Learning German isn’t just for everyday life. It’s the foundation for securing employment and, later on, for obtaining permanent residency in Germany. The official German course for immigrants is called the Integrationskurs.
It’s regulated by the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Immigration) and is offered at approximately 1,600 certified centers throughout the country, with the Volkshochschule (VHS) being the largest provider and present in almost every city.
How the course works in Germany
The Integrationskurs combines two parts: a 600-unit language course to reach level B1, and a 100-unit orientation course covering German history, culture, and the legal system. At the end, you take two exams: the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) and the “Leben in Deutschland” test. To obtain the full certificate, you need to pass the DTZ at level B1 and answer at least 17 out of 33 questions correctly on the “Living in Germany” test.
If you only reach level A2, you will receive a partial certificate. An important note for 2026: the BAMF has suspended new admissions of voluntary participants for the entire year. This does not affect those with a new residence permit, those required to participate (e.
g. , Bürgergeld recipients), or recognized refugees. The cost depends on your circumstances.
If you receive certain benefits, the course is completely free. With authorization from the Employment Agency, Jobcenter, or the BAMF, the cost is reduced by half; without authorization, you can also enroll privately and pay the full course fee. Before starting, you take a free placement test to determine which module you should enter.
You can find your nearest certified language school on the official website webgis. bamf. de, or simply inquire directly at your local Volkshochschule (adult education center).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Integrationskurs free?
It depends on your situation. It’s free for recipients of certain benefits, and offers a 50% discount if you have authorization from a Jobcenter, Employment Agency, or BAMF.
Can I register as a volunteer in 2026?
Not at the moment. BAMF has paused volunteer admissions for all of 2026, although you can still access a private academy.
What certificate do I receive at the end?
The Zertifikat Integrationskurs, if you pass the DTZ at B1 level and the test of living in Germany with at least 17 out of 33 correct answers.
Where can I find a course near me?
On the official BAMF website (webgis. bamf. de) or directly at your local Volkshochschule (Adult Education Center).
Once you’ve mastered the language, the next logical step is understanding what you need for your residence permit in Germany and how to progress towards permanent residency.
We explain it in our guide on living and working in Germany .