When you apply for a job in Germany, you will increase your chances if you have a good knowledge of German. Many companies expect at least basic German language skills. English alone is often not enough.

German language skills are mandatory for some professions. These are the so-called "regulated professions". For these, certain capabilities, competencies and German language skills are defined by law. These include, for example, professions such as doctors, nurse specialists or educators.

German language skills also make your everyday life in Germany easier. It helps you, for example, to …

• socialise,
• find an apartment or
• communicate with authorities.

You should start learning German even before coming to Germany. There are various ways to do this.

You can learn German at a certified language school, for example. The advantage of this option is that you can prove your knowledge with a recognised certificate. This is helpful, for example, when applying for a visa. German courses at language schools incur costs.

However, there are also free alternatives. You can learn German online via platforms or apps, for example.

In Germany, language skills are assessed according to a European standard, namely the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR categorises language skills into certain levels.

Even if you already speak German well, in certain cases you have to provide official proof of your language skills. You will need this proof, for example, to have your professional qualifications recognised or to complete a vocational training programme successfully.

You can receive such proof from a recognised language school or organisation. For this purpose, you take an exam and will then receive a certificate. This will usually incur a fee.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Federal Employment Agency.

For example, we can tell you …

• whether you need to have certain German language skills for your specific job or vocational training programme,
• at what point in time you need to prove your language skills.

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