What Language Level Do I Need for the Settlement Permit?

The short answer: usually B1

For the standard settlement permit (the permanent residence title under Section 9 of the Residence Act) you need German skills at B1 level. This is set out in Section 9 para. 2 no. 7 AufenthG. The law refers there to “sufficient knowledge of the German language.” In practice this means B1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Important: B1 is the rule, but not a requirement in every case. For certain special residence titles a lower level is sufficient. Which level applies to you depends on the legal basis on which you are applying for the settlement permit.

What does B1 mean in practice?

At B1 level you can:

• hold conversations about work, family, and everyday life
• understand and fill in letters, forms, and official correspondence
• talk about experiences, plans, and opinions
• narrate in simple, connected language

B1 is therefore the level at which you can live and work independently in Germany. That is precisely why the state requires this level for permanent residence. If you want to learn systematically up to B1, our B1 online German course with a real teacher and exam preparation can help you.

When is A2 enough instead of B1?

There is an important distinction in the law:

• “Sufficient language skills” = B1 (as in Section 9 for the standard settlement permit)
• “Adequate language skills” = A2 (as in certain special cases)

A2 is enough, for example, for the settlement permit for recognised refugees and those entitled to asylum under Section 26 para. 3 AufenthG. Here proof of German at A2 level is sufficient, not B1.

In very rare cases the settlement permit can also be granted without a language certificate, for example if someone is unable to acquire language skills due to an illness or disability. The immigration authority examines this on a case-by-case basis.

Special case: children (Section 35 AufenthG)

Children who grow up in Germany generally do not need a separate language test. The legislature assumes that they learn German at school or through vocational training. Only for young adults can B1 skills be required depending on the individual circumstances. Seek advice from your immigration authority on this.

What does this mean for the waiting period?

Good German skills speed things up. One example: someone who successfully completes the integration course and proves B1 can, under certain conditions, receive the settlement permit after just 21 months instead of the usual waiting period. More German therefore means not only meeting the mandatory requirement but also gaining a real time advantage.

How to prove your language level

You need a recognised certificate. The following forms of proof are accepted:

1. Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) from the integration course. Important to know: the DTZ is a single exam with two possible results, A2 or B1. Anyone who reaches B1 has met the language requirement for the settlement permit.
2. telc Deutsch B1. You must achieve at least 50 percent overall (60 out of 120 points) and pass at least one section of the exam.
3. Goethe-Zertifikat B1. It consists of four modules (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking). You can sit and retake each module individually.

A school or university certificate from Germany that you already hold can also serve as proof in some cases. If in doubt, ask your immigration authority directly which document they specifically require.

Which exam should I choose?

• If you are in the integration course: you automatically sit the DTZ at the end. Aim for the B1 result.
• If you are not in the integration course: telc B1 or Goethe B1 are the usual routes.

All three test the same four skills: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking. Anyone who is well prepared for B1 will pass all three.

Summary

For the settlement permit, B1 is the standard level. Only in some special cases, such as recognised refugees under Section 26 para. 3, is A2 sufficient. The easiest path to proof is a good B1 result in the DTZ, telc B1, or Goethe B1. At the same time, B1 is often the key to a shorter waiting period. It is therefore doubly worthwhile to work towards this level. You can find structured preparation with a teacher and practice exams in our B1 course.