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Proof of German language skills

To obtain a visa or a residence permit, you often have to prove your knowledge of the German language.

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Some visas and resident permits require that applicants can demonstrate a certain level of German. The assessment of language proficiency is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Typically, your proficiency must be reflected in a language certificate based on a standardised language test in accordance with the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). If you have successfully completed an integration course, your language skills are certified with the integration course certificate.


Basic knowledge of German (A1)

If you need to prove basic German skills in order to apply for a visa or residence permit, this corresponds to level A1 of the CEFR and means that:

  • you can understand and use everyday and very simple sentences
  • you can introduce yourself and others (e.g. say where you live and what you do) and answer simple questions
  • you can communicate with others in a simple way if the person you are speaking to speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help

In principle, you must present a language certificate based on a standardized language test in accordance with the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).

The language certificates of the following institutes are recognized as proof:

If it becomes clear during your personal appointment that you have at least the required basic knowledge of German, an official language certificate is not required. The decision on this is made by the embassy or by the immigration office.


Adequate knowledge of German (A2)

If you have to prove adequate knowledge of German in order to apply for a visa or residence permit, this corresponds to level A2 of the CEFR and means that:

  • you can understand sentences and frequently used expressions, for example information about yourself and your family, shopping, work and your immediate surroundings
  • you can communicate in simple situations that you already know and talk about familiar things
  • you can describe your own background and education, your immediate surroundings and your own needs in a simple way

In principle, you must present a language certificate based on a standardized language test according to the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).

The language certificates of the following institutes are recognized as proof:


Sufficient knowledge of German (B1)

If you need to prove that you have sufficient knowledge of German to apply for a visa or residence permit, this corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and means that:

  • you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can read a simple text, understand it and reproduce the main points
  • you can speak in a simple and coherent way about familiar topics and personal interests
  • you can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for your opinions and plans

In principle, you must present a language certificate that has been issued on the basis of a standardized language test in accordance with the standards of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE).

The language certificates of the following institutes are recognized as proof:

If you have successfully completed an integration course, you can prove your language skills with the “Zertifikat Integrationskurs”.


Alternatives to the language certificate 

Under certain conditions, attending a German school, vocational school, university of applied sciences or university can serve as proof of your language skills. Language skills at level B1 are considered proven if:

  • you have successfully attended a German-speaking school for four years (you have been promoted to the next higher grade),
  • you have acquired a secondary school leaving certificate or an equivalent German school leaving certificate,
  • you have been transferred to the tenth grade of a German-speaking secondary school (Realschule, Gymnasium or Gesamtschule),
  • you have completed a degree at a German-speaking university or university of applied sciences or
  • you have successfully completed a German vocational training program