Language & Courses

Questions on this topic

• Can I take a German course with Bildungsurlaub?Yes, as long as the course is recognised for this leave in Berlin. If you work full time, you're entitled to 5 working days a year. Tell your employer at least 6 weeks in advance.
• How can I start a job-related German course (Berufssprachkurs)? Do I need to do an integration course first?Not always. Without an integration course, a telc B1 certificate can be enough to get a Gutschein from the Agentur für Arbeit for a B2 job-related language course.
• How do I apply to university (bachelor's) in Germany? Will my documents be accepted?You apply to many universities through uni-assist. The first application costs about 75 euros, and each further one in the same semester about 25 euros. Ask the university which documents it accepts.
• How do I join an integration course (Integrationskurs)?If you have a right to a course, the LEA issues the certificate; the LEA or Jobcenter may also oblige you to attend. Without a right you can apply to BAMF, but since 2026 places are limited and admission isn't guaranteed.
• Is there an integration course just for women, and how can I join if I have a child?Yes, the Frauenintegrationskurs is for women only. It's aimed at women with at least one child under 18 when the course starts: 900 hours of language, 100 hours of orientation. Ask the course provider whether childcare is available.
• Is there an official website where I can learn German for free at home, and which level do I need?Deutsche Welle's website has free online German courses from A1 to C1, and the menu is available in Turkish. You can also take a placement test. A1 is needed to join a spouse; the integration course aims at B1.
• Where can I find an affordable or online German course in Berlin?Volkshochschule (VHS) courses are affordable, and parent courses are even cheaper if you have a child. Depending on your situation, you can join an Integrationskurs or ask the Jobcenter or Arbeitsagentur for support. Online, try Preply and Lingoda.
• Which German language school in Berlin is good? What are experiences with Hartnackschule, Berlitz and Speakeasy?If you want an affordable school, look at Hartnackschule, though reviews are mixed. You can also go to Die Deutschschule or Berlitz. For the telc exam there is Speakeasy or Die Deutschschule. With children, the VHS parent (Eltern) courses suit you.
• Who can join an integration course (Integrationskurs), and how do I apply?If you got your residence permit after 2005 and live in Germany long-term, you usually have a right to it; the immigration office issues the certificate. Others can apply to BAMF, but places have been limited since 2026. 2.29 euros per lesson.