German language

The general language level as a prerequisite

For successful naturalization, you must generally prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the German language. The law stipulates language level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for this purpose. This means that you must be able to understand the main points when clear standard language is used and it is about familiar things from everyday life, work or leisure. You should be able to speak simply and coherently about familiar topics and personal interests. You are also expected to be able to talk about experiences and events, describe dreams and goals and give brief reasons or explanations for plans and opinions. This ability must extend to speaking and understanding as well as reading and writing.

How you can prove your language skills

There are various ways to prove the required German language skills. A formal language test is not always mandatory if you can prove your skills in other ways.

Through a language certificate

The most common way is to present a corresponding language certificate.

• The "Zertifikat Deutsch" at level B1 is recognized as proof.
• A certificate of successful participation in a language course as part of an integration course run by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees is also sufficient.

Through educational or professional qualifications

Your German language skills are also considered proven if you have certain German qualifications.

• A qualification from a German Hauptschule or at least an equivalent German school-leaving qualification is sufficient.
• Even if you have attended a German-language school for four years and have always been promoted to the next grade, this is considered proof.
• Successful completion of studies at a German-speaking university or university of applied sciences or German vocational training also proves your language skills.

Proof without formal documents

If you do not have any of the above-mentioned certificates or qualifications, but still speak fluent German, naturalization is not ruled out. The competent authority can convince itself of your language skills in a personal interview and dispense with a formal test if your skills are obviously sufficient.

For native speakers

If German is your mother tongue, you do not need to provide any further proof of your language skills.

Special regulations and facilitations

The legislator has provided for exceptions and simplifications for certain groups of people that deviate from the strict B1 requirement.

For minors

For children and young people who have not yet reached the age of 16 at the time of naturalization, the B1 level is not required. In this case, proof of age-appropriate language development is sufficient. As a rule, this can be provided by submitting school reports which show that the performance in German is sufficient.

In the event of illness, disability or for reasons of age

If you are unable to acquire the required language skills due to a physical, mental or psychological illness, disability or age, the law provides for an exception. In such a case, you do not have to meet the requirements for the language test.

The hardship regulation

If, despite serious and sustained efforts, it is not possible for you to achieve language level B1, or if it is considerably more difficult for you to do so in the long term, a hardship case regulation may apply. In this case, the B1 requirement can be waived if you can at least communicate orally in German in everyday life without any significant problems.

Special regulation for the "guest worker generation"

For foreigners who came to Germany as workers within the framework of recruitment agreements (so-called guest workers) or who entered the former GDR as contract workers, as well as their spouses who have joined them, there is a special simplification. For this group of people, it is sufficient if they can communicate orally in everyday life.