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Integration & Funding

BAMF Integrationskurs Berlin
What You Need to Know

The government-funded integration course is available to most new immigrants in Germany. Here's who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect.

LingoMap › BAMF Integrationskurs Berlin
The Basics

What is the Integrationskurs?

The BAMF Integrationskurs is a government-funded German course available to immigrants in Germany. It combines language tuition with a civics module.

Total course length
700 lessons (1 lesson = 45 minutes)
Language module
600 lessons — from A1 to B1 level
Orientation module
100 lessons — "Leben in Deutschland" (German society, law, history)
Final exams
DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, B1 level) + LiD (Leben in Deutschland test)
Goal level
B1 — independent user of German in everyday situations
Organised by
BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge), delivered through approved language schools

Note: Some participants who do not yet have basic German skills are placed into a literacy course first (Alphabetisierungskurs — 300 extra lessons) before starting the standard Integrationskurs. This is arranged by the course provider after an initial assessment.

Eligibility

Who can attend?

Eligibility depends on your residence permit. Some people are obligated (verpflichtet) to attend; others are entitled (berechtigt) to attend voluntarily.

Obligated to attend (verpflichtet)

  • New arrivals with a Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit)
  • Certain Aufenthaltserlaubnis holders (e.g. family reunification, §25 AufenthG)
  • Recipients of Bürgergeld (SGB II) referred by the Jobcenter
  • Those whose German proficiency is below B1 upon arrival

Entitled to attend (berechtigt)

  • EU citizens residing in Germany
  • Asylum seekers with good prospects of remaining (gute Bleibeperspektive)
  • Long-term residents without a formal integration obligation
  • German citizens needing integration support (in some cases)

Important: If you are obligated to attend and do not complete the course without a valid reason, this can negatively affect your residence permit renewal. Always check your specific situation with the Ausländerbehörde.

How to Apply

Getting your Berechtigungsschein

The Berechtigungsschein is the voucher that authorises you to attend an Integrationskurs. Without it, you cannot enrol at a BAMF-approved school.

1

New arrivals → Ausländerbehörde (ABH)

When you register your residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde Berlin, they issue the Berechtigungsschein directly — or assign you an integration obligation. You usually receive it at your first appointment.

2

Jobcenter / Agentur für Arbeit referral

If you receive Bürgergeld (SGB II) or are registered as job-seeking, the Jobcenter can issue the Berechtigungsschein as part of your integration plan (Eingliederungsvereinbarung). Ask your case worker (Sachbearbeiter).

3

BAMF online application (entitled applicants)

EU citizens and some other entitled groups can apply directly via the BAMF online portal at bamf.de. You'll need to prove your residence status and that you haven't already completed an Integrationskurs.

4

Take the Berechtigungsschein to a BAMF-approved school

Once you have the voucher, find an approved school via the BAMF course search at bamf.de or through LingoMap. You'll be placed after a short placement test to determine your starting level.

Cost

What does it cost?

€1.95
per lesson (45 min)
Standard contribution
€1,365
total (700 lessons)
Full course cost
€0
if eligible
With fee waiver

Who pays nothing?

  • Recipients of Bürgergeld (SGB II) — Jobcenter covers the fee automatically
  • Recipients of Sozialhilfe (SGB XII) — covered by Sozialamt
  • Recipients of Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG) benefits
  • Others can apply for a Gebührenerlass (fee waiver) based on low income — ask BAMF or the course provider
Course Types

Integrationskurs variants

BAMF offers several formats depending on your situation. Not all schools offer all types.

Allgemeiner Integrationskurs (General)

The standard course — suitable for most adult participants. Mixed groups, daytime sessions.

Intensiv-Integrationskurs (Intensive)

Covers the same content faster, with more daily hours. Suitable for participants who can commit full-time and want to complete quickly.

Jugendintegrationskurs (Youth)

For participants aged 16–27. Combines language learning with vocational guidance and social skills relevant to young people.

Frauenintegrationskurs (Women)

Women-only groups, often with childcare provision. Designed for women who face specific barriers to attending mixed classes.

Elternintegrationskurs (Parents)

For parents of school-age children. Timetables are aligned with school hours and childcare is sometimes available.

Alphabetisierungskurs (Literacy)

For participants who are not yet fully literate in their native language or Roman script. 300 additional lessons before the standard Integrationskurs.

Find BAMF-approved schools in Berlin

LingoMap lists BAMF-approved language schools in Berlin. Filter by district to find an approved provider near you.

Find BAMF-approved schools in Berlin →

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the format and how many hours per day you attend. A standard Integrationskurs (700 lessons at 4–5 lessons/day) typically takes 6–12 months. An intensive format can compress it to 3–6 months. The course ends with the DTZ and LiD exams.

Yes — once you have the Berechtigungsschein, you can choose any BAMF-approved school that has available places. You are not restricted to a specific provider. In Berlin, there are dozens of approved schools, so you can choose based on location, schedule, or teaching style.

If you fail the DTZ on the first attempt, you are entitled to one free repeat exam. If you fail the orientation (LiD) test, you also get one repeat. If you fail a second time, you can retake the exams privately at your own cost. You will still receive a Teilnahmebescheinigung (participation certificate) even if you don't pass the exams.

Not directly — but you need to demonstrate B1 level for citizenship (§10 StAG). Successfully completing the Integrationskurs and passing the DTZ at B1 satisfies this requirement. If you already have a recognised B1 certificate (Goethe, telc, etc.), you don't need to do the Integrationskurs just for citizenship purposes.

Yes — many participants work part-time alongside the course. Most Integrationskurse run in the morning (e.g. 8:30–12:30), leaving afternoons free. Some schools offer afternoon or split-schedule variants. Check with your school about attendance requirements — you must maintain a minimum attendance rate (usually 80%) to remain enrolled.