The integration course is the most important state-funded course German learning opportunities in Germany. He is in favor of some residence permits Obligatory, for many others an official authorization. Anyone who is obliged and does not take part is taking a risk Consequences when extending the residence permit. Anyone who is entitled and does it voluntarily saves money significantly compared to private language schools.
Course structure
The integration course consists of two parts: a language course and a Orientation course. Both are compulsory - the degree is only valid with both parts.
General language course (600 hours)
From A1 to B1 in six sections of 100 teaching hours each. Goal: B1 knowledge of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each section ends with an internal learning level test.
Orientation course (100 hours)
Imparts knowledge of history, culture, law and democracy Values in Germany. Ends with the naturalization test (Living in Germany) – 33 out of 60 questions correct = passed.
Final exam: DTZ + naturalization test
Anyone who has completed both parts of the course takes the final exam: the German TestDaZ (DTZ) at B1 level plus the Naturalization test. Who passes: Certificate integration course.
Compulsory Participation & Eligibility
There is an important difference: compulsory participation means that the The immigration authorities are obliged to participate. Eligibility means You can take part - but it's not mandatory. In both cases, the BAMF pays the majority of the course costs.
These people must attend the course
New immigrants with a residence permit for gainful employmentwho cannot prove sufficient knowledge of German (Section 44a Residence Act)
Recipients of social benefits (SGB II) if the employment agency or job center requests participation
People with a settlement permit, if a lack of knowledge of German was identified when the title was granted
Recognized refugees and those entitled to subsidiary protectionwho do not have sufficient knowledge of German
People with a residence permit for family reunificationif the immigration authority orders participation
These people can participate voluntarily
Foreigners with a different residence permitwho are not obliged but would like to participate (Section 44 Residence Act)
People with a residence permit or toleration, if the BAMF allows participation
German citizenswho need support or integration and are approved by the responsible authority
EU citizens and their family memberswho want to develop German skills for work or everyday life
late emigrants and their relatives who came to Germany under the Federal Expellees Act
1,95 €
Per lesson For 700 hours: max. total costs of €1,365. The BAMF bears the majority. Anyone who receives ALG II or has a low income is completely exempt.
0 €
Full cost coverage Recipients of SGB II benefits (ALG II / citizen's benefit), social assistance or basic security do not pay any personal contribution. Submit proof to the BAMF.
50 %
If DTZ is passed Anyone who passes the final examination (DTZ + naturalization test) will receive half of the contribution paid back. Submit an application to the course provider.
6–18 months
Depending on the intensity Full-time course: approx. 6 months. Part-time (evening course): 12-18 months. Special courses for parents, women, literacy available separately.
Registration
The integration course runs through the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). You don't register directly with the BAMF, but rather with an approved one Course providers nearby. You need approval from the BAMF - but you get it automatically with the appropriate residence permit or upon application.
Anyone who is required to participate will receive information from the immigration office or the job center a written obligation - that is at the same time admission to the course. Anyone who would like to participate voluntarily and is entitled, submit an application for approval to the BAMF or directly from the course provider.
The BAMF maintains an online search on bamf.de, which is approved Course providers can be found by zip code. are course sponsors including adult education centers, language schools, non-profit organizations and charities. Not every course provider offers everything Course formats – Full-time, part-time, parenting course, literacy course ask in advance.
The course provider first takes a placement test. He determines which section the course begins with – If you already speak A2, you won't get into A1. Existing knowledge is recognized and saved.
| format | For whom | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Youth integration course | 16-27 years, no school place | Supplementary social-educational support |
| Parenting course/women’s course | Parents or women with care responsibilities | Accompanying childcare possible |
| Literacy course | People without knowledge of Latin script | 900 hours instead of 700, special teaching materials |
| Remedial course | People with special language needs | Longer learning times, smaller groups |
Degree & Certificate
Completing the integration course is not a simple certificate – it opens concrete residence rights doors. Whoever has it has it a measurable advantage over other residence permit applicants.
DTZ – German test for immigrants (B1)
The DTZ tests all four language skills at B1 level: Listening, reading, writing, speaking. He is from the Goethe Institute or telc and is considered official B1 proof. Anyone who passes the DTZ has a recognized B1 certificate – also for applications outside of the integration course.
Naturalization test – living in Germany
33 out of 60 questions correct = passed. The questions come from one Questionnaire of 300 questions on history, politics, law and society. The passing result can be submitted directly to the naturalization application be submitted – no re-examination necessary.
| Residence status/application | Advantage through certificate |
|---|---|
| Settlement permit (Section 9 Residence Act) | Can be applied for after 3 years instead of 5 years if the integration course has been successfully completed |
| Settlement permit EU Blue Card | Possible after 21 months (instead of 33 months) - but another B1 certificate is sufficient here |
| Naturalization (§ 10 StAG) | Naturalization test already completed; after 8 years of stay (shortening possible) |
| Extension of the residence permit | Positive influencing factor – lack of participation when required can make extension difficult |
| Family reunification | Knowledge of German (B1) may be relevant for immigration applications |
Important · When committed
Anyone who has been obliged to attend and is absent without a valid reason, must expect concrete consequences. These are graduated – but real.
Reclaiming the course costs
Anyone who takes part in the course too infrequently or drops out without an excuse can be asked to repay the course costs covered by the BAMF. The BAMF has the right to reclaim costsif the obligation to participate has not been fulfilled.
Making it more difficult to extend your residence permit
When extending your residence permit, unexcused absences from the integration course can be assessed negatively. The immigration authorities can make the extension conditional on course participation or interpret the non-appearance as a lack of willingness to integrate.
Reduction of ALG II if the obligation to cooperate is violated
Anyone who has been obliged by the job center to take part in the integration course and stays away without an excuse risks one Reduction of the standard benefit (citizen's benefit) by up to 30%. This is considered a violation of the obligation to cooperate according to Section 31 SGB II.
There is no advantage for an early settlement permit
If you want to shorten the period to 3 years, you need to have passed the integration course certificate. Anyone who doesn't take part or doesn't pass will wait the full 5 years – without exception. This costs 2 years of residence security.
Next steps
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.