You need this language certificate for the Naturalization
There are 2 language certificates that will help you to obtain German citizenship:
- B1 certificate
- C1 certificate
Depending on which of the two German certificates you have, you can after 3 or after 5 years residence in Germany you can apply for citizenship.
When can I be naturalized with my language certificate?
If you have a C1 language certificate, you can obtain citizenship after just 3 years residence in Germany. However, you must also have other special integration achievements be able to demonstrate:
- Educational, vocational or professional achievements or
- Civic engagement
If you have the B1 certificate, you can apply for German citizenship after 5 years years of residence in Germany, you can apply for German citizenship.
In the following table you will find an overview of the requirements including language skills for Naturalization after 3 or 5 years.
Prerequisite | General Naturalization | Special integration services |
|---|---|---|
Length of stay
| 5 years
| 3 years
|
Language skills | B1 level
| C1 level
|
Securing your livelihood
| Yes
| Yes
|
Naturalization test
| Yes | Yes |
Declaration of loyalty
| Yes | Yes |
Impunity | Yes
| Yes
|
Proof of special achievements
| No
| Yes (e.g. voluntary work, professional success, academic success)
|
How to get your language certificate
To obtain a German certificate for the Naturalization you must pass written and oral examinations take the exams. The exams test your writing, reading, listening and speaking skills. The two most common examsthat lead to the language certificate are:
- the Goethe certificate and
- the telc certificate.
Both the Goethe-Institut and telc-gGmbH offer language examinations in all 6 levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). at.
On the following map you can find the language institutes in your area where you can obtain a language certificate.
By clicking on "Show map", you agree that personal data will be transmitted to Google. Further information can be found in our privacy policy.
Good to know: Would you like to know how good your German language skills are? You can test how good your German currently is on the official website of the Goethe-Institut.
Naturalization with the C1 certificate
With a C1 certificate, you show that you have a very high level of proficiency in the German language. Obtaining a C1 certificate is one of the special integration achievements which Naturalization after just 3 years make this possible.
Important: Even if the C1 certificate shows that you have dealt intensively with the German language and culture, it is alone is not sufficient for a Naturalization . In addition to the C1 certificate, there are other special integration achievements that can improve your chances for Naturalization :
- Educational, vocational or professional achievementsSpecial school achievements or professional qualifications can also help to shorten the naturalization period.
- Civic engagementProof of voluntary work and social commitment shows that you are actively involved and integrated in German society.
The C-1 certificate offers these additional benefits
The C1 certificate offers you numerous advantages that will help you in both academic as well as professional professional field. It is a valuable proof of your language competence that will open new doors for you in many areas of life. open new doors in many areas of life.
Academic advantages
A C1 certificate is a significant advantage for anyone who wants to academic development want to develop academically. Although it cannot be used for admission to German universities in all cases, it shows that you have advanced German language skills that can be useful in an academic environment:
- Better access to specialist literatureYou can read and understand complex, academic texts.
- Participation in international programsMany international study programs in Germany require a high level of German language skills.
- Communication in the university environmentFacilitates participation in lectures, seminars and discussions.
168 colleges and universities in Germany recognize the C1 certificate for admission. That is about 40% of all universities. To be able to study at any institute in Germany, you need the German state examination for university admission at level 2 (DSH 2).
Professional advantages
The C1 certificate can significantly improve your job prospects, as it is a clear sign that you have a high level of proficiency in the German language.
- Expanded job opportunitiesWith a C1 certificate you also qualify for highly qualified professions and the research sector.
- Better communication: Daily communication at work is no challenge for you.
- Professional developmentYou can take part in all further education and training courses in German.
How to prepare for the C1 exam
Successful preparation starts with a structured approach. Here are some tried and tested tips that can help you:
Effective learning strategies:
- Practice dailySet yourself daily learning goals and practise continuously. Regularity is the key to success.
- Vocabulary trainingExpand your vocabulary systematically. Use flashcards or apps to learn and repeat new words.
- Practice speakingFind language partners or take part in conversation groups to improve your oral skills.
- Reading comprehensionRead challenging texts, such as newspaper articles or scientific essays, to sharpen your reading comprehension.
Recommendations for exercise materials and courses
Choosing the right practice materials and courses can make a big difference in your preparation. Here are some recommendations.
Resource | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Exercise books
| Structured exercises and model tests
| "Goethe-Zertifikat C1: Exercise book", "TELC Deutsch C1: Exercise material"
|
Intensive courses
| Combination of lessons, exercises and mock tests
| Language schools, adult education centers
|
Language schools
| Special preparation courses for the C1 certificate
| Goethe-Institut, Berlitz
|
Websites and apps
| Free exercise materials and interactive exercises
| Deutsche Welle, Goethe-Institut, TELC
|
Online courses
| Flexible preparation with a comprehensive range of courses | Babbel, Lingoda, Coursera |
YouTube channels
|
Videos with tips and tricks for the C1 exam | "Learn German with Anja", "German with Marija" |
Naturalization with the B1 certificate
If you have a B1 language certificate, you can after 5 years of residence in Germany apply for the Naturalization . A B1 language certificate is one of the basic requirements for German citizenship. It proves that you have sufficient language skills to participate in social life in Germany.
These are the advantages of the B1 certificate
A B1 certificate also has a positive effect on other areas of life in Germany:
- Improved job opportunitiesProof of B1 language skills increases your chances on the job market. Many employers require German language skills at this level, especially in jobs with customer contact.
- Better integrationB1 level enables you to communicate fluently in everyday life, which facilitates your integration. You can actively participate in social and cultural life, which promotes your integration into German society.
- Access to further educationMany further education and qualification programs require a B1 certificate. This can help you to develop professionally and open up new career paths.
- Easier application for residence permits: In addition to Naturalization , the B1 certificate can also be helpful when applying for a permanent Settlement permit residence permit, as sufficient German language skills are considered proof of your integration.
How to prepare for the B1 exam
There are also many ways in which you can prepare well for your B1 exam. With the following tips you can train your language skills and better understand the structure of the exam.
- Know the exam structureYou can simulate the language exams online.
- Practise readingRead German texts every day, for example in the newspaper. You can also read blogs on topics that interest you.
- Train listeningListen to German podcasts and watch movies or videos in German. This works best if you find topics that interest you personally.
- Improve your writingWrite regularly, for example short stories or entries in your diary.
- Practise speaking: Have conversations on everyday topics, preferably with a native German speaker. You can also simulate exam interviews with them.
- Consolidate vocabulary and grammarUse textbooks to learn vocabulary and do specific grammar exercises. You can write down important vocabulary on flashcards and use them regularly for learning.
Recommendations for exercise materials and courses
Resource | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Exercise books
| Structured exercises and model tests | "Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat B1" "Exercise book with online code" "Mit Erfolg zum Zertifikat Deutsch B1" (telc Deutsch B1) "Fit fürs Zertifikat B1", "Deutschprüfung für Erwachsene (Hueber)." |
Intensive courses
| Combination of lessons, exercises and mock tests
| Language schools, adult education centers
|
Language schools
| Special preparation courses for the C1 certificate
| Goethe-Institut, Berlitz, Inlingua
|
Websites and apps | Free exercise materials and interactive exercises | Deutsche Welle, Goethe-Institut, TELC |
Online courses | Flexible preparation with a comprehensive range of courses | Babbel, Lingoda, Coursera, TTI |
YouTube channels | Videos with tips and tricks for the C1 exam | "Learn German with Anja", "German with Marija" |
This is how much the language certificates cost
The prices for a Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or the TELC C1 exam vary depending on where you take the exam. In addition, the higher the language level, the more expensive the exams become. This means that the language certificate A1 is the cheapest and the language certificate for C2 is the most expensive.
On average, you can expect the following costs for the entire exam can be expected:
- B1 certificate: 200-250 €
- C1 certificate: 250-350 €
The official price list of the Goethe-Institut for language certificates can be viewed here.
Naturalization without language certificate
In some cases, you do not need a language certificate to apply for German citizenship. This is the case, for example, if you can prove your language skills can prove your language skills in another way or if a case of hardship applies to you.
Prove language skills differently
The required language skills are also considered provenif you can prove that you:
- have successfully passed all tests in the course of an integration course,
- have successfully attended a German-speaking school for 4 years (promotion to the next higher class),
- have a Hauptschulabschluss or equivalent German school-leaving qualification,
- have been transferred to the tenth grade of a German-speaking secondary school (Realschule, Gymnasium or Gesamtschule),
- have successfully completed a course of study at a German-speaking university or university of applied sciences or
- have completed German vocational training.
On the school reports for German you must have at least a grade 4 to prove language skills at B1 level.
The hardship regulation
If you due to special circumstances you cannot acquire or prove sufficient knowledge of German, you can apply for an exception. Special hardship exists if you:
- are in poor physical, mental or emotional health,
- have a disability,
- have an advanced age or
- have to provide intensive care for a relative.
ImportantFor health reasons, you will need to provide tangible evidence to prove that you are unable to learn German for this reason. You must also provide evidence that you are caring for a relative.
If you do not have proof of your language skills
You cannot provide a language certificate or other proof of your language skills? The citizenship authority can then offer you a German test or a German course recommended. However, this is the exception rather than the rule, as a certificate must be presented as a matter of priority so that the Naturalization process is quick and easy.
If your German language skills convincing in the interview with the authoritiesthey may also decide that you do not need any further proof of language skills.
We support you with all questions concerning Naturalization
You now know that you can be naturalized with a B1 certificate after 5 years and with a C1 certificate after just 3 years in Germany. However, there is much more to consider on the way to German citizenship. We will be happy to help you with any questions you may have about the required certificates or specifically with your application Naturalization!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the language certificates for the Naturalization
What level of German do you need for Naturalization?
To become a German citizen, you need at least B1 level. In this case, you can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence in Germany. If you even have a C1 certificate, you can apply for Naturalization after just 3 years.
What does a C1 certificate mean for Naturalization?
With a C1 certificate you can after only 3 years of residence in Germany, you can apply to Naturalization . This is only possible with a language level of B1 after 5 years of residence.
Can you be naturalized without B1?
If you do not have sufficient language skills you cannot become a German citizen. Naturalization in Germany without a B1 certificate is only possible if other proof, such as a German school-leaving certificate or a successfully completed integration course, is presented. Other exceptions are also possible.
What happens if I don't pass the language certificate exam?
You can take the exam for the language certificate as often as you like. If your overall result is below the required 60%, you must retake the entire exam. If you have only failed one section, you can find out from the examination center whether you can only repeat this section.
