🇩🇪 Integration course in Germany: Everything you need to know before you start
For many people, an integration course is the first big step towards a new life in Germany. But what exactly can you expect in such a course? What should you know beforehand? And how do you choose the right language school?
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions from participants – based on our experiences at tricos Bildung & Coaching and real feedback from course participants.
✅ What is an integration course?
An integration course is a program offered by BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) language and orientation course. It is aimed at people with a migration background who want to live permanently in Germany.
A course consists of two parts:
- 🗣️ Language course (600 teaching units): Learn German up to level B1
- 🇩🇪 Orientation course (100 teaching units): Living in Germany: Rights & Obligations, History & Culture
📎 Learn more about integration courses at tricos
🔍 What many wish they had known beforehand
- ⏱️ How much time a course really needs: Including homework and review, a course can take 15–20 hours per week.
- 📅 Regular attendance is crucial: Those who frequently miss classes risk failing the course or having to repeat it.
- 📖 That a good textbook helps: Those who familiarize themselves with the book beforehand will have a better start.
- 📝 How exams are conducted: The DTZ exam at the end requires targeted preparation.
🎓 What makes a good course provider
- 👩🏫 Permanent, trained teachers: tricos does not have frequent teacher changes
- 🧪 Individual classification: so that everyone starts in the right course
- 🧭 Regular consultation: from registration to exam support
💶 Who can participate? Who pays?
- 🧾 The following are eligible: Immigrants, refugees, ethnic German repatriates, EU citizens
- 🟢 Participation is free: for recipients of benefits (job centers, etc.)
- 🟡 Fee applies: €2.29 per unit for self-paying participants, refund possible
📌 We support you with your application to the BAMF.
📝 This is how registration works at tricos
- 📞 Contact us by phone, email or in person
- 🗂️ Personal consultation and placement test
- 🧾 Review of documents (e.g., BAMF eligibility)
- ✅ Secure your course place and start
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
⏳ How long does an integration course last?
Usually 12 months.
🔁 What happens if I fail the exam?
You are allowed to retake the exam once. We offer targeted preparation courses.
📘 Do I already need to speak German?
No – there are courses for complete beginners (A0) up to B1.
📌 Conclusion
An integration course is more than a language course – it's your path to a new life in Germany. With realistic expectations, good preparation, and a professional partner like tricos You can do it!