what is german integration course

Full Answer

What do you need to know about German integration courses?

People who want to study, work or live in Germany, should know at least a basic German language and know a few things about life in Germany, laws of the country and traditions. That is why, the German authorities have established the German Integration Courses, which are obligatory to a large number of persons moving to Germany.

What is an integration course for foreigners?

An integration course for foreigners is a school-like system of classes in German and about Germany that enables foreign nationals that have come to live in Germany, to learn the German language and more about the tradition, customs, history, culture, legal system of Germany, and much more.

What courses do immigrants and refugees have to attend in Germany?

Immigrants and refugees are also obliged to attend these courses. In general, as explained above, depending on the content, courses in Germany are separated into two types: Orientation course – which provide the foreigners with knowledge on the German legal system, culture and history

What is the difference between a language course and integration course?

The language course usually entails 600 learning hours which concludes with a final exam („Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer" or DTZ for short) at B1 level. An integration course covers topics such as work, shopping, communicating with authorities and writing emails/letters.

How long are German integration courses?

around 660 hoursIntegration courses were designed by the German government to help anyone who has recently arrived in Germany to adjust to everyday life, culture and customs. The courses consist of around 660 hours of instruction, comprising a mixture of language and “orientation” components.

How do I get an integration course in Germany?

Integration courses are offered by over 1,300 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).

Do I have to take the integration course in Germany?

Introduced as part of the Immigration Act of 2005, integration courses are mandatory if “you cannot make yourself understood in German at a simple, adequate level.” According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the “immigration authority will decide if attendance is required when it issues the ...

Can I do German integration course online?

Learn German at half the price or even free! At the moment some integration courses are taught online, some in the classroom. The general integration course consists of a maximum of six modules of language learning plus one module orientation course. Each module consists of 100 lessons (45 min).

Can you pass the German citizenship test?

The test consists of 33 questions including three questions which apply only to the German state where the applicant lives. Applicants must choose the correct answer from four possible responses. To pass, applicants must answer 17 questions correctly. In recent years, more than 90% of applicants have passed the test.

How do I get German citizenship in 6 years?

German NaturalizationYou must have lived in Germany on a residence permit for at least eight years, or.You must have lived in Germany on a residence permit for seven years and attended an integration course (this becomes six years in special integration circumstances)More items...

Can I apply for German citizenship after 7 years?

To be eligible for naturalization, a person has to have lived legally in Germany for at least eight years and possess the appropriate residence permit. Foreigners who have successfully completed an integration course are eligible for naturalization after seven years.

When can I apply for permanent residency in Germany?

As such, you can become a German permanent resident: After four years if you are a skilled worker. After four years if you are a researcher. After two years if you are a skilled worker with a German university degree or vocational training.

Who can participate in an integration course?

The integration courses are intended for anyone who is new to Germany and whose German language skills are not yet adequate enough for dealing with the demands of everyday life. Whether you are free to attend a course or if the course is mandatory for you depends on your country of origin and your level of fluency in German.

How to find an integration course

Integration courses are offered by over 1,300 local language schools and they are funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

Info box

There are integration courses that also offer childcare during the course. Ask your course provider, e. g. a language school, about these options.

What is integration course?

An integration course covers topics such as work, shopping, communicating with authorities and writing emails/letters. In an orientation course, however, you learn mainly about the history, culture, society and politics in Germany. The orientation course usually entails 100 hours of learning and concludes with a final exam.

Who can not participate in integration?

Exceptions are: Children, adolescents and young adults attending school. Persons who are doing vocational training ("Ausbildung ") People who work and have no time to participate in an integration course. Persons who, for a valid reason, cannot participate in an integration course.

What is a tolerated stay for vocational training?

A tolerated stay for the purpose of vocational training ("Ausbildungsduldung") and a tolerated stay for the purpose of employment ("Beschäftigungsduldung ") are considered as types of "Ermessensduldung". If you have a type of "Ermessensduldung", you must submit an application to the BAMF to attend an integration course.

What is intensive learning?

For fast-learners, there are so-called intensive courses, in which they learn the same as everyone else in regular integration courses but in less time.

How long is the orientation course?

The orientation course usually entails 100 hours of learning and concludes with a final exam. In addition to the regular integration courses, there are specific integration courses for women, parents or young adults (up to 27 years). There are also literacy courses for the following groups:

Do you have to speak German to get a residence permit?

So if you have obtained a residence permit due to employment or family reunification or as a result of being recognised as entitled to asylum, refugee status or subsidiary protection (for at least one year) but do not speak German well yet, you are required to attend an integration course.

How long is a German integration course?

This course provides you with German language knowledge. If you are a beginner learning German language, you will need to attend 400 to 600 hours of classes, and each of them lasts 45 minutes. On the other hand, if you want ...

What is a German integration certificate?

German Integration Course Certificate. People who want to study, work or live in Germany, should know at least a basic German language and know a few things about life in Germany, laws of the country and traditions. That is why, the German authorities have established the German Integration Courses, which are obligatory to a large number ...

What is the purpose of German integration?

The purpose of this course is to integrate foreigners into German society and to make it easier for them to get into schools and to get a job.

What is integration course?

Integration course for mothers who want to know what their kids learn in kindergarten/school, so they can help them with homework. Integration course for people under the age of 27, so they can learn more about education, training, work, career, family, etc. Catch-up language course, for German residents who have not learned German yet.

How long is the German legal system course?

There are 100 hours of classes for the orientation course, each lasting 45 minutes. All persons should attend these classes in full.

What is the name of the certificate that you can get to attend integration classes in Germany?

In order to be able to attend any of these courses, if you are a non-EU citizen you will have to go to the local foreigners’ registration office nearest to your home in Germany, and obtain there a certificate called Berechtigungsschein, which permits you to attend an integration course.

What is integration course?

What is an integration course? An integration course for foreigners is a school-like system of classes in German and about Germany that enables foreign nationals that have come to live in Germany, to learn the German language and more about the tradition, customs, history, culture, legal system of Germany, and much more.

What are the different types of German courses?

In general, as explained above, depending on the content, courses in Germany are separated into two types: 1 German language courses (elementary & advanced) 2 Orientation course – which provide the foreigners with knowledge on the German legal system, culture and history

How many hours of German classes are there in Germany?

For beginners learning German in Germany, there is a course of 400 to 600 hours of classes, ...

How long does it take to learn German in Germany?

For beginners learning German in Germany, there is a course of 400 to 600 hours of classes, 45 minutes each, in order to reach the B1 level. Whereas, advanced learners take normally about 300 hours of advanced lessons. On the other hand, the orientation course is made up of 100 hours of 45 minutes each, and should be taken by all participants.

Do European Union citizens have to attend German classes?

On the other hand, the nationals of the European Union member states are not obliged to attend any of these courses, no matter if they know German a little or not at all. However, if they wish to, they can attend German classes and other German integration courses for as long as they wish. Immigrants and refugees are also obliged ...

Do European citizens have to attend integration courses?

Every citizen of the European Union is not required to attend an integration course. This is part of the freedom of movement and residence requirements for EU citizens in Germany. However, those who want to improve their German knowledge and language skills can attend an integration course.

Can a German citizen reintegrate in Germany?

Special rules apply to ethnic German resettlers who which to reintegrate. If you are a former German national or citizen retuning to Germany, you are legally you are entitled to a free integration course for both you, your spouse, and your children. You will have received a confirmation of entitlement to an integration course when you first arrived in Germany.

Do non EU citizens need to attend a language course?

Under certain circumstances, non-EU citizens, or third-country nationals, are required to attend an integration or language course. This may be due to VISA Requirements. We suggest reviewing the requirements for the German VISA type applicable to you.

What is integration course?

Integration courses have been designed by the German government to enable recent arrivals in Germany to adjust to everyday life and improve their language skills. If you are a non-EU resident, you may be required to participate in one as part of your residency application. EU citizens who want to learn German are also allowed to apply.

What is a German language certification?

German language certification. There are multiple organisations worldwide that offer internationally-recognised German language certification. Apart from wanting to improve your German language skills in order to be able to participate in everyday life, you might need certification for applying for a visa or residence permit, ...

How many hours does it take to learn German?

EU citizens who want to learn German are also allowed to apply. The course consists of 660 hours of instruction, including speaking, reading, writing and listening skills in German, and an overview of German politics, culture and customs.

What is the test for German citizenship?

German naturalisation test. If you are applying for German citizenship by naturalisation, you are usually required to pass the naturalisation test. This multiple-choice examination tests your knowledge of German laws, politics, society and living conditions.

How to get the Zertifikat Integrationskurs?

To obtain the "Zertifikat Integrationskurs", you must first prove that you have been awarded the overall result of B1 in the "German test for immigrants" (DTZ) language test. This shows that you have achieved an important objective of the integration course.

What is integration certificate?

The "integration course certificate" offers you a great deal of advantages. It certifies an adequate knowledge of German and important basic knowledge of German society. It can also help you with naturalisation.

What is DTZ course?

The DTZ course content is based on the core curriculum for integration courses developed by the Goethe-Institut. It ensures that the exercises in the examination consistently focus on immigrants’ communication needs. In addition to a version for adults, there is a version for juveniles that is used on the youth integration course.

How many points do you need to take the Life in Germany test?

7 of the Nationality Act [StAG]), if you have scored at least 17 points on this test.

How long does it take to become a German citizen?

The usual requirement is eight years..

What is the language level B1?

To attain language level B1 or A2 in the examination, you will need to achieve the relevant level in the "Speaking" part of the examination and in at least one of the other two parts of the test, namely "Hearing and Reading" or "Writing". This means that attendees at literacy courses, who will usually not yet have reached level B1 by the end ...

What is the life in Germany test?

The "Life in Germany" test. The "Life in Germany" test takes place on a separate date after the orientation course has finished. It includes questions about Germany’s political system, its religious diversity and equal rights for men and women.