Requirements for Language Schools

Private language schools usually have no formal requirements — all you need is a passport and, depending on your nationality, a valid visa. An Integrationskurs requires a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or an entitlement to attend issued by the BAMF. For study preparation (Studienkolleg, DSH) you need a university entrance qualification and basic German, usually B1.

Citizens of the EU and EEA do not need a visa. Other nationals need either a Schengen visa (for courses of up to 90 days) or a language course visa (§ 16f AufenthG) for longer courses. The language course visa requires an intensive course of at least 18 hours per week, proof of funding (a Sperrkonto — blocked account — holding €1,091 per month in 2026; for a study-preparatory language course only €992 per month) and health insurance.

Beginner courses (A1) require no prior knowledge. For higher levels you take a free placement test (online or on site) — usually written plus a short conversation. The test takes 20–60 minutes and determines which level you join (A2, B1, B2, C1). Many schools let you change group after the first week if the level does not fit.

For adult courses, most language schools admit students from 16 or 18. Some schools offer dedicated junior courses (ages 14–17) with host family accommodation. For Integrationskurse the rule is: from 16, with a corresponding residence permit.

Yes — health insurance (Krankenversicherung) is mandatory for any stay in Germany. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU citizens need private expat or incoming cover for a language course. The cheap student health insurance is not open to them: under § 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 SGB V it requires enrolment at a state or state-recognised university and, with enrolment, costs around €143–148 per month in 2026 at the average supplementary contribution rate (roughly €139–160 depending on the insurer). Expat policies, by contrast, have no premiums fixed by law — the price depends on the provider, your age, the length of your stay and the benefits included, so compare several offers before you sign. For a language course visa, cover of at least €30,000 is mandatory.

No. Many language schools start absolute beginners (A1) in several parallel groups. From A1 onwards, lessons are usually held entirely in German, but with plenty of pictures, gestures and simple vocabulary. The language course visa does not require any prior level either — you can arrive as a complete beginner.

To register at a language school you usually need: a copy of your passport, the completed registration form, payment of the registration fee (€20–120) and — if you have them — certificates from previous language courses. For the visa, add: proof of your Sperrkonto, health insurance, a motivation letter, proof of accommodation and a biometric passport photo.