Integrationskursen

Integrationskursen are government-sponsored programs in Germany designed to help migrants and refugees integrate into German society. They combine language instruction with information about the legal system, culture, and daily life in Germany.

The course consists of two parts: a language course and an orientation course. The language component typically comprises about 660 hours of instruction and aims to bring participants to a functional German level (commonly CEFR B1) in speaking and listening, with corresponding reading and writing skills. The orientation component covers topics such as the German legal system, history, culture, and rights and duties of residents. Completion of the language part is usually demonstrated by taking the Deutschtest für Zuwanderer (DTZ).

Administration and access: Integrationskurse are organized by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in cooperation with approved educational providers, such as Volkshochschulen. Participation is often required or encouraged for certain residence permits or naturalization processes, but some individuals may enroll voluntarily or upon official invitation. Costs are typically covered for eligible participants by public funding; other cases may involve participant contributions or fee reductions.

Duration and outcomes: A standard integration course lasts roughly 12 to 18 months, reflecting the combined hours of language and orientation instruction. Certificates are issued for both parts: a language certificate upon passing the DTZ and an orientation certificate upon successful completion of the module. Completing an integration course can support further residency steps or naturalization and is considered a key pathway to linguistic and civic integration in Germany.