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Do I Need To Know German?

Learning the German language is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for your life in Germany. After all, German is spoken in most companies. Even if you don’t need to prove your knowledge of German for your job, it will look good on your CV and improves your chances as you apply. Prospective employers will know that you are committed and have made an effort to learn German. Depending on your future plans, you can partake in specialised language courses in your home country or in Germany – it might even be mandatory.

  • Work in the nursing and healthcare sector: If you intend to work as a nursing professional or a doctor in Germany, you will need to have your foreign professional qualifications recognised. In addition, you will need to prove your knowledge of German with a certificate from a recognised language centre, such as the Goethe-Institut or a telc-certified institute. The required level of proficiency may vary between B1 or B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) depending on the different German states. Further information on having your qualifications recognised, are available on this portal.
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  • German for your spouse: If your spouse wants to move to Germany with you, and if they are not from the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or Iceland, it is important that they learn the German language, too. At the time of applying for a visa, your spouse will usually need to provide evidence of basic knowledge of German. In this case, your spouse should participate in a German language course in your home country. You will usually need to provide evidence that your German skills correspond to level A1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages. At the Goethe-Institut, this would correspond to the Start 1 course. You may of course choose to learn German by yourself and sit an exam with a certified language centre. The Goethe-Institut provides an overview of its own learning centres and schedules. A list of other language centres can be found on the telc website. Additional information on having your spouse move to Germany with you is available at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. If your spouse is in possession of an EU Blue Card, they will not need to prove their ability to speak German when they apply for a visa.

Duration & Cost

The duration of German language courses varies, so that you’re certain to find one that suits your requirements. Intensive courses may last for a week or several weeks, other courses may take a whole semester. Depending on the type of course, you will spend several hours per week or even per day in class or on homework. If you work during the day, you may choose an evening course. Alternatively, you can visit Germany on holiday and do a language course then.

You also need to think about whether you prefer to study alone or with others. Learning in a group is usually cheaper and it means you can talk to your fellow students. Individual classes are often more expensive but tailored to your individual requirements and more flexible regarding the schedule of your classes.

Prices for language courses depend on the type of course and the country where you want to study. Your best bet is to contact language centres directly and inquire about the cost. If you’re moving to Germany because of work, you can ask your employer whether they’re prepared to pay for your course.

Most language courses end with an exam which you need to pass before you can move on to the next level. You’re well advised to find out beforehand whether the exam is included in the course fee.

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Language Classes

Both in Germany and in your home country, a language course is an effective way of learning German. In Germany, you can find language courses for all levels, ranging from complete beginners to very advance learners. Language centres will let you take a test which tells you, what your level of proficiency is. On that basis, you can then proceed with your studies. German language centres organise their courses along what is known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). It defines the following reference levels:

  • A1 and A2 courses: In these courses, you will learn the basics of the German language. If you’re a beginner, you should start with an A1 course.
  • B1 and B2 courses: In these courses, you will expand your knowledge of German. After completing the B2 course, you’ll be able to communicate in an independent and differentiated way in everyday life and at work.
  • C1 and C2 courses: In these courses, you will learn German at the most advanced levels. Once you have completed the C2 course, you’ll be able to speak German almost as well as people who’ve grown up with the language.

In the language courses, you’ll learn to speak, understand, read and write German. In addition, you’ll also find out more about Germany and the Germans.

Language Centers

There are many different types of language centres. Examples include:

  • Goethe-Institut: The Goethe-Institut of the Federal Republic of Germany is a cultural association which is aimed at promoting the German language and culture. For this purpose, the Goethe-Institut offers German language courses at 160 sites in Germany and abroad.
  • Integration courses centres: If you’re already in Germany, you may need to participate in an integration course, which are available at more than 1,300 language schools in Germany and supported by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). In these courses, you can learn German and also about German culture, history and the legal system. You will also obtain many practical tips for your everyday life in Germany. Integration courses last a minimum of 660 hours. Specialised integration courses may last 960 hours. Further information on who is eligible for these courses and the cost involved is available here.
  • Providers of work-related language courses: The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) offers vocational language courses which address migrants, EU-citizens and Germans with migration background. Requirements for participation are either a completed integration course or language level B1 in German. The vocational language courses are supposed to facilitate the participant’s career start and everyday work life. The basic module teaches you general German language skills for your work life and the special modules help you to enhance your specialised professional vocabulary. The courses are provided nationwide at affordable fees. You can find further information on the vocational language courses on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
  • Volkshochschulen: Volkshochschulen are adult learning centres which offer low-cost German courses in most German cities. Please refer to the Volkshochschule website to find out where your nearest Volkshochschule is and which kind of courses it offers.
  • Courses for your children are available as well: Some classes are tailored to the interests and language skills of children and young people. These courses are very important so children begin to learn German as early as possible, which makes it easier for them to adapt to their new environment, make new friends and start to feel at home in Germany. Further details are available here.

German Online

On many online platforms, you can choose content depending on what you want to study and what level you’re at. The Goethe-Institut offers free ways to test your German skills. Why don’t you take an interactive journey through Germany or test your knowledge of everyday German, for example? A few tips are available here:

  • Vocabulary trainer: Even when you’re on the road, you can use the Vocabulary trainer Application to expand your vocabulary or participate in one of the adventure games.
  • Community: Alternatively, you can register for free with the “Deutsch für dich” community. Here, you can play interactive learning games and chat to experts or other users.
  • Multimedia blog: On the “Mein Weg nach Deutschland” Internet portal you can use photos, films, games and exercises to practise your German, discuss interesting topics with other learners of German and meet other people in the “Treffpunkt” category.
  • German at the workplace: The wide range of free online tasks and exercises on the platform allow you to improve your knowledge of the language and customs at the workplace in Germany.
  • Arabterm: The online dictionary Arabterm provides a sypnosis of terms used in technical fields in four languages: German, English, French and Arabic. Use the tool to learn basic technical terms especially those from the electrical, renewable energy and automotive engineering.
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On the Deutsche Welle website, you can find out what’s new in Germany and the world. In addition, many other activities, some of which are interactive, will let you practise and expand your German, depending on your level.

  • Placement test: Once you have registered free of charge, you can take the Einstufungstest to find out what your current level is and expand on it using exercises that are tailored to your requirements.
  • Audio trainer: With the Audiotrainer you can learn new vocabulary and improve your pronunciation.
  • Telenovela: The telenovela „Jojo sucht das Glück” includes interactive exercises aimed at improving your grammar and colloquial language skills. In addition, you’ll find out interesting facts about Germany and its people.

A more detailed overview of the various multi-media learning activities offered by Deutsche Welle is available here. The site is available in 30 different languages.

You speak English but you’re unsure about your German skills? No problem! The BBC has an English-language site which provides information and tips for learning German.