-
Language classes
German as a foreign language in order to obtain official language certificates, e.g. for a residence permit. German exams of the Goethe-Institut Overview of the German exams offered by the Goethe-Institut from levels A1 to C2, as well as specialist language exams for students and professionals Certificate exams of telc Overview of telc certificate exams from levels A1 to C2, as well as a variety of specialist language exams for educational and professional purposes. TestDaF (Test for German as a foreign [...] in the forum, via messages or in the chat, help each other and practise together. vhs learning portal In this B1 German course, you can build on your knowledge of German from the A2 course. You will also learn how to communicate in a variety of situations, both orally and in writing. vhs learning portal In this portal, you will find free online German courses at different levels from A1 to B2. The courses are suitable for self-study. You are accompanied by an online tutor who corrects your tasks [...] Goethe-Institut’s podcasts You can listen to podcasts on a variety of topics on the Goethe-Institut website. You will also find Podcasts with work sheets and solution sheets . Website „Mein Weg nach Deutschland“ On the Goethe-Institut’s “Mein Weg nach Deutschland” website, you will find free German exercises (levels A1-B2), podcasts and videos, as well as informational texts on working and living in Germany in 30 languages. You will also find a glossary with important terms related to living in Germany
-
Do I need to know German?
permit for the purpose of self-employment (Section 21 AufenthG) German language skills as a visa requirement: A certain level of German may be required to apply for a visa. You need to have a B2 level of German to obtain a visa for the purpose of seeking vocational training. German language skills at level B1 are required to obtain a visa for vocational training . A minimum A2 level is usually required to obtain a visa for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications . Read more about the [...] demonstrate a certain level of German. Proof of a particular level of German is also often required when applying for a visa : Healthcare professions: If you plan to work in the health sector in Germany, e.g. as a nurse or doctor , knowledge of the German language is essential. Level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required, depending on the federal state in which you wish to work. Note: You will need to obtain recognition in order to practise a regulated [...] prove your language skills for your visa application, you generally need an official language certificate from a recognised institution. The best-known providers include the Goethe-Institut and telc . These certificates comply with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), such as A1, B1 or C1 - depending on the requirements for your visa. Another useful service is “ Deine Deutschprüfung ” (Your German exam) from Deutsche Welle. It provides comprehensive information
-
Social security
what that means here. General information If you are a skilled professional returning to Germany after a longer stay abroad, your prospects of getting a foot back on the ladder are excellent. If you have been seconded to a post abroad, your company will probably refer you to a relocation agency that will give you all the information you need and take care of the most important work. However, if you are planning your return by yourself, there are a few points to consider. Our " Jobs " section has answers [...] countries in the EU and the EEA if you spent at least a year working in those countries. You will need to furnish form PD U1 as proof of insurance. Click here to go to a register of foreign agencies that can issue form PD U1. If in doubt, contact Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance ) for advice. Tip It is a good idea to collect all your certificates, diplomas etc. that can serve as proof of employment. Job listings PDF: Social security at a glance Information on the web Federal Employment [...] insurance, either under the statutory system or from a private provider. So do not forget to register yourself and your family with a healthcare provider as soon as you arrive in Germany. Whether you are eligible for private or statutory healthcare or can choose between the two will depend on the type of insurance you had prior to leaving Germany, on the length of your stay abroad, and on your job in Germany. If you are returning from an EU Member State, a country within the EEA or Switzerland, you should
-
Hamburg
Hamburg Hamburg is a green city located in close proximity to the sea. The metropolis offers plenty of things to do in your free time, including a variety of cultural activities. Its international flair and comparatively young population from all around the world make it a very pleasant place to be. Hamburg prides itself on its economic performance, above-average levels of income and its high level of education. The larger metropolitan region of Hamburg includes parts of the adjacent states of S [...] home to 500,000 companies with around 1.9 million jobs. Keyfacts for Hamburg Capital Hamburg Important industries Logistics Second largest port in Europe Maritime industry, such as specialised shipbuilding, shipbuilding suppliers, marine and offshore engineering Civil aviation industry Media and IT, e.g. games industry Renewable energies Life Sciences – research and production location for medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries Population 1,910,160 Particularities Hamburg's port
-
Child care
which you are entitled as a family online at the BMFSFJ’s Family Portal . Legal entitlement to childcare As of 1 August 2013, children aged one and over have the legal right to be looked after and supported in a nursery or by a childminder. This entitlement, set out in the Child Promotion Act (KiföG) , does not depend on whether the parents work or not. Children over the age of three have full entitlement to day care until they start school . Finding the right childcare 1 Search Start your search [...] where and at what age your child receives childcare. We have listed the different childcare options here: Day nursery: a place for your children The word Kindertagesstätte (or Kita for short) is an umbrella term for different types of childcare. In a nursery (Kita), your children will be looked after and cared for by early childhood educators for all or part of the day. Since there is a wide variety of pedagogical approaches, the concepts often differ from one nursery to another. Children aged zero to [...] Childminding (Kindertagespflege) is a special form of childcare. It offers flexible, family-oriented and individual care by a designated childminder and is particularly beneficial for children under the age of three . These childminders are also referred to as Tageseltern (literally “day parents”). Depending on the arrangement, your children may be looked after in the childminder’s home, in your home or elsewhere. In some federal states, several childminders can form a group and look after more than five
-
Mecklenburg-West Pomerania
st Pomerania as a place to live. As a business location, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania relies on a healthy mix of innovative, future-oriented industries and traditional businesses, global players and SMEs. Together, they offer interesting opportunities and perspectives for skilled workers and managers. Keyfacts for Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Capital Schwerin Important industries Tourism Healthcare Trade and commerce Construction industry Agricultural and food industries Population 1,629,464 Particularities
-
Mobility in Germany
prices. Many transport associations also offer free apps so you can check timetables and possibly buy tickets at the touch of a button. If you use public transport regularly, it is usually worth buying a season ticket or monthly pass. You pay a fixed price and can travel as often as you like. Tip The “Deutschland-Ticket” was launched on 1 May 2023. This ticket, available only as a monthly cancellable subscription, currently costs €58 per month, and offers unlimited travel throughout Germany on all local [...] Mobility in Germany There are a number of ways to get around in Germany. The main means of transport are cars, buses, trains and bicycles. Bicycles and electric scooters Cycling can be a quick and cheap alternative in both rural and urban areas. Second-hand bicycles can be bought at a low cost, for example at specialist bike flea markets. Many large cities also offer rental bikes, enabling you to rent a bike long term (subscription) and obtain services such as repairs. If you prefer to cycle only [...] footpaths. If no cycle path is available, you should use the road. Buses and trains You do not necessarily need a car to get around. You can also use public transport: buses, metros, suburban trains, trams, regional trains (RE or RB), long-distance trains (ICE and IC) and long-distance coaches. Buses and trains make it easy to get around the city and from one place to another. In general, Germany has a well-developed public transport infrastructure, especially in urban areas. How much does it cost to use
-
Integration courses
authority will let you know whether you are free or required to attend a course. More information on the conditions of participation and costs can be found here . How to find an integration course Integration courses are offered by over 1,600 local language schools and they are funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) . If you come from a country outside the EU, go to your local foreigners authority which will issue a Berechtigungsschein (permit to attend an integration course). EU [...] for participation: As an EU citizen , you are welcome to take part in a free integration course if you want to learn German or improve your German skills, provided that a place is available. However, you are not required to do so. Non-EU citizens are also allowed to take these courses. If your German language skills are not particularly good yet, you may also be required to attend. If you work and do not have time to attend a full or part-time course, you can be exempted from attending the course [...] Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Afterwards, you should look for a course provider . The foreigners authority or the Migration Advisory Centre will offer their help. It is also very easy to search the online information system NAvI of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Once you have found a course provider in your area, go to the provider's office or call them. The course provider will help you select a suitable integration course and let you know when it is scheduled to begin
-
Schleswig-Holstein
olstein not only offers international professionals the chance to realise their career dreams in the “true north of Germany”, but also makes them want to spend their free time here doing leisure activities. Schleswig-Holstein offers a professional environment with a strong middle class and worldwide successful companies in future industries. Due to the proximity to Scandinavia in the north and the metropolitan region of Hamburg in the south, many companies inside the federal state maintain good networks [...] environment, offer flat hierarchies, fast promotion opportunities and family-friendly working models. Numerous projects and initiatives in the state provide good conditions for entering the job market and for further professional training. At the same time, 1,190 kilometres of coastline on the North and Baltic Sea invite you to go for walks or do water sports such as sailing or kiteboarding. Keyfacts for Schleswig-Holstein Capital Kiel Important industries Logistics Craft business Tourism Care Population
-
Politics, democracy, freedom
of the topic. Key facts at a glance Population 83.5 million Form of government Parliamentary democracy Capital Berlin Currency 1 euro (EUR) = 100 cents Democracy Since the German nation state was founded in 1871, Germany has had a long history. There were many challenges, including the world wars and the dictatorship of the national socialists. The Federal Republic of Germany was founded in 1949, and it learned its lessons from its history. The 76-year-old Basic Law and a stable democracy supported [...] Perceptions Index of 2023 Germany is one of the ten countries most resistant to corruption. To preserve domestic peace and stability, the federal government invests a lot in security research. In case of emergency, these is a network of security authorities and rescue services ensuring the population’s safety and providing emergency services on a high technological and organisational level. Current information around Germany's politics, economy, science, culture and many others The central reference guide [...] on or a new constitution. Individual freedom The constitution also guarantees other fundamental rights to every person, such as the development of their personality, equality before the law, freedom of faith, freedom of the press and of expression, peaceful freedom of assembly without weapons, occupational freedom and protection from political persecution. The General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG) additionally protects rights, such as the sexual identity. These laws allow everyone to lead a free,
Do you have any questions?
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.
You can find out more about the various contact options by clicking on one of the icons in the bar below.

