• Think about a morning or evening course depending on your work.
• There are classes designated for women with childcare that make participation easier.

The state funds the integration course and vocational courses, which may be free for benefit recipients.

• The employment agency or job centre may give you a training voucher (Bildungsgutschein) that covers an approved course.
• Adult education centres offer reduced prices for low-income earners, and some associations, charities and churches may cover costs or provide free courses for beginners.
• For employed people the employer may pay or the cost may be tax-deductible as training expenses.
• Ask your adviser at the job centre or a counselling centre about all options before paying from your own money.

Lessons alone are not enough, since language is acquired through daily practice.

• Listen to radio, podcasts and simplified news in German (such as Deutsche Welle slow news), watch series with German subtitles and read graded-level books.
• Join sports or cultural clubs or language exchange groups (Tandem) and language cafés, volunteer with an association, and talk to neighbours and colleagues even with mistakes.
• Use apps such as Anki for vocabulary or DW Learn German.
• Note new words daily with examples and review them regularly.
• Mistakes are a natural part of learning.

The most recognised exams are: the Goethe-Zertifikat for levels A1 to C2, telc which includes general, vocational and medical exams, ÖSD, TestDaF and DSH for university admission, and DTZ which ends the integration course.

• Choose the exam that your goal requires exactly, and check the date and fees and register early since seats fill up. The exams include reading, listening, writing and speaking, so practise past papers and simulate test conditions.
• The certificate often does not expire, but some bodies require one no more than two years old.
• Keep the original and copies.

Which level represents intermediate independence in life and work?