Free German Courses in Germany: Jobcenter, BAMF & Berufssprachkurs
Most newcomers in Germany can learn German free of charge. The state funds two main tracks: the integration course (from zero to B1) and job-related language courses, the Berufssprachkurse (B1–C1). The entry ticket is a referral called a Berechtigungsschein, issued by the Jobcenter, the employment agency or BAMF. For people receiving Bürgergeld the courses are free, and Ukrainians with temporary protection under §24 have full access.
Who qualifies for free German courses
You don't buy a place on Germany's state language courses — you get referred to one with a document called a Berechtigungsschein. It is issued by the Jobcenter (if you receive Bürgergeld), by the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit, if you are looking for work) or by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, BAMF. With this referral, participation is completely free for unemployed people and benefit recipients.
Ukrainians with temporary protection under §24 AufenthG are looked after by the Jobcenter and have full access to both the integration courses and the job-related language courses. If you already work, you still qualify: BAMF issues the referral in that case, and a small per-lesson contribution may apply — waived if your income is low.
The integration course: from zero to B1
The first rung is the integration course (Integrationskurs) supervised by BAMF: usually 700 teaching hours, of which 600 take your German from zero to B1 and 100 form the orientation course on life, law and history in Germany. The language part ends with the DTZ exam (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer), the orientation part with the 'Leben in Deutschland' test.
For Bürgergeld recipients the course is free, and other participants can get part of the fee refunded after passing the final exam. The integration-course certificate at B1 is a key document: you need it for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis), and under the new citizenship law B1 is the standard requirement for naturalisation after five years.
Berufssprachkurs: German for work, from B1 to C1
The path doesn't end after the integration course. The job-related language courses, Berufssprachkurse (BSK) under the DeuFöV programme, carry on to B2 and C1. The core B2 course usually runs 400–500 teaching hours and finishes with an official exam (most often telc) that is already included in the course. B2 is the level employers most often ask for, and for regulated professions — medicine, care work, teaching — there are special courses up to C1.
The BSK is the main tool for anyone who wants to work in their own profession: the B2/C1 certificate is required for recognition of foreign qualifications (Anerkennung) and professional licensing. The Jobcenter or the employment agency issues the referral; for people in work it comes from BAMF. For unemployed people and benefit recipients the course is free.
How to register step by step — and how Deutsch30 helps
The procedure is simple. Step 1: at your appointment with the Jobcenter or the employment agency, ask for a referral to a language course — the Berechtigungsschein (employed people apply to BAMF). Step 2: take the referral to an accredited provider — most often the adult-education centre VHS or a private language school. Step 3: sit the provider's placement test and you'll be enrolled in the right module. Places in popular cities go quickly, so register early.
The courses move fast, and daily practice outside class is what makes the difference. Deutsch30 accompanies you from zero to B1 with a fully native-language interface: short daily lessons, spaced repetition for vocabulary, and an AI conversation partner to train your speaking — the skill that decides the DTZ and telc exams. Start with the free placement test and follow a clear plan alongside your course.
Frequently asked questions
Are German courses free for Ukrainians?
Yes. Ukrainians with temporary protection under §24 receive Bürgergeld through the Jobcenter and have full access to the integration courses and the Berufssprachkurse. With a Jobcenter referral, participation is free — both the language course up to B1 and the professional B2/C1 courses.
How long does the B2 Berufssprachkurs take and how does it end?
The core B2 course usually runs 400–500 teaching hours: a few months full-time, longer in evening format. It ends with an official exam (most often telc Deutsch B2), which is already included in the course. Employers and authorities recognise the B2 certificate, including for recognition of foreign qualifications.
I already work and receive no benefits — can I still join a course?
Yes. Employed people get their referral directly from BAMF. A small per-lesson contribution may apply, but it is waived if your income is low. Courses often run in evening or Saturday formats, so they can be combined with a job.