The Integrationskurs (integration course) in Germany is a state-organized program designed to help immigrants learn German and become familiar with the host country’s life, laws and culture. It is an important starting point for most Vietnamese who have just arrived in Germany under skilled migration, family reunification or vocational training routes. In this guide, the My Second World team will go through each specific step: who is eligible, what documents to prepare, where to register, and how the study path unfolds.
Completing the course does more than help you communicate better. It is also directly linked to residence renewal and later applications for long-term settlement. Understanding the process correctly from the start will therefore save you a great deal of time.
What is the Integrationskurs and what does it include
The integration course is a standardized program across the federal system, managed by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Its goal is to equip newcomers with the minimum language foundation and social knowledge needed to become self-sufficient in daily life.
A standard course has two main parts. The largest part is the language course (Sprachkurs), lasting 600 teaching hours, divided into basic and advanced levels. The goal is to bring learners up to B1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The second part is the orientation course (Orientierungskurs), lasting 100 hours. This part introduces the legal system, history, culture and foundational values of German society. In total, a standard course therefore comprises 700 teaching hours.
Besides the standard course, there are also specialized courses. Examples include courses for women, for parents, for young people, for illiterate learners, or for learning the Latin alphabet. These special courses can last up to 900 or 1,000 hours depending on the target group.
Who is eligible and who is required to attend
Not everyone has the right to attend, and not everyone is obligated to attend. This is a distinction you need to clarify before registering.
Under the regulations of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the group with the right to attend usually includes non-EU citizens who have just received a long-term residence permit and reside permanently in Germany. Vietnamese arriving under skilled labor, EU Blue Card, family reunification or vocational training (Ausbildung) routes usually belong to this group.
Some cases, on the other hand, have a mandatory obligation to attend. Typically, the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or the employment agency will issue a written requirement when they find your German proficiency insufficient for integration. If you receive such a notice, you should comply with the deadline stated in it.
The reason to pay attention is that attending or declining can affect your residence rights. Completing the course on time is a positive factor when renewing your residence permit. Conversely, dropping out without reason can lead to certain disadvantages. You should therefore view this as a benefit to make the most of, not merely a formality.
Documents and Paperwork to Prepare
Before visiting the training provider, you should have a basic set of documents ready. This will make the registration process quick and smooth, avoiding repeated visits.
The documents usually required include:
- A valid passport.
- Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or residence registration confirmation.
- Address registration confirmation (Anmeldung) at your current residence.
- Invitation letter or written requirement to attend the course (if already issued by the authority).
- Passport photos as required by the training provider.
In addition, if you qualify for cost support, you should bring documents proving your circumstances, such as confirmation of receiving social welfare or unemployment benefits. Each provider may require a few additional documents of its own, so ask beforehand.
Step-by-step registration for the Integrationskurs
The registration process is not overly complex, but it needs to be done in the right order. Below are the basic steps compiled by the My Second World team for you to follow easily.
- Determine your eligibility status. First, check whether you fall under the eligible category or the mandatory category. If unsure, you can contact the local immigration office or an immigration counseling office.
- Obtain a confirmation to attend. In many cases, you need to apply for the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) to issue a permit or an eligibility confirmation. This document is the basis for enrollment and for cost support review.
- Choose a licensed training provider. The course is only offered by centers recognized by BAMF. There is an official online search tool (KURSNET / NAvI) to help find a provider near your residence.
- Register and take the placement test. Upon arriving at the center, learners usually take a placement test. This determines which level you start from, avoiding relearning material you already know.
- Begin the course according to the schedule. After placement, you receive a class schedule and begin the course. Centers usually offer morning, afternoon or full-time classes to accommodate people who are both studying and working.
Throughout the course, if you move to another city, you can still continue the course at a new provider. The hours already completed will be recorded and carried over.
Exams and certification after the course
The integration course ends with two separate exams. Understanding this structure helps you prepare mentally and review the right content.
The first exam is the language test “Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer” (DTZ). It assesses listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, rated between A2 and B1 level. Achieving B1 is the ideal outcome, as it is an important milestone for many subsequent residence procedures.
The second exam is the “Leben in Deutschland” (LiD) test, which checks knowledge from the orientation course. The content covers German law, history and social life. Passing both exams earns learners the integration certificate (Zertifikat Integrationskurs).
This certificate carries substantial practical value. It serves as evidence of language proficiency and integration level, useful for renewing residence, applying for long-term settlement, and even shortening the time required for citizenship applications. You should therefore aim to complete it fully rather than merely attending for the sake of it.
Costs, support, and a few practical notes
The integration course charges a fee per teaching hour, according to the current fee schedule set by the state. You should check the specific fee at the training provider or on the official portal of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) before enrolling.
The good news is that many groups are exempt from or receive reduced fees. Those receiving social welfare, unemployment benefits, or with low income are usually covered for most of the cost. In addition, if you complete the course on time, part of the fee already paid may even be refunded.
A few practical notes you should keep in mind:
- Register early. Classes in major cities often fill up quickly, so you should enroll as soon as you become eligible.
- Attend regularly. Attendance rate affects fee support benefits and the integration assessment.
- Combine with an occupational course. After the integration course, you can continue with an occupational German course (Berufssprachkurs) supported by the German Federal Employment Agency, which is helpful for work.
For general information on language learning and integration, the portal Make it in Germany of the German government also provides guidance in multiple languages.
Summary
The Integrationskurs is an important foundation that helps Vietnamese newcomers to Germany quickly settle into life, communicate confidently, and gain an advantage for long-term residence procedures. You simply need to know your eligibility status, prepare complete documents, choose the right licensed provider, complete the 700 teaching hours, and pass both the DTZ and LiD exams to receive the certificate.
Next steps: you should check your residence eligibility, obtain a confirmation to attend, and register at a center near your residence as soon as possible. If you need detailed guidance tailored to your individual profile and overall settlement roadmap in Germany, the immigration consulting team at My Second World is always ready to accompany you.
