Integration Course Waiting Time: Start Today Instead of Waiting for Weeks

Short answer: you do not have to wait for a spot

A spot in an integration course is often not available right away. In many cities you wait several weeks, sometimes months, until a new course begins. In 2026 a second problem has been added: BAMF has largely suspended admissions for voluntary participants. This means many people are currently not receiving a funded spot at all.

The good news: you can still start learning German today. An online German course needs no waiting list and no fixed course start. You learn immediately, at your own pace, and your progress counts just as much later on, because the levels A1, A2, and B1 are the same everywhere.

Why are waiting times so long in 2026?

There are two reasons that come together.

1. Full courses on location. Language schools and community colleges only have a certain number of spots. A new course often does not start until enough people have enrolled. Until then you are on a waiting list.
2. Admission freeze at BAMF. In early 2026 BAMF announced that it is largely rejecting applications for voluntary participation in integration courses. Affected groups include EU citizens, people from Ukraine, and asylum seekers without a mandatory obligation. Anyone who is not obligated to participate under Section 44a currently often receives no funded spot.

This is tough, especially if you want to work and be independent quickly. But it does not mean you have to wait to start learning.

What can you do right now? Your options

Option 1: Learn as a self-paying participant

Even if you do not receive an admission, you can learn German. BAMF itself mentions two paths: participation as a self-paying participant and digital self-learning offerings. You do not have to wait for an official decision.

Option 2: Online German course starting today

An online course has no waiting list. You sign up and begin immediately with the first lesson. This makes particular sense if:

• you are waiting for a local spot and want to use the time,
• you are currently not receiving an admission as a voluntary participant,
• you work shifts or have children and fixed course times are difficult.

The online German course from SH Sprachschule Heilbronn is made exactly for this. You learn with a real, certified DaF teacher via video, the recognized Hueber coursebook “Schritte plus Neu” is included, and an AI trainer helps you specifically with speaking, pronunciation, and writing letters. Those letters are exactly what you will need later in the exam.

Option 3: Join the mandatory course later anyway

If you receive a spot later or become obligated to attend, your preparation is not lost. You will then start at a higher level and feel much more confident.

Your progress counts: A1, A2, and B1 are the same everywhere

Many people worry that learning outside of an integration course is “worth nothing.” That is not true. The levels A1, A2, and B1 come from the Common European Framework of Reference. A B1 is a B1, no matter where you learned it. What matters in the end is the exam, not where you studied.

These three exams are relevant for you:

DTZ (Deutsch-Test fuer Zuwanderer)

The DTZ is a single exam with two possible results: A2 or B1. There is a written section (around 100 minutes, covering listening, reading, and a short letter) and an oral section (around 15 minutes). For naturalization and for a permanent residence permit, B1 is generally the standard. The DTZ is offered frequently, often roughly every two weeks, and you usually need to register around three weeks in advance.

telc Deutsch B1

For telc B1 you need at least half the points, roughly 60 out of 120. Also watch the individual sections, because each module has a minimum score. So do not only aim for the average; practice all four skills.

Goethe-Zertifikat B1

The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 consists of four modules: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. To pass you need around 60 percent. A major advantage: you can retake individual modules separately if one section did not go well.

A good course prepares you for all three formats because vocabulary and grammar are very similar.

How to get started in 4 steps

1. Clarify your level. Are you a beginner? Then start with A1. If you already have a foundation, enter at A2 or B1.
2. Sign up right away. With an online course there is no waiting list. You begin on the same day.
3. Learn regularly. Even 20 to 30 minutes a day achieves more than one long day per week. Use the AI trainer for speaking practice, which many people otherwise lack.
4. Plan your exam. Register for DTZ, telc, or Goethe in good time, ideally several weeks in advance.

Conclusion

The waiting time for an integration course can be long, and in 2026 voluntary participants often receive no admission at all. But you do not have to wait to learn German. With an online German course from A1 to B1 you start today, learn at your own pace, and prepare specifically for the exam. Your progress counts everywhere, because the levels are always the same. Every day you learn now is a day closer to your goal.