Integration course

Integrations courses help people in Germany learn German and build knowledge about daily life, history, culture, and the legal system. The exact way you take part depends on your residence status and, in some cases, whether an authority gives you a right to join or a requirement to attend. 1345

Who needs this

• Integrations courses are aimed at people who want to live in Germany and need support with German and with understanding life in Germany. 134
• In Hamburg, whether you may take part depends on your residence status; the responsible office can tell you more and issue a participation certificate (Berechtigungsschein). 3
• In Köln, people from EU member states have no entitlement and no obligation, but they may apply for admission. 4
• In München, immigrants who speak little or no German but live in Germany permanently and have a valid residence status can take part. 5

Step by step

1. Find suitable course offers near you. 34
2. If needed, get a participation certificate (Berechtigungsschein) or a requirement notice (Verpflichtungsschein) from the responsible office. 345
3. Register with a course provider using your certificate or requirement notice. 45
4. Before the course begins, an assessment test (Einstufungstest) is taken and you are placed in the right course module. 3
5. Attend the language course and the orientation course. 345
6. Complete the final tests for both parts of the course. 345

Documents

• In Berlin, the following may be required for integration courses: passport and residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), a requirement notice from the foreigners authority (Ausländerbehörde) if one was issued, a requirement notice from the job center (Jobcenter) if one was issued, and proof of benefits from the job center if benefits are received. 2
• In Hamburg, the needed document is the participation certificate (Berechtigungsschein). 3
• Köln offers downloadable forms, including the application for admission to an integration course (Antrag auf Zulassung zu einem Integrationskurs). 4
• München says that if you receive a participation certificate or requirement notice, you can choose the provider yourself. 5

Cost and time

• Berlin states that there are no fees for the service. 2
• Hamburg states that there are no fees. 3
• Köln states that no fees are charged for the obligation or authorization to take part in the integration course, and that course costs are considered individually; the BAMF may exempt you from costs if the requirements are met. 4
• In München, the page refers readers to separate information on the cost contribution for the integration course. 5
• In Berlin, the average processing time is 30 to 45 minutes. 2
• In Hamburg, the processing time depends on the individual case. 3
• In München, the course usually lasts 700 hours, made up of 600 hours of language course and 100 hours of orientation course. 5

Deadlines

• In Hamburg, if your participation certificate has a validity date, you must register for a course before it expires. If you are required to take part, you must register immediately and prove this to the requiring office. 3
• In Köln, failing to attend despite a duty can lead to difficulties when extending your residence permit, and unexcused absence can also lead to a fine of up to 1,000 euro; if you cannot attend, you should contact the office first. 4

City by city

• Berlin: The service is available at all adult education centers (Volkshochschulen). 2
• Hamburg: The responsible office can tell you more and issue a participation certificate. 3
• Köln: The city says its integration support team can authorize or require participation and helps with finding a suitable course; it also gives a contact address in Dillenburger Straße 56-66, 51105 Köln. 4
• München: The city says you can choose a provider yourself after receiving a certificate or requirement notice, and it lists different course formats such as full-time, part-time, weekend, child-care, and literacy courses. 5