– Learning German for work

Vocational language course

A vocational language course (BSK) is an officially funded language course offered by the federal government that is specifically designed to teach people with a migrant background job-related German language skills. These courses are usually based on the integration course and provide targeted support in helping participants to communicate confidently in everyday work or training situations.

🧭 Target groups & requirements

  • The courses are aimed at people with a migrant background who are in training, about to start training, or already employed (e.g., foreign trainees, working immigrants, job seekers).
  • People who are in the process of having their foreign professional qualifications recognized, or who have not reached level B1 despite attending an integration course, can also attend special vocational language courses.
professional language courses

📚 Course types & duration

  • Basic courses typically target language levels B2 or C1 (CEFR) and comprise around 400–500 teaching units.
  • Specialized vocational language courses are subject-specific (e.g., in healthcare or trade) or aimed at people undergoing the recognition process. Depending on the target level, courses can range from 300 to 600 teaching units.
  • Job-BSK (Job Professional Language Course): Short courses with 100–150 teaching units, often held directly at the workplace, without an official final exam—instead, individual language coaching and counseling.
professional language courses

Language creates opportunities.

German for professional life.

🎯 Content & learning objectives

  • Job-specific vocabulary and typical expressions for everyday work (e.g., emails, work instructions, job interviews)
  • Grammar and communication, practiced in situational contexts, e.g., within company processes, projects, or excursions
  • The goal is language proficiency in the context of work and training—speaking, writing, and understanding German clearly in a work context.

Costs
& Funding

  • For trainees (Azubi BSK) and people seeking employment or training, participation is usually free of charge—funding is provided by the BAMF.
  • For working participants: Participation is often free of charge for those on low incomes; otherwise, a contribution towards costs is payable. Under certain conditions, employers can be reimbursed for up to 50% of the costs.
  • Travel allowance possible if participants have been exempted from course fees and the distance to the course location is at least 5 km.

Procedure & Participation

  • Application for eligibility to participate at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), in the case of employer participation, via the job center or employment agency if applicable.
  • Course registration with the course provider on site or via digital providers
  • Completion with certificate examination, except for Job BSK, where learning success interviews are recommended instead. If the exam is not passed, it can be retaken once.

Course duration and organization

  • Full-time basic courses usually last 4–6 months (approx. 25 hours per week), i.e. around 20–25 teaching units per week.
  • Part-time or work-study formats are possible, as are digital or hybrid models.
  • Job BSKs are often carried out in small groups directly at the company and can be flexibly tailored to suit individual needs.

🏆 Advantages at a glance

  • Teaching job-specific language skills – perfect for training, work, or getting foreign qualifications recognized
  • Free participation in many cases, with the possibility of reimbursement
  • Valuable certificates according to GER for use with employers, authorities, or recognition procedures
  • Practical content and industry relevance strengthen language skills in everyday working life

In short: A vocational language course is a targeted measure funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) that teaches people with a migrant background job-related German language skills in order to promote their integration into training or the labor market—with a flexible course structure, targeted vocabulary, and mostly free participation.

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