Language

In order to feel at home in Germany and to find your way around, it is important to learn the German language. If you learn German, it will be easier to find a job and make contact with other people.

To learn the language and better understand the country’s customs, you can attend an integration course.

There are general courses but also special courses for young people or parents. There is generally a charge for attending a language or integration course. If you do not have a fixed income, you can apply to the Job Centre to attend a course free of charge.

However, some adult education centres also offer general German courses.

Language Course Providers

The District offers the following language course providers:

Adult education centres (Please ask in your municipality where the nearest adult education centre is.)
DAA Hochrhein
HBBZ Waldshut

Language learning apps

You can also use these to learn online but remember that all these offers cannot replace a language course.

Integration courses

When you register for an integration course, please bring your passport or ID card, your residence permit and, if applicable, your obligation to attend an integration course.

Who can attend an integration course?

You are entitled to attend an integration course if you want to live permanently in Germany and have a residence permit for the first time

for gainful employment purposes
to join your family
for humanitarian reasons
as a long-term resident from another EU state.

Even if you are not eligible, you can be admitted if there are free course places.

When do I have to attend an integration course?

You are obliged to attend an integration course if you

have a right to do so and cannot yet communicate orally in German at a low proficiency level.
The certificate/obligation is determined by the aliens’/foreigners’ registration office. This happens when the first residence permit is issued.
have already been living in Germany for a long time and need special support with integration.
receive benefits under SBG II and there is an integration agreement.

Further information and application forms can be found at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).