German Language Requirements for Germany

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Language Points

If you apply under the points system, you need at least A1 German or B2 English. German then earns extra points: one point at A2, two at B1 and three at B2 or above. English at C1 or above (or as a native language) earns one additional point. Language certificates are generally accepted only if the exam was taken within the last year. If your qualification is already fully recognised in Germany, you do not need to prove German for the Opportunity Card.

Start with our German A1 course, then move to A2 and B1 to add points.

German for Ausbildung (Vocational Training)

For the vocational training visa you will normally need German at B1 level, and the visa to look for a training place also requires at least B1. Training companies and vocational schools teach in German, so many expect a solid B1 or higher. Our German B1 course and B1 practice test are the usual next steps for Ausbildung applicants.

Work Visas and the EU Blue Card

The work visa for qualified professionals, the EU Blue Card and the visa for professionally experienced workers have no legal German language requirement. In practice many employers still expect German, often B1 or B2, and German helps with daily life and permanent residence later. If your qualification must be recognised, the recognition visa requires at least A2. Read more in our guide What German level do you need for a Germany work visa?

German for Studying in Germany

For a student visa, the language requirement is set by your study programme. Make it in Germany notes that programmes which require German usually ask for about B2. Many degrees taught in German ask for proof such as TestDaF (TDN 4) or DSH-2, so check your programme's admission page. English-taught programmes may not require German at all. See our TestDaF preparation page and German B2 course, and our visa documents checklist.

Family Reunion (Spouse Visa)

In many family-reunion cases, the spouse must show basic German (A1) before arriving in Germany, according to the Federal Foreign Office. Make it in Germany states that family members joining a skilled worker with a valid residence title do not need to prove German. Confirm your exact case with the German mission. If you need A1, our A1 course and A1 syllabus guide cover what the exam tests.

German for Doctors and Nurses

Doctors applying for Approbation usually need general German at B2 level plus a medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung) oriented to C1. The Berlin Medical Association, for example, describes three 20-minute parts: a simulated patient interview, written documentation of that interview, and a conversation with a doctor. Nurses need the German level set by the federal state; for example, the Recognition Finder lists B2 plus a specialist language exam for general nurses in Brandenburg. Some states accept telc Deutsch B2·C1 Medizin, so check your state's authority. Read our telc B2 Medizin guide and see the German B2 course.

How to Plan Your German from Pakistan

1. Choose your route and confirm its language requirement with the official source.
2. Estimate your timeline. Our A1 to B2 timeline guide explains how long each level usually takes.
3. Learn level by level in our live online A1–B2 German courses, and check your progress with the free practice tests.
4. Pick an accepted exam: Goethe, telc, ÖSD or TestDaF, and book your exam date early.

Frequently Asked Questions