Zur Hauptnavigation springen. Zum Seiteninhalt springen.
BIBB Logo
An offer from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training
Logo: Anerkennung in Deutschland

Information portal of the German government
for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications

Logo: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
copyright
© Contrastwerkstatt / Fotolia

Learning German

Good knowledge of German helps you in your profession and everyday life. It is essential for certain professions. Knowledge of German is frequently a prerequisite for a visa.

Answers to the following questions are provided here:

For certain professions you need to demonstrate a specific language level. The language level is generally determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (). The language level is graded at different points on a scale: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. The Recognition Finder provides you with further information about the language level needed for your recognition.

The counselling centres near you and your will advise you on language courses. Make use of this advice!

Below is a selection of different German language course providers. With most providers you can also complete language certificates. However you can also learn German privately and sit an examination.

Learning German in Germany

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) provides ‘integration courses’ and ‘language courses for work purposes. The cost of attending these courses is low. In certain cases you can also apply to attend the course free of charge.

Integration courses

On the integration course you will learn German to help you in everyday life. At the end of the course you take a test for language level B1. There are also so-called initial orientation courses. Are you potentially unable to remain in Germany? Do you come from an unsafe country of origin? If so, you are able to attend an initial orientation course.

Language courses for work purposes

A certain level of German is often required in regulated professions Only then do you receive recognition. In the “language courses for work purpose” you also learn German in your practical occupational context. This makes it easier for you to learn the German language and to learn specific specialist terminology for your profession. Language courses for work purposes are available up to language level C1. You must have at least language level B1 to attend.

© Robert Funke / BIBB - AiD
Video
Video, 01:54

Success story – Daniela Koch and Matías León

Thanks to recognition as a pastry cook, Matías León was able to open a café together with his wife in Hamburg. Daniela Koch had her business admin degree assessed by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

Textversion lesen Textversion ausblenden

My vocational recognition was a real plus for me because my wife and I now run our own patisserie.
I am Matías León. I come from Chile.

I trained in international gastronomy.
In Germany, I am now a recognized master pastry cook.
I am Daniela Koch. I come from Columbia.

I met Matías, my husband, on a German course.
My Colombian business administration degree is recognised at the level of the German equivalent.
I take care of the business side. Welcome to Elisa, our patisserie.

We were only able to open the café because I have the master craftsman’s certificate.
And because I was able to use my knowledge of business administration.
I always wanted to learn new things.

I have an uncle here in Hamburg, so I was able to come to Germany. Then I found out it was possible to have my training recognised here. I almost had the equivalent of the master craftsman level. This meant I was able to continue training as a pastry cook. For the master craftsman status, I just had to do two examinations, and they were really difficult. I had to learn a lot and I got there in the end. 

Our dream was to have our own café.

It took 18 months to get everything prepared. First of all, we had to write a business plan and then find suitable premises. Back then I was also working as a pastry cook.

In 2017 we opened the café. We are now very happy with it. 

Do what we did.

Learn German. Be patient.

And work hard, and get your qualifications recognised.
There is so much support. Use it. Start your own success story and talk about it. 

X

Learning German abroad

You can learn German while still in your country of origin. Courses provided, for example, by the Goethe Institute and Telc are ideal for this. These institutions offer German courses at all language levels in many countries around the world.

The language certificates from the Goethe Institute and from Telc are also accepted when applying for a visa. Information about language requirements for a visa are available from the counselling centres abroad or via the hotline. The Foreign Office will provide you with information regarding current language requirements for a visa.

Learning German online

Are you unable to attend a German course close to you? Perhaps there is no German course available near you? If this is the case, you can learn German on the internet. Various providers offer online courses and learning materials on the internet for different language levels.