Learning German for work
Language levels, courses and exams at a glance
In short: The German level you need depends on your profession, from B1 in technical jobs to C2 for teachers. Free BAMF integration courses and job-related German courses (Berufssprachkurse, BSK) build on each other, and a recognised certificate such as telc serves as formal proof for employers and authorities.
This page sums up which language level is typical for which profession, how the BAMF integration course and the Berufssprachkurs fit together, and what a telc exam is needed for. To change the language of this website, use the language switcher at the top.
Which language level do I need for my job?
Job ads usually state the language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native). The overview below shows typical requirements by occupational field:
Nurse (Pflegefachkraft)
Many employers allow you to start with B1 and a parallel Berufssprachkurs.
Doctor (Ärztin / Arzt)
For the licence to practise (Approbation), a specialist language exam (Fachsprachprüfung) is also required.
Teacher (Lehrkraft)
Highest level, because German is the language of instruction.
IT specialist
In international teams a lower level is often enough than in customer-facing jobs.
Hospitality / skilled trades
Practical Berufssprachkurse are usually sufficient here.
These figures are typical guidelines, not minimum requirements fixed by law. The exact need depends on the specific employer and federal state.
BAMF integration course and Berufssprachkurs (BSK): the difference
The BAMF integration course teaches general everyday German up to level B1 and is open to all immigrants who are entitled to funding. It is usually the first step in learning German.
The Berufssprachkurs (BSK) under the German Language Support Ordinance (DeuFöV) builds on the integration course and teaches job-related German from B1 to C1, with vocabulary for specific sectors such as nursing, skilled trades or IT. Both types of course are free of charge for eligible people.
telc and other recognised language certificates
telc and the Goethe-Institut are among the recognised providers of language exams in Germany. A certificate such as telc Deutsch B2 serves as formal proof of your language level for employers and authorities and is an explicit requirement in many recognition procedures, for example in nursing. You can also practise the vocabulary of your field in the Fachbegriff-Trainer.
This is general information. The best way to clarify the exact language level needed for your profession and your recognition is with an IQ advice centre or your employer.
Frequently asked questions about learning German
What language level do I need for my profession in Germany?
This depends heavily on the profession: nursing specialists usually need B2 (starting with B1 plus parallel support is possible at many providers), doctors need C1 plus a specialist language exam, teachers need C2, IT professionals often only need B1, and in hospitality or skilled trades A2 to B1 is often enough.
What is the difference between a BAMF integration course and a vocational language course (BSK)?
The BAMF integration course teaches general everyday German up to level B1. The vocational language course (Berufssprachkurs, BSK) under the DeuFöV builds on that and teaches job-related German from B1 to C1, with specialist vocabulary for specific industries. Both are free for eligible individuals.
What is a telc exam and what do I need it for?
telc is a recognized language-testing provider whose certificates (e.g., telc Deutsch B2) serve as proof of a certain language level to employers, authorities, or as part of professional recognition. A B2 certificate is a formal requirement in many recognition procedures, for example in nursing.
Last updated: August 2026