Germany Newcomer Bible · Chapter 37
German for Absolute Beginners
About 2 minutes to read. Verify current official requirements using the source links in the chapter.
Which level do you need?
| Level |
What it unlocks |
| A1 |
Spouse visa (where required), shopping, simple conversations |
| A2 |
Settlement permit route for some skilled workers; everyday independence |
| B1 |
Settlement permit (most routes), citizenship, Blue Card fast track to settlement (21 months) |
| B2–C1 |
Many regulated professions (nurses B2, doctors C1 medical German), university study in German |
Cheapest ways to learn
- Integrationskurs (integration course, BAMF): usually 600 hours of German to B1 + 100 hours "Leben in Deutschland" orientation. You pay a reduced hourly contribution (free with benefits), and you can get part of it refunded if you pass B1 within the set time. Apply via the Ausländerbehörde or directly at bamf.de. EU citizens can join if places are available.
- Berufssprachkurse (job-related German, BAMF): B1 to C1, often with industry focus (healthcare, technical). Free or low cost for job-seekers and employees under certain conditions.
- Volkshochschule (VHS): evening and weekend courses at moderate prices in every town.
- Free online: Deutsche Welle "Nicos Weg" (A1–B1, with app), VHS-Lernportal (free, A1–B1), Goethe-Institut free exercises.
- Exams: Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, ÖSD, and the DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, end of the integration course). Check which certificate your authority accepts.
Survival phrases
| German |
English |
| Guten Tag / Hallo / Tschüss |
Hello (formal) / hi / bye |
| Sprechen Sie Englisch? |
Do you speak English? |
| Ich verstehe nicht. Langsamer, bitte. |
I don't understand. Slower, please. |
| Können Sie das bitte aufschreiben? |
Could you write that down, please? |
| Wo ist …? / Was kostet das? |
Where is …? / How much is it? |
| Ich hätte gern … |
I'd like … |
| Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? |
Can I pay by card? |
| Entschuldigung! |
Excuse me / sorry |
| Ich lerne noch Deutsch. |
I'm still learning German. |
Tip: Germans often switch to English when they hear an accent. "Ich möchte gern Deutsch üben" (I'd like to practise German) usually makes them stay in German.
