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Summary: the Integration course (Integrationskurs) is the German government’s official, subsidised course for learning German up to level B1 and for learning about German law, history and culture. The general course lasts 700 hours (600 hours of language + 100 hours of orientation), and participants pay €2.29 per hour, that is, about €1,603 for the whole course. Many people are exempt, and with timely success half of the cost is refunded.
Who is the Integrationskurs for?
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) organises and funds these courses. Three main groups:
- Obliged participants: people whom the Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde) or the Jobcenter obliges to attend; for example, someone who cannot speak simple German after receiving a residence permit.
- Entitled participants: people who have received permanent or long-term residence since 2005 (work, family reunification, asylum, etc.).
- Voluntary participation: other immigrants, EU citizens and even Germans with poor German can register by applying to BAMF, if places are available.
Course structure
- Language course: 600 hours in six 100-hour modules, from A1 to B1.
- Orientation course (Orientierungskurs): 100 hours on the legal system, democracy, history, values and everyday life in Germany.
- Special courses: an intensive course (430 hours) for faster learners, a literacy course, a women’s course, a parents’ course and a youth course for people up to 27 with more hours.
- Online and blended courses are also available for people who work or have small children.
Costs, exemption and reimbursement
The participant’s share is 50% of the cost per hour, that is €2.29. In these cases you can apply for an exemption (Kostenbefreiung) before the course starts:
- Recipients of Bürgergeld, social assistance (SGB XII) or asylum seekers’ benefits
- Recipients of unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosengeld)
- People with a low income (below the set threshold) or in financial hardship
If you paid yourself and successfully pass the final exam within two years of the authorisation being issued, you can apply for a refund of 50% of the fee you paid. Travel costs can also be paid under certain conditions.
Final exams
- DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer): a language test at level A2 or B1 – free the first time.
- “Living in Germany” test (Leben in Deutschland): 33 questions; passing it together with B1 leads to the Integrationskurs certificate.
This certificate is very important for German citizenship and permanent residence and in some cases shortens the waiting period. The cost of the language course can also in many cases be deducted on your tax return.
Registration steps
- Obtain an authorisation to attend (Berechtigungsschein) from the Ausländerbehörde or apply to BAMF
- Find a course provider with the “BAMF-NAvI” search tool on the BAMF website
- Placement test (Einstufungstest) at the provider
- Start the class – waiting lists in big cities can be several months
Other ways to learn German
- Job-related language courses (Berufssprachkurse / DeuFöV): for levels B2 and C1, usually free for employed people and job seekers.
- Private language schools and the Volkshochschule (VHS): evening and weekend courses at reasonable prices.
- Tandem and conversation groups: free practice with German speakers.
- Persian-speaking private tutor: for grammar and exam preparation; search the directory of Iranian businesses.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Integrationskurs cost in 2026?
€2.29 per lesson hour, that is, about €1,603 for the 700-hour course. Recipients of state benefits are exempt.
How many months does the Integrationskurs take?
A full-time course (about 20 hours a week) usually takes 7 to 9 months; part-time courses take longer.
What happens if I don’t pass the B1 test?
You can apply once for 300 repeat hours (Wiederholerstunden) and take the exam again.
Is an online course also valid?
Yes. Online and blended courses approved by BAMF give the same certificate as the in-person course.
This article is for information only; check the details on the BAMF website. Last updated: September 2026.
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