'Integration Courses in Germany: Who Can Join, How Much They Cost, and

An integration course in Germany is a BAMF program for learning German and the basic rules of life in the country. It helps people reach an everyday level of German, understand their rights and obligations, prepare for exams, and navigate German bureaucracy more confidently.

What an integration course includes

A standard Integrationskurs consists of two parts:

• a language course, usually 600 lessons;
• an Orientierungskurs, 100 lessons on the legal system, history, culture, and public life in Germany.

One lesson lasts 45 minutes. In special formats, for example for people with low literacy, parents, young people, or participants with special needs, the number of hours may differ.

The language section ends with the Deutsch-Test fur Zuwanderer (DTZ) exam. The orientation section usually ends with the Leben in Deutschland test. Successfully completing the course can be useful not only for adaptation, but also for future procedures where you need to prove language skills or integration.

Who can attend

Access rules depend on a person’s status in Germany. In general, integration courses may be available to:

• foreigners with a residence permit if they live in Germany on more than a temporary basis and need integration support;
• people whom the Auslanderbehorde has required to take the course;
• recipients of Burgergeld or other social benefits if the referral is issued by the Jobcenter or another competent authority;
• recognized refugees and people with certain humanitarian statuses;
• EU citizens, ethnic German resettlers, and some other groups, if they meet the conditions and places are available.

Not every participant is entitled to the course automatically. For example, schoolchildren usually do not attend an integration course because they study at a German school. If a person’s German is already sufficient, the authority may decide not to refer them to the language section, although separate obligations related to the Orientierungskurs are still possible depending on the situation.

When the course becomes mandatory

An integration course can be not only a right, but also an obligation. In most cases, the Auslanderbehorde imposes this obligation when issuing or extending a residence permit if the person does not know German well enough or has a special need for integration. The Jobcenter can also refer someone to the course if it is connected to employment and benefits.

If the course has been assigned officially, ignoring the referral is risky: it can affect a residence permit extension, social benefits, or future integration requirements. In a disputed situation, it is better to ask the authority in writing who issued the Verpflichtung, how long the referral remains valid, and what the consequences will be if classes are missed.

How to enroll

The process usually looks like this:

1. Obtain a Berechtigungsschein or Verpflichtung from the Auslanderbehorde, Jobcenter, BAMF, or another competent authority.
2. Find an approved provider through BAMF-NAvI or a list of local schools.
3. Take an Einstufungstest to determine the right level.
4. Submit your documents to the course provider and agree on a start date.
5. If necessary, apply in advance for a fee waiver or transport reimbursement.

BAMF publishes the detailed participation and cost rules in Teilnahme und Kosten.

How much an integration course costs

In 2026, the standard participant co-payment is EUR 2.29 per lesson. For a standard course with 700 lessons, that comes to EUR 1,603 if there is no fee exemption.

BAMF can exempt participants from the Kostenbeitrag under certain conditions. This is most commonly relevant if a person receives Burgergeld, Sozialhilfe, Arbeitslosengeld, benefits under the AsylbLG, or can prove financial hardship. It is important to submit the application on time, ideally before the course begins or before the next module, because the exemption is not always applied retroactively.

If a participant successfully completes the integration course within the required time frame, they can apply for a refund of 50% of the co-payment they have already paid. If the participant is exempt from payment and meets additional conditions, reimbursement of transportation costs may also be available.

What to prepare before applying

Before enrolling, check:

• what kind of residence permit or other residence status you have;
• whether you have a referral, an obligation, or an entitlement to participate;
• which authority issued the document: Auslanderbehorde, Jobcenter, BAMF, or another body;
• whether the validity period of the Berechtigungsschein is specified;
• whether there are grounds for a fee exemption;
• which courses are available near your home and whether places are open;
• whether you need a general course, an Alphabetisierungskurs, a parents’ course, a Jugendintegrationskurs, or another special format.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is to look for just any language school and sign up without checking whether the course is recognized by BAMF. If the course is not an official Integrationskurs, the costs and exams may not be recognized.

The second mistake is applying too late for Kostenbefreiung. Even if a person is entitled to an exemption, the authority still needs documents and processing time.

The third mistake is assuming that the integration course is always voluntary. If there is a Verpflichtung, absences and refusal to participate can have consequences. It is better to discuss sick leave, moving, changing schools, or schedule conflicts with both the provider and the authority in advance.

FAQ

Can I take the course if I am already working?

Yes, but you need to find the right format and schedule. In some cities there are evening, intensive, or partly online formats, although availability depends on the specific provider.

Can I choose the school myself?

Usually yes, as long as the school is an approved BAMF provider and accepts your participation document. You can find options through BAMF-NAvI.

Do I need to pay for the whole course at once?

Usually payment is made by module or according to the provider’s rules. If you are applying for a fee exemption, clarify the process before classes begin.

What should I do if there are no places?

Check several providers, neighboring districts, and BAMF-NAvI. If you are required to complete the course, keep a record of your attempts to enroll and inform the authority that issued the referral.