Why is the German Certificate B1 Settlement permit important for the Settlement permit ?
The requirements for the Settlement permit regulated in the Residence Act. According to Section 9 (2) sentence 1 no. 7 in conjunction with Section 2 (11) of the Residence Act, applicants for the Settlement permit must have Settlement permit knowledge of the German language. Settlement permit
In practice, this means German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The legislature considers language skills to be an important part of integration. Anyone who wants to live in Germany permanently should have sufficient language skills to participate in social life, deal with official matters, and understand their rights and obligations.
What is a B1 German language certificate and how do the certificates differ?
A language certificate is official proof of your German language skills. The exams are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This makes language certificates internationally comparable.
The CEFR divides language skills into six levels – from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near native speaker level). This allows authorities, employers, and educational institutions to accurately assess a person's language proficiency – and whether it Settlement permit for a Settlement permit .
The difference lies primarily in the level of difficulty. With each level, vocabulary, grammar skills, and the ability to express oneself independently increase.
German A1 – Beginner: At this level, you can understand and use simple, everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself and answer simple questions – for example, about where you live, your family, or your job. Conversations are possible if people speak slowly and clearly.
German A2 – Basic knowledge: Here you can communicate in typical everyday situations, such as shopping, dealing with authorities, or at work. You understand frequently used expressions and can provide simple information about yourself and your life situation.
German B1 – Independent language use: With the B1 level, you can communicate largely independently in everyday situations. You understand the main points of clear conversations and texts, can talk about your experiences, and explain your opinion in simple terms. This level is usually a prerequisite for a Settlement permit.
German B2 – Good language skills: At B2 level, you can understand even complex texts and conversations. You can express yourself spontaneously and fluently. Conversations with native speakers are usually possible without any major problems.
German C1 – Very good language skills: You can understand demanding texts and express yourself clearly and in detail – even in professional or academic contexts. You use the language flexibly and confidently.
German C2 – Near native speaker level: C2 is the highest level. You understand almost everything you read or hear and can express yourself very precisely and in a differentiated manner, even on complex topics.
Where can you obtain the German Certificate B1 for the Settlement permit?
In most cases, an official German B1 certificate Settlement permit required for the Settlement permit . It is important that the B1 language certificate comes from a recognized examination center. The Foreigners' office always Foreigners' office on a case-by-case basis whether your certificate meets the legal requirements.
Several examination centers are recognized in Germany for the B1 German language certificate. These include the Goethe-Institut and telc GmbH.
The German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) is also Settlement permit as proof for the Settlement permit . This exam is part of the integration course and concludes with a result at level A2 or B1.
Other recognized providers are:
- Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
- Austrian Language Diploma and Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF)
- ECL (European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages)
Many people think that it is sufficient to achieve level B1 in individual parts of the language exam – for example, in speaking. However, this is a misconception. For an official German Certificate B1, the overall result of the exam is always decisive. The exam consists of several parts (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), the results of which are evaluated together at the end. Only if the overall result is at level B1 and the exam is considered passed as a whole will the language certificate also be recognized as B1.
However, a separate B1 language certificate is not always required. Other qualifications can also be recognized as proof of sufficient German language skills. These include, for example:
- a German school leaving certificate, such as a secondary school diploma, a secondary school leaving certificate, or a high school diploma
- completed vocational training in Germany
- a completed degree from a German university, if the language of instruction was German
In these cases, the Foreigners' office that your German language skills are at least at level B1. An additional B1 language certificate is then usually no longer necessary.
This Residence permit a B1 language certificate for the Settlement permit
For many Residence permit , a German B1 certificate Residence permit a prerequisite for the Settlement permit.
Language skills are often closely linked to the length of stay. This means that for some residence permits, applicants can obtain a Settlement permit if they can demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
The following overview shows you what language level you Settlement permit with your Residence permit the Settlement permit :
Residence permit | basis for claims | language proficiency | length of stay |
|---|---|---|---|
All Residence permit that are not Settlement permit for Settlement permit | § 9 Residence Act | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 5 years |
Skilled workers with a German qualification (Sections 18, 18b, 18d, 18g of the Residence Act) | Section 18c (1) sentence 2 of the Residence Act | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 2 years |
Skilled workers with foreign qualifications (Sections 18a, 18b, 18d, 118g of the Residence Act) | Section 18c(1) sentence 1 of the Residence Act | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 3 years |
EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act) | Section 18c (2) sentence 1 of the Residence Act | A1 or exception (e.g., German school or training qualification) | 27 months |
EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act) + B1 | Section 18c (2) sentence 3 of the Residence Act | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 21 months |
Self-employed persons (Section 21 (1), Section 21 (2a) of the Residence Act) | Section 21(4) of the Residence Act | at best B1 | 3 years |
Refugee status (Section 25 (1), Section 25 (2) sentence 1 alternative 1 of the Residence Act) | Section 26 (3) sentence 1 of the Residence Act | A2 or exception (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 5 years |
Refugee status (Section 25 (1), Section 25 (2) sentence 1 alternative 1 of the Residence Act) + C1 | Section 26 (3) Residence Act | C1 or exception (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 3 years |
Subsidiary protection (Section 25 (2) Alt. 2 of the Residence Act) and other humanitarian Residence permit Section 22 (1), Section 23 (1) or Section 25 (5) of the Residence Act) | § Section 26 (4) AufenthG | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 5 years |
Family member of a German citizen (Section 28 (1) + Section 28 (2) sentence 3 of the Residence Act) | Section 28(2) of the Residence Act | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 3 years |
Children aged 16 and over | Section 35 (1) sentence 1 of the Residence Act | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 5 years |
Entered as a minor (now of legal age) | Section 35 (1) sentence 2 of the Residence Act | B1 or exemption (e.g., German school or vocational qualification) | 5 years |
Are there any exceptions to the B1 language certificate requirement for the Settlement permit?
In principle, Settlement permit German language skills must be demonstrated in order to obtain a Settlement permit . However, this does not mean that a separate B1 language certificate must be submitted.
In some cases, proof of language proficiency can also be provided in other ways. In addition, there are certain exceptions where proof of language proficiency is not required at all.
German school or vocational qualification
If you have obtained a school leaving certificate in Germany, this is generally considered sufficient proof of your German language skills. This includes, for example, a secondary school leaving certificate, a secondary school diploma, or a high school diploma.
Completed vocational training in Germany can also replace the B1 language certificate. Since school or vocational training is conducted in German, the Foreigners' office your language skills correspond to at least level B1.
Study in Germany
A degree from a German university can also be recognized as proof of language proficiency. In this case, the authorities assume that the applicant has the required German language skills if the degree was completed in German (as the language of instruction).
Completed integration course
Those who have successfully completed an integration course and passed the "German Test for Immigrants" (DTZ) at level B1 also meet the language requirements.
It is important that the integration course includes a language course and that the B1 level has actually been achieved. Pure orientation courses or other modules without a language test do not replace a German B1 certificate.
Illness, disability, or old age
In certain cases, the Foreigners' office may grant Foreigners' office exemption from the language proficiency requirement. This is possible if you are permanently unable to demonstrate German language skills at level B1 for health or age-related reasons. However, these circumstances must be proven by medical certificates and expert opinions.
There is no legal entitlement to this exemption (Section 9 (1) sentence 3 of the Residence Act). The Foreigners' office always Foreigners' office at its discretion whether an exemption from the language requirement is possible. In doing so, the authority checks whether the health or age-related reasons are sufficiently proven and actually exist on a permanent basis.
Frequently asked questions about the language certificate for the Settlement permit
We Settlement permit frequently Settlement permit many questions about the German Certificate B1 for the Settlement permit . In the following FAQ, you will find the most important information about the B1 language certificate—explained in a concise, understandable, and practical manner.
Can I obtain a Settlement permit without the German B1 certificate?
In most cases, language level B1 is a prerequisite for a Settlement permit. However, there are some exceptions. For example, recognized refugees can also Settlement permit a Settlement permit with A2 language skills under certain conditions.
A German school or university degree can also replace the language certificate. Settlement permit , without sufficient German language skills, a Settlement permit is usually not possible.
How long is a German Certificate B1 valid?
A German Certificate B1 does not have an expiration date. It remains valid indefinitely. In practice, Foreigners' office , the Foreigners' office may check whether your language skills are still sufficient if the exam was taken a long time ago. In most cases, however, older language certificates are also recognized.
How much does the B1 language certificate cost and how long does it take?
The cost of an official B1 German language certificate varies depending on the provider and exam location. It is usually between €150 and €260.
How long the preparation takes depends on your prior knowledge. Many learners need several months to reach level B1. Those who attend a language course regularly or study intensively can often prepare more quickly.
After passing the exam, you will receive an official German Certificate B1, which you can Foreigners' office Settlement permit the Foreigners' office as proof for your Settlement permit .
Do I need to have the language certificate before I Settlement permit for a Settlement permit ?
It is advisable to submit your application for Settlement permit complete Settlement permit (i.e., with all the necessary documents). Ideally, you will already have the certificate before submitting your application. However, it is always possible Foreigners' office the language certificate to the Foreigners' office .
Can the Foreigners' office request Foreigners' office specific examination institute?
No. The authorities may not Settlement permit a specific institution for the language certificate for the Settlement permit . However, the B1 language certificate submitted must be officially recognized and comply with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Are there age limits for the B1 language certificate for the Settlement permit?
Yes, there are. Special rules apply in some cases to children and young people. Children under the age of 16 do not need a separate B1 certificate for the Settlement permit. They can prove their language skills by attending school. Exceptions can also be made under certain circumstances for older applicants or people with health restrictions.
