Attending a language course in Germany , Date: 2020.03.01, format: Article, area: Migration and residence

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Make it in Germany: Working and Living in Germany Link to the information hotline "working and living in Germany" Source: © Make it in Germany

Several options are available to you in Germany if you would like to learn German or brush up on the German that you already know.

An intensive German language course

It is possible to attend a language course in Germany for up to twelve months. The following conditions must be satisfied:

  • tuition every day for at least 18 hours per week to acquire a thorough knowledge of German (intensive language course),
  • consent of your parent or guardian (if you are a minor).

You can also attend a language course by way of preparation if you are planning to undertake vocational training in Germany or to work here. If the training or work is to begin directly after successful completion of the language course, you must state this in the visa process.

A language course in preparation for studies

A higher-education establishment may require a specific standard of proficiency in German as a condition for admitting you to a course of study in Germany.
If you have already been admitted to a full-time study course but are required to attend a language course in preparation for your studies, you can attend this language course in Germany.
Under certain circumstances, it is also possible to enter Germany even without prior admission to a full-time course of study in order to attend a language course in preparation for studies. The following is important in this case:

  • The language course must serve to prepare you for a language proficiency test that is necessary for admission.
  • The further education institution must confirm that all other conditions relating to admission to the course of study have been met (conditional admission).

Please note: You will not be allowed to work for the duration of your language course; your livelihood in Germany must however be ensured.

A Language course in preparation for vocational training

The residence title for in-company basic and further training also includes attendance of a German language course, in particular attendance of a work-related German language course in accordance with the Deutschsprachförderverordnung (German language promotion ordinance).

The legal basis

  • Section 16a of the Residence Act
  • Section 16b of the Residence Act
  • Section 16f of the Residence Act