The Integrationskurs is Germany's flagship programme for newcomers: a state-funded combination of German language education and civic orientation designed to help immigrants build a foundation in their new country. If you are thinking about whether you qualify, what it involves, and how to enrol — this guide has all the answers.
What the Integration Course Covers
The standard Integrationskurs consists of 700 hours in total. The first 600 hours are devoted to German language instruction, taking participants from absolute beginner level (A1) to functional communication at B1 level. Lessons cover everyday vocabulary, grammar, speaking, reading, listening, and writing. The final 100 hours form the Orientierungskurs, which covers German history, the political system, the legal system, German values and society, and everyday life. Both components are taught by accredited course providers — language schools, adult education centres (VHS), and other institutions approved by BAMF.
The course concludes with the DTZ exam (Deutscher Test für Zuwanderer), which tests your German at A2/B1 level, and the Leben-in-Deutschland test, a 33-question multiple-choice test on civic knowledge.
Who Has the Right or Obligation to Attend?
Entitlement: The following groups have the right to attend an Integrationskurs: EU citizens, holders of a work permit (§18 AufenthG), holders of an EU Blue Card (§18b), holders of a settlement permit, family reunion visa holders, and in some cases people who have been in Germany for a longer period without having previously completed the course.
Obligation: Some groups are obligated to attend, including newly arrived non-EU citizens who receive social benefits (Bürgergeld, Sozialhilfe), individuals referred by the Jobcenter or immigration authorities, and in some cases people whose German language skills are deemed insufficient for integration. The obligation is communicated in writing by the Ausländerbehörde or Jobcenter.
Special formats are available for parents and guardians of school-age children, for women who prefer women-only classes, for people with literacy needs (with lower starting points), and for young people under 27. Check with your local BAMF office or a registered course provider about availability.
Costs, Funding, and How to Enrol
The standard contribution is €2.25 per course hour, which comes to a total of €1,575 for the full 700 hours. This fee can be waived entirely if you receive Bürgergeld, Sozialhilfe, or are referred by the Jobcenter. EU citizens and certain other groups may also be eligible for fee waivers. Even without a waiver, the cost is modest for the value provided — language instruction of this length and quality would cost many thousands of euros privately.
To enrol, find a BAMF-accredited course provider near you via the course finder at bamf.de/integrationskurse. You will need to bring your residence permit (or EU ID), your registration certificate, and if you have one, the referral letter from the immigration authority. The provider will do a placement test to assign you to the right class level.
The Integrationskurs is one of the best opportunities available to immigrants in Germany — do not wait to take advantage of it. If you have questions about eligibility, enrolment, or what to expect, Sylum can help. Reach out at sylum.de/contact.
