Moving to Germany can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Whether you are here for work, family, or a fresh start, one of the biggest barriers to settling in is the language and bureaucracy. Without German language skills, everyday tasks such as filling out forms, visiting government offices, or finding a job can become overwhelming.

That’s where the Integration Course (Integrationskurs) comes in. It is designed to help newcomers learn German, understand German culture, and become active members of society. The best part? BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge – Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) can cover the costs of the course for those who qualify.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Integration Course in Germany, including:
✅ Who can attend
✅ What you will learn
✅ How to apply
✅ Who is eligible for BAMF funding
✅ What happens if you fail the test
✅ Where to find integration courses near you

What is an Integration Course?

The Integration Course (Integrationskurs) consists of two main parts:

📖 1. The Language Course

The language course will help you achieve at least B1 level in German, which is necessary for many residence permits, jobs, and daily interactions.

Topics Covered in the Language Course:
✔️ Basic communication – speaking, reading, writing, and listening
✔️ Everyday situations – shopping, banking, visiting the doctor, and public transport
✔️ Work and career – job applications, CV writing, and interviews
✔️ Filling out forms – understanding official letters and documents
✔️ Housing & health – renting an apartment, dealing with landlords, and accessing healthcare

🏛 2. The Orientation Course

After completing the language course, students attend an orientation course (100 hours) where they learn about:
✔️ German history, culture, and society
✔️ Rights and responsibilities in Germany
✔️ The German legal system
✔️ Social values like gender equality, democracy, and religious freedom

Who Can Attend an Integration Course?

You can apply for an integration course if you belong to one of the following categories:

✅ New immigrants in Germany who have received a residence permit
✅ EU citizens who want to improve their German skills
✅ Foreign spouses or family members of German citizens
✅ Asylum seekers with good chances of staying in Germany
✅ German citizens who were not raised speaking German

📌 Important:

• If you are receiving Bürgergeld (citizen’s income) or Sozialhilfe (social assistance), you may be required to take the integration course.

• If you are registered at the Work Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and receiving Arbeitslosengeld 1 (unemployment benefits), you can also get the course covered by BAMF.

How Many Hours Does the Course Take?

The course structure depends on your learning needs.

📌 Standard integration course – 700 hours (600 language + 100 orientation)
📌 Special courses – up to 1,000 hours for parents, young people, or women
📌 Fast-track course – 430 hours for those who learn quickly

👉 Final Exams:
✔️ "Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ)" – Tests your German level (A2-B1)
✔️ "Leben in Deutschland" test – Checks your knowledge of German society

💡 If you pass the DTZ test with B1, you receive the "Integration Course Certificate", which helps with residence permit applications and naturalization.

How to Apply for an Integration Course

Step 1: Find a Course Near You

Use the BAMF course finder to locate an integration course in your area:
🔗 BAMF Course Finder

Most integration courses are offered at:
🏫 Volkshochschule (VHS) – The most popular option
🏫 Private language schools – Faster but sometimes more expensive
🏫 Nonprofit organizations – Offer courses for refugees and migrants

Step 2: Apply for the Course

To apply for an integration course, you need to fill out the BAMF application form:
📄 Antrag auf Zulassung zur Teilnahme am Integrationskurs

✅ Where to Send It?
Submit the form to your nearest BAMF regional office, VHS, or private course provider. If you need help, the course provider can assist you with the application process.

Who Can Get BAMF to Cover the Costs?

💰 BAMF will pay the full cost if you:
✔️ Receive social benefits (e.g., Bürgergeld, Sozialhilfe)
✔️ Receive unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld 1) from the Work Agency
✔️ Are a refugee or asylum seeker with a high chance of staying
✔️ Have special integration needs (parents, young people, illiterate individuals)

📌 Who Pays a Reduced Fee?
If you don’t qualify for full funding, you may still get a subsidized rate and only pay €2.29 per lesson instead of the full price.

📌 Can You Get a Refund?
Yes! If you complete the final test within two years, BAMF refunds 50% of your fees.

What If You Need Extra Lessons?

📌 If you attend all lessons but don’t reach B1, you can apply for 300 extra hours free of charge.
📌 If you fail the DTZ language test, you can retake it once for free.

Flexible Course Options

📌 Full-time courses – Standard format
📌 Part-time courses – For people who work or have family responsibilities
📌 Evening or weekend courses – Available in some cities

👉 Note: Before the course starts, you will take a placement test to determine your current German level.

Final Thoughts – Let ExpatEaze Help You!

Applying for an integration course and getting BAMF to cover the costs can be confusing. At ExpatEaze, we help expats with bureaucratic processes, including:

✅ Finding an integration course near you
✅ Filling out the application form correctly
✅ Submitting the documents to BAMF or the Work Agency
✅ Booking appointments & translations

💬 Want expert help? Book a free consultation today!
🔗 Schedule a Call