German A1, B1 or B2 – Which language certificate do I need?

German A1 – Beginners

“Can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask other people questions about themselves – e.g. where they live, what kind of people they know or what kind of things they have – and can give answers to questions of this kind. Can communicate in a simple way if interlocutors speak slowly and clearly and are willing to help.”[1]

German A2 – Basic knowledge

“Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, work, local area). Can communicate in simple, routine situations involving simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms own background and education, immediate environment and things related to immediate needs.”[2]

German B1 – Advanced language use

“Can understand the main points when clear standard language is used and when dealing with familiar matters from work, school, leisure, etc.”. Can deal with most situations encountered when travelling in the language area. Can express him/herself simply and coherently on familiar topics and personal areas of interest. Can report on experiences and events, describe dreams, hopes and ambitions, and give brief reasons or explanations for plans and opinions.”[3]

German B2 – Independent use of language

“Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is quite possible without major effort on either side. Can express him/herself clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects, explaining a point of view on a topical issue and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.”[4]

German C1 – Professional language skills

“Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and also grasp implicit meanings. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without having to search for clearly identifiable words. Can use language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life or in training and study. Can express him/herself clearly, in a structured and detailed way on complex subjects, making appropriate use of various means of linking text.”[5]

German C2 – Approximate native language proficiency

“Can understand with ease virtually everything he/she reads or hears. Can summarize information from a variety of written and spoken sources, giving reasons and explanations in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, with great fluency and accuracy, making clear finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.”[6]

How do I find out what language level I am at?

Our tip: With this free placement test from Deutsche Welle, you can easily find out how good your German skills already are. If you are good at self-assessment, this CEFR placement test can also help you.

Which language certificate do I need for the settlement permit?

The requirement to have sufficient knowledge of the German language is laid down in § 9 para. 2 No. 7 Residence Act. However, applicants are regularly faced with the question of which certificate they need for this.

German B1 for settlement permit after 5 years (principle)

To meet the requirements of the § 9 para. 2 Sentence 1 No. 7 i.V.m. § 2 para. 11 Residence Act and to obtain a permanent right of residence in Germany, the language level German B1 is required. This level can also be proven by successfully passing the German Test for Immigrants (DTZ) as part of integration courses.

German A2 for settlement permit with refugee status after 5 years

If you are a recognized refugee in the sense of the Residence Act and do not apply for a settlement permit after 3 years but after 5 years, you will need the following acc. § 26 para. 3 Sentence 1 No. 4 i.V.m. § 2 para. 10 Residence Act only language skills at the German A2 level.

German C1 for settlement permit with refugee status after 3 years

As a recognized refugee, it is possible for you to receive a settlement permit after only 3 years. For this, however, you must prove that you have “mastered” the German language. So, in order to get a permanent right of residence as a refugee in Germany after only 3 years, you have to acc. § 26 para. 3 Sentence 3 No. 3 i.V.m. § 2 para. 12 Residence Act via Have language skills at the German C1 level.

German A1 for spouses

For the reunification of spouses, simplified conditions apply. You must have a basic knowledge of German. In this case, proof of the German A1 language certificate is sufficient, i.e. passing the easiest of the 6 levels.