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In brief
German skills are described on the European scale from A1 to C2 and proven through recognised examinations. Which level is required depends on the residence permit and the occupation, and the responsible office names it in the individual case. Learning usually starts in the country of origin, and the company can contribute a lot with time and clear arrangements.
The levels A1 to C2 in brief
In Europe, language skills are described on a common scale. It has six levels, from A1 to C2. Employers, schools and authorities use the same terms.
The levels fall roughly into three groups. They describe what someone can do with the language, not how long they have studied it.
There are big steps between the levels. Someone who has reached B1 can get by in everyday life but often still needs help with technical terms at work.
- A1 and A2: basic use, simple sentences on familiar topics
- B1 and B2: independent use, conversations in everyday life and at work
- C1 and C2: proficient use, including difficult texts and technical discussions
Which level for what
There is no fixed level for everyone. What is required depends on the residence permit, the occupation and sometimes the federal state. The responsible office names it in the individual case.
For some residence permits the law requires specific proof. In other cases there is no fixed requirement, and the employer decides what the job needs.
In regulated professions, language is part of the authorisation. In nursing, for example, the responsible offices require a certain level and often an examination of professional language.
Say early, therefore, which level the job really requires. A target that is too high excludes good candidates, and one that is too low leads to problems in daily work.
Proof through recognised examinations
A level is proven through an examination. There are several recognised providers, in the country of origin as well as in Germany. The responsible office will tell you which examination is recognised in the individual case.
Attending a course is not proof on its own. As a rule, a certificate with a result is required. Make sure all parts of the examination have been passed if the office requires this.
Some certificates are only valid, or only accepted, for a certain time. Record the date of the examination for that reason.
Preparation in the country of origin
The first part of the route usually lies in the country of origin. There are language schools, courses and examination centres there, more in larger cities than in the countryside.
A course takes time and money. Many candidates study alongside their job. Clear arrangements help: which target applies, when is an examination planned, and who carries which costs?
Plan realistically. Someone starting from zero needs considerably longer to hold a confident conversation at work than someone with prior knowledge. We deliberately name no fixed periods.
Online courses complement classes on site but rarely replace them entirely. Motivation grows with a clear goal. A signed commitment from the company helps many candidates more than any reminder.
Language in daily work
In the company, what counts is what is understood. Plain language helps everyone: short sentences, fixed terms, pictures at the machine.
Safety instructions must really be understood. Bring in a translation for important topics. A misunderstanding can be dangerous here.
Colleagues are often the best teachers. A buddy in the team who answers questions and stays patient moves the language forward faster than a course alone.
What the company can do
The company has a great influence on how quickly someone learns German. Much of it costs little.
Whether the company pays for courses or gives working time for them is a matter for negotiation. Put the arrangement in writing.
- Set the required level before the search
- Plan fixed times for courses in the roster
- Provide a quiet room and learning material
- Name a buddy in the team
- Acknowledge progress in conversations
Frequently asked questions
Which German level do skilled workers need for the visa?
That depends on the residence permit and the occupation. In some cases there is a fixed requirement, in others there is not. The responsible office names the level in the individual case.
Which examinations are recognised?
There are several recognised providers. The responsible office will tell you which examination is recognised in the individual case.
Who pays for the language course?
The company and the skilled worker settle that between them. A written arrangement prevents disputes.
Is English enough to start with?
In some companies English helps at the start, for example in technical occupations. For daily life, the authorities and most jobs, German remains important. Plan the course even then.
- For Employers How Regalis works with employers: capture requirements, present candidates, coordinate entry and the start of work. Direct employment, no staff leasing.