German for the Integration Course (Integrationskurs)
What the German integration course covers, the B1 goal, the DTZ and Leben in Deutschland exams at the end, and how to prepare for the language part.
The integration course, or Integrationskurs, is Germany's state-run programme for newcomers, and its language part aims for B1, the level required for naturalisation. It gives around 600 hours of German teaching in six modules of 100 hours, followed by a 100-hour orientation course on German law, history and society. It ends with two exams: the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, which reports your German at A2 or B1, and the Leben in Deutschland test on civics. The course is a guided route to the same B1 that citizenship needs.
Key takeaways: The course targets B1 across about 600 language hours plus a 100-hour orientation course. It ends with the DTZ language exam and the Leben in Deutschland civics test. The civics test shares the Einbürgerungstest question pool, so it can double as citizenship proof. Fees are subsidised, with reductions or exemptions for many participants.
What does the integration course cover?
The course has two parts. The language course runs across six modules of 100 hours each, moving from beginner level toward B1, and covers everyday German for work, family, shopping, health and dealing with authorities. The orientation course adds around 100 hours on the German legal system, history and society, and on the values of everyday life. Together they are designed to help newcomers manage daily life in German and understand how the country works.
What German level does it aim for?
The target is B1. The course is structured so that a learner who starts as a beginner and attends fully can reach B1 by the end, which is why the hours match the rough budget for beginner-to-B1 study. Reaching B1 is not guaranteed, since it depends on attendance, effort and starting point, but B1 is the level the course is built to deliver. For where B1 sits and how far it is from zero, see A1, A2 and B1 explained.
What exams are at the end?
Two exams close the course, one for language and one for civics.
| Exam | What it tests | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) | German across all four skills | Graded at A2 or B1 |
| Leben in Deutschland | Civics: law, history, society | Pass or fail |
The DTZ is a recognised B1 proof when you achieve B1 in it, which means it can satisfy the language requirement for naturalisation. The Leben in Deutschland test shares its question pool with the Einbürgerungstest, so passing it is accepted as the civics proof for citizenship too. In practice, finishing the course well can cover both the language and civics sides of a later application.
How much does the integration course cost?
The course is subsidised by the state, so participants pay a reduced per-hour fee rather than the full cost. Many people qualify for a lower rate or a full exemption, for example those receiving certain benefits, and costs can sometimes be refunded on successful completion. Because the exact figures and rules change and depend on your situation, confirm the current fee and any exemption with BAMF or your course provider before you enrol.
How should you prepare for the language part?
Treat the course as the backbone and add your own daily practice around it, because classroom hours alone rarely fill a whole day. Review each module's vocabulary and grammar, listen to German outside class, and speak as much as you can. PassCitizen has free, sequenced practice at A1, A2 and B1 that lines up with the course levels, plus listening and pronunciation practice. For the civics side, our guide to preparing for the Einbürgerungstest covers the same material as the Leben in Deutschland test.
Frequently asked questions
What German level does the integration course reach?
The integration course aims to take learners to B1, the level required for naturalisation. It provides around 600 hours of language teaching in six modules, followed by an orientation course. Not everyone reaches B1 by the end, but B1 is the target the course is built around.
What exams are at the end of the integration course?
Two. The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) tests your German and reports a result at A2 or B1. The Leben in Deutschland test is a civics exam about German law, history and society. Passing both completes the course, and the results can support a later citizenship application.
Does the Leben in Deutschland test count for citizenship?
Yes. The Leben in Deutschland test uses the same question pool as the Einbürgerungstest, and a passing result is recognised as the civics proof for naturalisation. This means the integration course can cover both the language and the civics requirements for citizenship in one place.
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