Culture and Daily Life

Integration Course in Germany: B1 German and Civic Orientation

Integrationskurs official 700-hour course for language and society, who must attend, costs, DTZ and Leben in Deutschland tests, and how completion helps residence and citizenship.

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The Integrationskurs is Germany’s official program for new residents. It combines German language (about 600 hours, target level B1) with civic orientation (about 100 hours on society, law, and history).

Most providers offer morning, afternoon, or evening schedules. You finish with two exams. Passing both supports permanent residence and citizenship applications and makes daily life and work easier.

Course structure and duration

Language module (about 600 hours). You move from beginner level through A1 and A2 toward B1 (Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen). Content covers speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar. The course is split into a basic and an advanced language track with placement after an entry test.

Orientation module (about 100 hours). Topics include the political system, history, culture and values, rights and duties, and daily life in Germany.

Total time. About 700 hours full time, typically 7 to 8 months depending on the provider’s weekly schedule (often 20 to 25 hours per week). Part-time schedules take longer.

Cost. The standard participant fee is €2.29 per 45-minute lesson hour (since August 2022). If you complete the course successfully, you can usually reclaim 50% of what you paid. Many people on Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld) or similar benefits attend free or at a reduced rate. Exact amounts depend on your authorization letter from BAMF or the immigration office.

Who must attend and who can join

Often required if the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or BAMF issues an obligation, for example when:

  • You receive Grundsicherungsgeld and your German is not sufficient
  • You hold certain visas (such as some family reunification cases) and were told to attend
  • You have a humanitarian status where integration is mandatory

May attend voluntarily (with authorization) if you have a residence permit and want affordable structured German, including many EU citizens, recognized refugees, and settled protection status holders.

2026 policy note. BAMF has announced limits on new voluntary admissions under Section 44(4) of the Residence Act for budget reasons. The legal text still allows voluntary places “within available course capacity.” If you are not legally entitled, confirm current rules with BAMF or your immigration office before you plan around a voluntary course.

Usually not eligible: tourists, people who already meet the required German level, and asylum applicants still in the asylum procedure (they follow separate language programs).

Special formats exist for literacy (Alphabetisierung), women-only groups, parents with childcare, youth learners, and intensive faster-paced classes.

Final exams and certificates

Language test: DTZ (Deutschtest für Zuwanderer). Tests listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Results are graded at B1, A2, or below A2. B1 is a full pass; A2 is a partial pass. You can usually retake once. The retake is free if you have exhausted your course hours, or for particular target groups under the Integration Course Ordinance (IntV).

Orientation test: Leben in Deutschland. 33 multiple-choice questions on politics, history, and regional topics. You need 15 correct answers to pass. Wrong answers carry a 0.5-point penalty, so aim for more than the bare minimum. Retakes are possible if you fail.

After success you receive a BAMF integration course certificate. A B1 DTZ result also gives you a B1 language certificate. Many learners then continue with B2, job-related German (Berufssprachkurse), or citizenship preparation.

How to enroll

  1. Get authorization (Berechtigungsschein) from your Ausländerbehörde or BAMF (required before you register).
  2. Search providers with BAMF-NAvI (integration courses).
  3. Register at a school with your authorization document.
  4. Take the placement test so you start at the right level.
  5. Complete language and orientation modules.
  6. Sit the DTZ and Leben in Deutschland exams.

If you are unsure whether attendance is mandatory, ask your immigration office in writing and keep the answer for your records.

Next steps

  1. Confirm whether you are obliged or voluntary before you pay any course fees.
  2. Book a course near your home or workplace to improve attendance.
  3. Plan study time outside class; B1 in 600 hours is achievable but not automatic.
  4. Keep certificates safe for residence renewal, settlement, and naturalization files.
  5. For visa context, see guides such as EU Blue Card (B1 can shorten paths to permanent stay).

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While we endeavour to ensure the information is accurate and current, we provide no guarantee, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content. Users act solely at their own risk. For binding decisions, please consult with the relevant municipal authorities or a qualified legal professional.