Language Course Finder
Find the right German language or integration course in your city. With BAMF info, costs, and course types. Free, no signup required.
Find German Courses — Integration Courses, Vocational Language Courses and More
Learning German is the key to integration in Germany. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) funds various course formats, from general integration courses to specialized vocational language courses. Our Language Course Finder helps you find the right option near you.
Integration Course (§ 43 AufenthG)
The integration course is the cornerstone of language integration. It comprises:
- Language course: 600 teaching units (UE) of German, target level B1 (CEFR). Up to 900 UE if needed (repeat course).
- Orientation course: 100 UE on the legal system, history, and culture of Germany. Final exam: "Living in Germany" test (LiD).
- Costs: EUR 2.29 per UE personal contribution (2026). Exemption when receiving Bürgergeld, social assistance, or asylum seeker benefits. BAMF cost contribution obligation per § 9 para. 2 IntV.
- Eligibility: New immigrants with residence permits (§ 44 AufenthG), EU citizens, ethnic German repatriates. Obligation by immigration authority or Jobcenter possible (§ 44a AufenthG).
Special Integration Courses
- Youth integration course: For ages 16–27, 900 UE
- Parent/women integration course: With childcare, 900 UE
- Literacy course: For non-literate learners, 900–1,200 UE
- Intensive course: For fast learners, 430 UE
Vocational Language Courses (§ 45a AufenthG / DeuFöV)
Vocational language courses (BSK) build on integration courses and lead to levels B2, C1, or C2. They are free for job seekers (SGB II/III recipients). Employed participants pay 50% cost contribution (EUR 2.56/UE). Specialized courses for healthcare professions (nursing, medicine), retail, and technical trades are available.
Exams and Certificates
- DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer): Final exam of the integration course, level A2–B1
- telc Deutsch B2: Most common exam for vocational language courses
- TestDaF: For university admission, level B2–C1
- Goethe Certificate: Internationally recognized, all levels
Why German Skills Matter
Language certificates are prerequisites for many immigration steps: family reunification (A1, § 30 para. 1 AufenthG), settlement permit (B1, § 9 para. 2 AufenthG), naturalization (B1, § 10 StAG), and accelerated naturalization (B2/C1, § 10 para. 3 StAG).
What Our Finder Provides
- Course search by ZIP code, city, or state
- Filter by course type (integration, vocational, specialized)
- Cost information and exemption options
- Wait times and next start dates
- BAMF provider list with ratings