Moving to Germany is a life-changing decision. Your language level determines how smoothly everything goes — from your visa application to your first day at work. Here's what you actually need to know.
Required Language Levels by Situation
| Situation | Minimum level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Family reunification visa | A1 | Basic German required before entry in many cases |
| Permanent residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis) | B1 | B1 certificate often required after 5 years |
| Citizenship (Einbürgerung) | B1 | Official certificate required |
| Daily life (shopping, doctors, admin) | A2–B1 | English is widely spoken but German makes life much easier |
| Most jobs | B2 | Depends heavily on sector and company |
| University in German | C1 | DSH or TestDaF required for German-language degrees |
The practical minimum: B1 covers most bureaucratic and daily life needs in Germany. With B1, you can communicate at the Bürgeramt (residents' registration office), understand documents and hold basic work conversations.
Essential Vocabulary by Life Area
Health & Medical
Housing & Accommodation
Official Procedures
6-Month Learning Plan to Reach B1
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1
Month 1: A1 Foundation
Greetings, numbers, colours, days, basic sentences. Aim for 200 core words.
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2
Month 2: A1 Completion
Present tense all verbs, articles (der/die/das), Nominativ/Akkusativ cases.
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3
Month 3: A2 Grammar
Dativ case, modal verbs (können/müssen/wollen), Perfekt past tense, 600-word vocabulary.
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4
Month 4: A2–B1 Bridge
weil/dass clauses, Präteritum for sein/haben, 1000-word vocabulary. Start listening to German daily.
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5
Month 5: B1 Grammar
Relative clauses, Futur I, Konjunktiv II basics, 2000-word vocabulary target.
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6
Month 6: B1 Consolidation
Mock B1 exams, daily speaking practice, bureaucratic vocabulary. Focus on practical German for real-life situations.
Start with Anmeldung Vocabulary
The address registration (Anmeldung) is your first bureaucratic task. Learn that vocabulary before you land.
Medical German is Priority
Health vocabulary is essential and time-sensitive. Learn it early — you may need it before your German is fluent.
Find a Tandem Partner
Platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with German speakers wanting to learn your language. Free conversation practice.
Use DeutschGo Daily
Structured vocabulary by topic means you learn exactly the words you'll need — not random frequency lists.
Prepare for Life in Germany
DeutschGo's topic-based learning covers all the vocabulary you need for daily life, housing and official procedures.
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