Arriving together

integration courses

An integration course is a language and orientation program for immigrants in Germany funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). It consists of two main components: a language course in which German language skills are taught up to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference, and an orientation course that familiarizes participants with topics related to German society, culture, and the legal system.

🧭 Target groups & requirements

As a rule, persons with a permanent residence permit in Germany are eligible to participate – for example, immigrants who are ethnic German repatriates, asylum seekers with good prospects of remaining in Germany, or persons with temporary leave to remain (§ 60a (2) sentence 3 AufenthG). The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the job center, or the immigration office can grant eligibility for an integration course.

📚 Course types & duration

General integration course

  • For people who are accustomed to learning and have a good knowledge of the Latin writing system
  • Teaching language level up to level B1, plus 100 UE orientation course

Second script learner course

  • For individuals who are accustomed to learning and have a good knowledge of non-Latin writing systems
  • Introduction to the Latin writing system, teaching language skills up to level B1, plus 100 UE orientation course

Integration course for people with low literacy skills

  • For learners with limited written language skills despite basic literacy.
  • Comprises up to 1,200 teaching units, including approximately 100 teaching units of orientation course. Target: A2/B1, DTZ & LiD qualification

literacy course

  • For people who cannot read or write in their native language, or can do so only with difficulty.
  • Teaches both Latin script and German language skills – usually up to level A2.
  • Reading/writing content and everyday language
Integration course_Man
textbook

🎯 Content & Learning Objectives

The language course (basic and advanced language courses, each comprising 300 teaching units) covers everyday topics such as shopping, housing, health, work, dealing with authorities, media, raising children, leisure activities, and more. Writing and speaking skills—such as letters, job applications, and telephone conversations—are practiced in a targeted manner.

In the orientation course (100 teaching units), participants learn about German values, the political system, the legal system, history, and cultural diversity—key topics include religious freedom, equality, the relationship between church and state, and Germany’s understanding of democracy.

The course concludes with two exams: the “German Test for Immigrants” (DTZ) to prove language proficiency (at least A2 to B1) and the “Life in Germany” orientation course.

Costs
& Funding

Participants usually pay a contribution of approximately €2.29 per lesson. At the same time, there are extensive exemption and reimbursement options:

  • Exemption from costs for ethnic German repatriates, certain groups of asylum seekers, and those in need (e.g., recipients of citizen's income)
  • Reimbursement of 50% of the fee paid if the course is successfully completed within two years of the issue of the certificate of eligibility.
  • Travel allowance possible if participants have been exempted from course fees and the distance to the course location is at least 5 km.

Procedure
& Organization

To participate, you need an authorization certificate, which can be obtained from the BAMF, job center, or immigration office. After that, you will be introduced to the school and register for the placement test.

The test is mandatory. After the test, course registration takes place according to language level.

Advantages
& Significance

  • Establishes solid German language skills at B1 level, relevant for everyday life, the workplace, government agencies, and naturalization.
  • Provides orientation-specific knowledge about Germany's history, culture, and democratic structures.
  • Successful completion can shorten the naturalization process by one year and be helpful in obtaining residence permits and settlement permits (Section 9 of the Residence Act).

Depending on the course format, the total duration is between 7 and 15 months, with full-time or part-time models available.

integration courses

General integration course

dates

class times

General integration course Module A1.1 – 100 hours

March 2, 2026
April 24, 2026

Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mon – Fri, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

General integration course Module A2.1 – 100 hours

February 16, 2026

Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
.

General integration course Module B1.1 – 100 hours

March 17, 2026

Mon – Fri, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Orientation course – 100 hours

March 16, 2026
March 26, 2026

Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mon – Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Integration course with literacy training

dates

class times

Integration course with literacy training

March 16, 2026

Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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