German Language Skills
If you want to live and work in Germany, knowledge of English is not enough. Often, a certain level of German language skills is even a prerequisite.
In Europe, language skills are divided into six levels, from basic knowledge (A1) to near-native proficiency (C2). This is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The six language levels describe what people can express and understand in the language in question. The CEFR thus facilitates the classification and comparability of language skills.
In some cases, for example, for certain types of visas, proof of German language skills is required.
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When providing proof of your language skills, make sure the proof is official. This should be a language certificate from a recognised language school or organisation. You will receive the language certificate after completing a German exam. The Goethe-Institut and telc. are among the best-known and officially recognised providers of German exams with language certificates.
A1 – Beginner
With German at A1 level, you can use and understand very simple, everyday sentences. You can introduce yourself briefly and communicate simply if your conversation partners speak slowly and clearly.
Wichtiger Hinweis
You need German language skills at A1 level (or B2 in English) if you want to apply for an Opportunity Card.
A2 – Basic Knowledge
With German at A2 level, you can understand simple sentences, for example, about family, shopping and work. You can communicate in everyday situations, such as simple exchanges about familiar, common things.
Wichtiger Hinweis
You need at least A2-level German language skills for a visa to recognise foreign professional qualifications and for a visa for recognition partnership.
For professions with little or no customer contact, basic German language skills are often sufficient. This usually applies to jobs that do not require formal qualifications, for example, in logistics, the security industry or at airports. For some jobs in the IT industry, basic German and English language skills are often sufficient. However, if you speak German better, it is easier to talk to colleagues and communicate in everyday situations.
B1 – Intermediate Knowledge
With German at B1 level, you can understand essential content when Standard German is spoken and when it concerns familiar topics from work, school and leisure. You can talk about familiar topics, personal interests, experiences and events. You can give brief reasons or explanations for your plans and opinions.
Wichtiger Hinweis
You need at least B1 German language skills to obtain a visa for the purpose of seeking a vocational training place or to complete vocational training. With intermediate German skills (B1), you can already work in some professions involving customer contact, for example, in catering or production.
B2 – Independent Language Use
With German at B2 level, you can understand the main points of complex texts. You can express yourself clearly and in detail on many topics. You can communicate spontaneously and fluently, enabling you to have a normal conversation with native German speakers. You can engage in technical discussions in your own field of expertise.
Wichtiger Hinweis
In Hesse, B2-level German language skills are a legal requirement for most healthcare professions to obtain a professional licence. You must provide evidence of your language skills by the time your professional licence is issued at the latest. You do not need to provide evidence of your language skills when you submit your application. Depending on your course of study, you will usually also need B2-level German language skills to obtain a visa to study in Germany.
C1 – Expert Language Skills
With German at C1 level, you can understand demanding, longer texts. You can express yourself spontaneously and fluently in everyday life, in your studies, in training and at work without having to search for words. You can also express yourself clearly and in detail on complex issues.
C2 – Near-native Skills
With German at C2 level, you can easily understand and reproduce everything you read and hear, even complex issues. You can coherently reproduce information from various written and oral sources and provide arguments. You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely.