Learning German with integration courses (Integrationskurse)
The integration courses are state-regulated German courses. They help you to learn the German language and to better understand life in Germany. Participation is only possible with a certificate of eligibility (from the BAMF - Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) or an obligation (from the job centre/foreigners authority).
What is an integration course?
An integration course is a German course. The course is regulated and subsidised by the state. It helps you to find your way better in everyday life in Germany. The course consists of two parts:
- Language course: You will learn German for everyday life. The goal is language level B1.
- Orientation course: You will learn important information about Germany.
There are different types of integration courses:
General integration courses (Allgemeine Integrationskurse)
For people who are learning German and already know the Latin script.
- 6 sections of language course (600 lessons) + 1 section of orientation course (100 lessons) = 7 sections (700 lessons) last approx. 12 months
Second language courses (Zweitschriftlernerkurse)
For people who are learning Latin script and German at the same time.
- 9 sections of language course (900 units) + 1 section of orientation course (100 units) = 10 sections (1000 units) last approx. 14 months
Literacy courses (Alphabetisierungskurse)
For people who are learning to read and write in addition to German.
- 12 sections of language course (900 units + 300 units repetition) + 1 section of orientation course (100 units) = 13 sections (1300 units) last approx. 18 months
Course details
Times
- Monday to Friday
- mornings or afternoons
- There are no lessons during the school holidays
Compulsory attendance
- You must attend regularly. Your attendance will be monitored.
Two tests
- German test for immigrants (DTZ)
- Living in Germany (LiD)
Costs
- The BAMF pays 50 % of the costs
- If you pass the DTZ exam at B1 level and the LiD test, you will receive 50% of your own costs back under certain conditions
Exemption from costs
The course is free of charge if you:
- (SGB II), unemployment benefit (SGB III) or social assistance (SGB XII).
- receive housing benefit, BAföG, child allowance or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
- work, but earn less than:
- 2,491.50 € (without children)
- 3,246.50 € (with one child)
- 4,001.50 € (from two children)
People who live more than 5 kilometres from the course location and receive benefits receive a travel allowance.
Participation requirements
- You can only take part in an integration course if you live in Germany permanently.
- You can only take part in an integration course if
- you have an authorisation (Berechtigung) from the Federal Office for Refugees (BAMF) or
- you have an obligation (Verpflichtung) from the job centre or the immigration authority
Where do you get an authorisation or commitment?
- The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) will issue you with an authorisation.
- The job centre will issue you with a commitment.
- The foreigners authority will issue you with an obligation.
Important information and registration
You will need these documents to register
1. Certificate of eligibility (BAMF) or obligation (job centre/foreigners authority)
Participation is not possible without authorisation or commitment.
2. Valid identity card
3. Registration certificate
4. Proof of income (payslip) or benefit notification (e.g. job centre, housing benefit notification)
