
Required German language skills depending on the type of visa
You can use this chart to check whether and which German language skills you need to have to obtain a certain residence title.
Your everday life in Germany will be easier once you learn German. Find out here why German language skills are important.
Learning German is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for life in Germany. It will help you settle in more quickly and make it easier for you to find new friends.
For some purposes, such as work or study, it may even be necessary for you to demonstrate a certain level of German. Proof of a particular level of German is also often required when applying for a visa:
Note: You will need to obtain recognition in order to practise a regulated profession in Germany, such as teaching or law. These and many other regulated professions also require a knowledge of German. Further information on the recognition procedure and language certificates can be found on the "Anerkennung in Deutschland" portal, and personal advice can be obtained from the Service Center for Professional Recognition (ZSBA).
Read more about the requirements for each type of visa in the “Visa” section.
You can use this chart to check whether and which German language skills you need to have to obtain a certain residence title.
Even if you do not need to prove your German language skills for your job, learning German in advance is a sign of your commitment. Since people often speak differently in the workplace than they do in everyday life, being aware of linguistic and cultural differences and knowing specific terminology will help you deal with these situations more effectively. Vocational language courses are a good way to prepare for the world of work.
Your German skills are usually assessed on the basis of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR distinguishes between six levels of language competence, which describe what learners of a foreign language are able to express and understand at each level.
Let us advise you on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Our experts will support you with questions regarding job search, visa, recognition and learning German.
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Learning German: tips and possibilities
In this webinar, the Goethe-Institut will present its international learning resources and it will give you important tips for language learning.