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LEARN. UNDERSTAND. ARRIVE.

Learn German.
But please, at the right level.

You're learning German. Good. But do you actually know which level your goal requires? Sometimes less is enough than you think. We sort that out with you.

Confidential & Secure No subscription Based in Germany
Based on official sourcesGoethe-InstitutBAMFDAADAs of 2026
Does this sound like you?

The question is not whether you learn German. The question is: which level you actually need.

“I've been learning for months. But is it enough yet?”

Plenty of people learn German without knowing where they're taking it. B1 for an Ausbildung? B2 for nursing? C1 for a degree? Or actually just A2, because the program is taught in English? That makes an enormous difference.

Question about your goal
“I have Goethe B1. Is that really enough for everything?”

For most Ausbildung occupations, yes. For nursing and healthcare, usually not. For a German-taught degree: no. Which certificate counts where, and what your next step is: that's what we sort out.

Question about your language level
“Do I really need C1 to study?”

For German-taught programs, yes. But here is the genuine surprise: for English-taught master's programs at German universities, A2 is sometimes enough. Almost nobody knows that.

Question about studying

The good news: every level is reachable. You just have to know which one your goal requires, and then take the fastest route there.

Not sure which level you need? We sort it out together in 15 minutes →

What actually applies

Level, goal, certificate.
At a glance.

For an Ausbildung

A2 Visa for recognition of qualifications

For the visa for recognition of foreign qualifications, A2 is generally enough. make-it-in-germany.com →

B1 Ausbildung visa & most occupations

The standard for the vocational training visa. Goethe or telc B1 are both accepted. make-it-in-germany.com →

B2 Nursing & healthcare occupations

Healthcare occupations require B2 plus a technical language exam. This varies by federal state.

For studying

A2 English-taught master's programs

Some universities only require A2 German for English-taught programs. Almost nobody knows that.

B1 – B2 Studienkolleg

For admission to a Studienkolleg. The target by the end of the Kolleg is C1.

C1 German-taught programs

TestDaF, DSH, or telc C1 Hochschule. The standard at almost every German university. daad.de →

Recognized certificates: Goethe-Institut and telc for an Ausbildung and for government offices. TestDaF, DSH, and telc C1 Hochschule for university. Exam locations worldwide →

Learning German in Germany
Timeline
A0 → B1 (intensive) 6–9 months
A0 → B1 (part-time) 12 to 18 months
B1 → C1 (intensive) 9–12 months
Courses and exams

Where you get there fastest

From home

  • Goethe-Institut: Courses & exams worldwide goethe.de →
  • telc: Recognized exams, often cheaper
  • Deutsche Welle: Free learning materials
  • A language tandem with a German speaker

In Germany

  • BAMF integration courses: Cheap, state-recognized bamf.de →
  • Volkshochschulen (adult education centers): Available everywhere, cheap
  • Private language schools
  • In daily life: work, host family, local clubs
Felicia, coach, teacher and entrepreneur
Your consultant
Felicia, coach, teacher and entrepreneur

Not sure which certificate you need or which course fits you? We sort that out in 15 free minutes.

Book a free call
The German language course visa

Learn right here in Germany. What the language course visa makes possible.

You want to learn German by immersing yourself in Germany rather than studying from home? The language course visa makes that possible. There are two versions: the standard language course visa for private or professional purposes, and the study-preparatory language course visa for anyone who wants to start a degree afterward.

Language course visa

For private or professional purposes

  • The course has to run at least 18 hours per week
  • Duration: 3 to 12 months
  • Since March 2024: up to 20 hours of side work per week is allowed
  • Proof of financing required (for example a blocked account)
  • Processing time: plan for up to 4 months
Study-preparatory language course visa

When a degree follows afterward

  • When the language course directly prepares you for a degree
  • Admission to a German university is often a requirement
  • Same course requirements: at least 18 hours per week
  • After the course: apply for your student visa from your home country

Important: The language course visa suits anyone who wants to learn German inside Germany. If you then want to study or start an Ausbildung, you have to apply for a new visa from your home country. Choosing the wrong visa can delay your entire plan. If in doubt, we work it out together. Book a free call →

Official requirements

Which visa requires which German level?

Depending on your purpose of stay, German residence law prescribes different language requirements, ranging from “not legally required” to B2. This gives you a single view of what you're working toward.

Visa / purpose of stayRequired level
Work visa for skilled workersNot legally required
EU Blue CardNot legally required
Opportunity Card (points system)German A1 or English B2
Visa for recognition of foreign professional qualificationsGerman A2
Visa under a recognition partnershipGerman A2
Visa for experienced professionals (incl. IT specialists)Not legally required
Visa for an AusbildungGerman B1
Visa to look for an Ausbildung placeGerman B1
Visa for self-employmentNot legally required
Student visausually German B2 (depends on the program)
Visa to look for a place to studyThe level required by the program you're aiming for
Research visaNot legally required
Visa to learn GermanNot legally required
Visa for a study-related internship (EU)Not legally required

Note: These figures come from what the Residence Act requires by law. The level your university demands for admission is a separate matter. In a recognition procedure, or when the responsible German mission abroad reviews your case, different language requirements may apply in individual cases. All information without warranty. As of 2026.
More info: Make it in Germany: Do I need German?

What fits next

German opens up these routes

Ausbildung in Germany

With B1 you can apply for most Ausbildung positions. With B2, almost all of them are open to you. We show you which occupation fits you.

Go to the Ausbildung page

Studying in Germany

For German-taught programs you need C1 or TestDaF. For English-taught ones, sometimes just A2. We work out what applies to the program you want.

Go to the study page

Coming to Germany as a skilled worker

You have a professional qualification and want to work in Germany permanently? Depending on your occupation, you need B1 or B2. We work out which level applies to your occupation and what your next step is.

Go to the skilled worker page

Volunteer service in Germany

Your German isn't where you want it yet? A volunteer service buys you time. You deepen the language in real daily life and then start your Ausbildung or your degree.

Go to volunteer service
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