Do you want to learn German but do not know where to start? On this page, you can find out which course is right for you and how you can finance it.
Which German Course Can I Take?
There are different ways to learn German. Some courses are paid for by the German state, some courses by Berlin, and some courses you have to pay for yourself.
-
Integration Course
Your result was "Integration Course"? Then find out here what you need to prepare and how to find a course.
- How to find an integration course: Integrationskurse | BAMF-Navi
- Make an appointment with the school where the course takes place.
- Before you can start, you usually need approval from the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). Your school can help you with this. If you can pay for the integration course yourself, you can register directly. You then do not need approval from the BAMF.
Tip: If you receive money from the Jobcenter , ask them for support. They can give you approval or an obligation to attend. This can help you to start your integration course quickly. Only ask for an obligation if you really want to attend the course. If you drop out of the course, the Jobcenter may reduce your benefits.
Did you not pass the Integration Course? If you have already taken an Integration Course, you cannot repeat it—unless you pay for the lessons yourself. If you did not pass your exam, continue reading at the question: Ich habe meinen Kurs nicht bestanden – was kann ich tun? ("I have not passed my course – what can I do?")
-
Integration Course (higher module)
Your result was “Integration Course (higher module)”? Then you can find out here what you need to prepare and how to find a course.
- How to find an integration course: Integrationskurse | BAMF-Navi
- Make an appointment with the school where the course takes place.
- At the school, you need to take a test to find out at which language level you can start your course.
- Before you can start, you usually need approval from the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). Your school can help you with this. If you can pay for the integration course yourself, you can register directly. You then do not need approval from the BAMF.
Tip: If you receive money from the Jobcenter , ask them for support. They can give you approval or an obligation to attend. This can help you to start your integration course quickly. Only ask for an obligation if you really want to attend the course. If you drop out of the course, the Jobcenter may reduce your benefits.
Did you not pass the Integration Course? If you have already taken an Integration Course, you cannot repeat it—unless you pay for the lessons yourself. If you did not pass your exam, continue reading at the question: Ich habe meinen Kurs nicht bestanden – was kann ich tun? ("I have not passed my course – what can I do?")
-
German Course for Refugees at VHS
If you cannot take an Integration Course, there is an alternative option for refugees in Berlin at the Volkshochschule (VHS).
How to find a course:
- Ask at your Volkshochschule (VHS). Here you can find the Sprechzeiten (consultation hours).
- At some schools, you can call, go there directly, or send an email.
- You may be able to start the course earlier in another district.
Tip: If you currently receive money from LAF (State Office for Refugee Affairs and Housing), the Sozialamt (Social Welfare Office), or the Jobcenter , ask about an Integration Course. Sometimes they can require people to take part in an Integration Course. But only do this if you really want to attend the course. If you stop attending the course, the authority may reduce your benefits.
-
Vocational Language Course (BSK)
Your result was “Vocational Language Course (BSK)”? Then you can find out here what you need to prepare and how to find a course.
- Register as arbeitslos (unemployed) or arbeitsuchend (jobseeker) with the
Agentur für Arbeit
or the
Jobcenter
.
If you cannot do this, for example because you have a work ban, you also cannot take a Vocational Language Course (BSK). In that case, look above at " VHS Deutschkurs für Geflüchtete" ("German Course for Refugees at VHS "). - Find information here about the content and requirements: Berufssprachkurs | BAMF
- Look for a suitable course here: Berufssprachkurs finden | Agentur für Arbeit
- Make an appointment with the school, where the course takes place
- Take a language test at the school to find out at which language level you will start your course.
- If you are unemployed: Get a Teilnahmeberechtigung (eligibility to participate) in a Vocational Language Course from your Jobcenter or the Agentur für Arbeit .
- If you are working or in an apprenticeship : Apply for the Teilnahmeberechtigung (eligibility to participate) at the BAMF.
- Register as arbeitslos (unemployed) or arbeitsuchend (jobseeker) with the
Agentur für Arbeit
or the
Jobcenter
.
-
Job-related Vocational Language Course (Job-BSK)
Do you work or are you about to start a job? Then you can take a Job-BSK. This is a special Vocational Language Course that runs alongside your work. Here you can find all important information:
If you are already working, your company can support you by registering you for the course. They need to contact their Employer Service at the Employment Agency (Arbeitgeberservice bei der Agentur für Arbeit ). They may also give you time off to attend the course.
If you are about to start a job, ask your Jobcenter or the Agentur für Arbeit about this course.
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Apprentice Vocational Language Course (Azubi-BSK)
Are you in a company-based apprenticeship ? Then you can take an Azubi-BSK. This is a special course for your apprenticeship . Ask at your Berufsschule (OSZ) ( vocational school ).
Here you can find more information:
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Alternative German learning options
If you cannot take the special German courses, there are other ways to learn German. Ask at a any Stadtteilzentrum (neighborhood center) if there are free German courses or language cafés near you. There are also special volunteer offers that are open to everyone.
You can find an overview of free offers here:
If you need support for your situation, go to a counseling center.
-
Self-paid Open Courses
You can take a German course at a Volkshochschule (VHS) or at a private language school. You have to pay for the German course yourself.
Here you can find the VHS course search:
There you can also take an online course. This is often even less expensive.
Tip: If you receive money from the Jobcenter , ask the them for support. In some situations, they can give you approval or an obligation to attend an Integration Course. This may help you start an Integration Course after all. Only ask for an obligation if you really want to attend the Integration Course. If you drop out the course, the Jobcenter may reduce your benefits.
Take the test above and find out which German course you can take:
How Much Does a German Course Cost?
The Integration Course usually consists of 700 course hours and costs a total of 1,603 euros. In many cases, however, you do not have to pay for the course yourself, for example if you have been obliged to attend by the Jobcenter and have little or no income.
The Vocational Language Course (BSK) is usually free of charge. If you have enough of your own income, you have to pay part of the costs yourself. You can find out how much income this is and how high the costs are here: Berufsskrachkurs | BAMF.
If you take a private course at a language school, the costs vary. It is best to check at the Volkshochschule (VHS).
I Did Not Pass My Integration Course – What Can I Do?
Did you not pass your exam at language level B1? Then you can take the exam a second time. If you still need more time to learn, you should repeat some course hours. You usually have to pay for these hours yourself.
Tip: Are you a refugee and did not pass the Integration Course? Then ask at the Volkshochschule about the German Course for Refugees. There you can usually repeat the course hours free of charge and take the exam again.
I Have Problems with Reading and Writing. Are There Special Integration Courses?
Yes – there are special Integration Courses:
- Alphabetisierung-Kurs (Literacy Course): This course is for people who are learning to read and write for the first time.
- Geringliteralisierten-Kurs (Low Literacy Course): This course is for people who can only read and write a little.
- Zweitschrift-Lern-Kurs (Second Script Learning Course): This course is for people who have not learned to read and write in the Latin alphabet before, but in another writing system (for example Arabic or Cyrillic).
To find these courses, use the BAMF search tool:
There, click on the filter "Kursart" and choose "Spezielle Kursarten" ("Special Course Types"). These courses are only offered from time to time, so you may have to wait longer until a suitable course starts.
I Have Problems with Seeing or Hearing. Are There Special Integration Courses?
Yes – there are special Integration Courses:
- Blindenkurs (Blind Course): This course takes place in small groups and is for blind and visually impaired people.
- Gehörlosenkurs (Deaf Course): This course is in German sign language. You learn written German in small groups.
To find these courses, use the BAMF search tool:
There, click on the filter "Kursart" and choose "Kurse für Menschen mit Behinderung/Beeinträchtigung" ("Courses for People with Disabilities/Impairments"). These courses are only offered from time to time, so you may have to wait longer until a suitable course starts.
I Am Under 18 Years Old. Can I Take a Course?
Only in exceptional cases. If you are still required to attend school in Berlin, you must go to school. There you will also learn German, for example in a Willkommensklasse. Only if you no longer have to go to school can you take an integration course.
Any More Questions?
If your questions were not answered or you need support, go to counseling. Here you can find counseling centers for this topic.
Here you can find counseling centers that can help you with questions about German courses.
Locations in this map
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE)
Show on mapMigration counselling for adults (MBE)
- Assists new immigrants aged 27 and over in all stages of the integration process in Germany in the first three years after entering the country or obtaining permanent residence status.
- Offers individual and needs-oriented case guidance with the aim of increasing their chances of professional and social integration.
- Provides support in the search for a suitable integration course and, if required, takes on the social-pedagogical supervision of integration course participants.
- Actively participates in communal networks.
Who can contact us?
- New immigrants and late repatriates with their family members.
- Migrants already living here as well as late repatriates with their family members in concrete crisis situations.
- Employees of various institutions and organisations in questions of the intercultural opening of regular services.
We advise and support you in the following areas:
- Integration courses
- Questions of social integration, etc.
Oberweißbacher Str. 7-9
12687 Berlin
Germany
Currently no open consultation hours, but since 02.06.20 on-site consultation by prior appointment and in compliance with hygiene and distance regulations.
Available for those seeking advice from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by telephone, e-mail and via the counselling app mbeon (can be found via the user name- Berlin, Frau Cimbal-).
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE)
Show on mapThe service is generally aimed at migrants aged 27 and over with a permanent residence status.
The specialist office offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
* German courses (e.g. integration courses).
* Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications...) * Children and family * Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...) * Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability) * Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
* Legal questions concerning residence
Fröbelstraße 17
10405 Berlin
Germany
Tuesday 10:00-12:00, and by appointment
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE)
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Franz-Jacob-Straße 16-18
10369 Berlin
Germany
Tue 9.30-13 h
2nd Tuesday of the month 13-15 (with Arabic and Farsi language mediation)
Thu 14.30-17.30 (with Vietnamese language mediation)
and by arrangement
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE)
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Morusstraße 18a
12053 Berlin
Germany
Thursday 14:00-16:00,
and by appointment
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Mitte/Wedding
Show on mapThe offer is aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Müllerstraße 56-58
13349 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Appointments by appointment only (Mondays and Wednesdays)
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf und Steglitz-Zehlendorf
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Bundesallee 73
12161 Berlin
Germany
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 09:00-15:00,
and by appointment
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Adalbertstraße 23a
10997 Berlin
Germany
Monday only by phone 9-12
Tuesday 9-13
Thursday 14-18 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Jahnstraße 3
10967 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Tuesday 10:00-13:00,
Thursday 14:00-17:00
Telephone consultation:
Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Dolziger Str. 16
10247 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Monday, Thursday 09:00-18:00,
Tuesday 12:00-17:00, Wednesday 09:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-13:00
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Wilhelmstraße 116-117
10963 Berlin
Germany
by arrangement on the phone or via e-mail
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) in Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Coswiger Straße 5
12681 Berlin
Germany
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10:00-15:00,
Friday 10:00-14:00,
other appointments by appointment only
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) in Neukölln
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
* German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
* Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
* Children and family
* Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
* Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
* Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
* Legal questions concerning residence
Donaustraße 113
12043 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] Thursday 10:30-12:00
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) in Treptow-Köpenick
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Firlstraße 36
12459 Berlin
Germany
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Lichtenberg
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Bornitzstraße 73-75
10365 Berlin
Germany
Monday to Thursday 10:00-14:00
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Lichtenberg
Show on mapMigration counselling for adults (MBE)
- Assists new immigrants aged 27 and over in all stages of the integration process in Germany in the first three years after entering the country or obtaining permanent residence status.
- Offers individual and needs-oriented case guidance with the aim of increasing their chances of professional and social integration.
- Provides support in the search for a suitable integration course and, if required, takes on the social-pedagogical supervision of integration course participants.
- Actively participates in communal networks.
Who can contact us?
- New immigrants and late repatriates with their family members.
- Migrants already living here as well as late repatriates with their family members in concrete crisis situations.
- Employees of various institutions and organisations in questions of the intercultural opening of regular services.
We advise and support you in the following areas:
- Integration courses
- Questions of social integration, etc.
Grevesmühlener Straße 24
13059 Berlin
Germany
Currently no open consultation hours, but since 02.06.20 on-site consultation by prior appointment and in compliance with hygiene and distance regulations.
Available for those seeking advice from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by telephone, e-mail and via the counselling app mbeon (can be found via the user name- Berlin, Frau Cimbal-).
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Mitte
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Fischerinsel 2
10179 Berlin
Germany
Monday 09:00-12:00,
Tuesday 09:00-12:00,
Thursday 09:00-12:00 (by appointment only)
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Mitte
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Oldenburger Str. 45
10551 Berlin
Germany
There are currently no open consultation hours. Please contact us using the contact details provided.
Open office hours:
Tuesday: 9.00 - 12.00
Thursday: 14.00 - 17.00
and by appointment.
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Mitte
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Languages:
Other languages can be organized
Neue Hochstr. 21
13347 Berlin
Germany
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 09:00-15:00 and by appointment.
Please make an appointment with us.
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Mitte (Moabit)
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Oldenburger Str. 45
10551 Berlin
Germany
There are currently no open consultation hours. Please contact us using the contact details provided.
Open office hours:
Tuesday: 9.00 - 12.00
Thursday: 14.00 - 17.00
and by appointment.
Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zugewanderte (MBE) Reinickendorf
Show on mapThe offer is basically aimed at migrants from the age of 27 with a permanent residence status and up to three years after entry or obtaining the permanent residence status.
The MBE offers free counselling mainly on the following topics:
- German language courses (e.g. integration courses)
- Work and vocational training (job search, recognition of vocational qualifications, etc.)
- Children and family
- Economic situation (income, job centre, debts...)
- Health (health insurance, medical care, pregnancy, disability)
- Everyday matters (contact with authorities, housing, leisure time...)
- Legal questions concerning residence
Humannstraße 27
13403 Berlin
Germany
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 09:00-15:00 and by appointment.
Please make an appointment with us.
