For Students
Language requirements for studying and training in Germany
Many students know they “need German” or “need English”, but not how much, by when and for which exact goal. Universities, Studienkollegs, Ausbildung providers and embassies use different levels and certificates – and confusing information online often mixes them together.
This page gives you a structured overview of typical language requirements for Studienkolleg, university, Ausbildung and visas, and shows how to build a realistic language plan that fits your application and visa timeline.
Overview
Typical language levels for different paths
Exact rules can differ by federal state and institution, but this table gives a realistic orientation for many cases:
| Goal | Typical German level | Other notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Studienkolleg (application) | B1–B2 (often B2 recommended) | Entrance exam usually tests B2 grammar, vocabulary and reading. |
| Feststellungsprüfung (end of Studienkolleg) | Solid B2–C1 | Needed to follow complex texts and write exams under time pressure. |
| German taught bachelor program | C1 (TestDaF, DSH or equivalent) | Universities usually name accepted exams and minimum scores on their websites. |
| Ausbildung (many professions) | B1–B2 | Often higher expectations in nursing and customer facing roles. |
| English taught bachelor/master | English B2–C1 | IELTS, TOEFL or similar; some programs still expect basic German for daily life. |
| Visa appointment for study or Studienkolleg | Often A2–B1 minimum | Embassies may ask for proof that you can follow your planned program and integrate. |
German for Studienkolleg & university
How much German you really need – and at which stage
For most academic paths in Germany, German is still the key language. Even if you find an English taught program, everyday life and many administrative processes will still be in German.
A simple way to think about your German development:
- A2 – basic communication, good starting point but not enough for study or work.
- B1 – everyday communication is possible, often minimum for visa in many countries.
- B2 – can follow complex topics with some effort, typical for Studienkolleg entrance exams.
- C1 – can follow academic texts and express yourself in detail, standard for university entry.
Most students underestimate how long it takes to go from A2/B1 to B2/C1, especially if they have school or work next to language courses. In StuWoLi Plan sessions we build a timeline that combines language learning with application, entrance exam and visa dates.
English programs
English taught programs – and why German still matters
Germany offers more and more English taught master and some bachelor programs. They are interesting if your German is not yet at C1 level but your English is strong. However, it is a mistake to think you “do not need German at all”.
Typical expectations:
- English level B2–C1, proven by IELTS, TOEFL or similar.
- For some visas or jobs, a basic German level is still expected to integrate into daily life.
- After graduation, many job opportunities still require at least B1–B2 German.
In a StuWoLi Plan we look at whether an English program really fits your long term plans in Germany or whether improving your German first leads to more options.
Exams & certificates
Which language exams are worth your time and money
There are many German exams, but not all of them are equally useful for university, Studienkolleg or visa. Universities usually list accepted exams on their websites. Common examples are:
- TestDaF – often accepted for C1 university entry if you reach the required score.
- DSH – offered at some universities as a local exam for university entry.
- telc Deutsch B2 / C1 Hochschule – recognised by many institutions.
- Goethe-Zertifikat – widely known, often used up to B2 level and sometimes for C1.
For English, typical exams are IELTS and TOEFL. Again, each program states its own minimum scores.
In StuWoLi Plan we choose one or two strategically useful exams instead of collecting random certificates that do not help with your actual goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which German level do I need at the time of visa application
Many embassies want to see that your language level is realistic for the program you are aiming for. For a Studienkolleg or German language course this is often A2–B1; for direct university entry it may be higher. Some embassies also check whether your planned language course in Germany is intensive and logical in your timeline.
We always check the current practice of the embassy responsible for you before you register for an exam.
Is B1 German enough to start studying at a university
Generally no. B1 might be enough to start a preparatory program or language course, but for a German taught bachelor you normally need a C1 level proven by a recognised exam. Otherwise it will be extremely hard to follow lectures, read textbooks and pass written exams.
Can I do Studienkolleg in English
Most public Studienkollegs teach in German because their goal is to prepare you for German taught degrees. Some private programs offer more English support, but even there German is important for the final exam and your future studies.
If your goal is to study purely in English, we look at special international programs and whether a different route might fit better.
How long does it take to go from A2 to B2 or C1
It depends on how intensively you study, how similar your first language is to German and whether you are living in a German speaking environment. As a rough orientation, many full time learners need about:
- 6–9 months from A2 to B2 in intensive courses,
- another 3–6 months from B2 to C1.
If you only study part time next to school or work, it can take significantly longer. That is why we always align language goals with realistic timeframes in the StuWoLi Plan.
Can I start with English and learn German after arrival
For some English taught programs this is possible, but you still need enough German for daily life and often for visa and part time work. If your long term goal is to live and work in Germany, we recommend building German step by step already before arrival instead of waiting completely.
If you are unsure which language level you need for your exact goal – Studienkolleg, university or Ausbildung – we can map it out once and connect it with your visa and application timeline.