Every German course, exam and visa rule refers to the same six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. They come from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Here is what each one actually means — and which one you need.
The six levels at a glance
- A1 — Beginner: introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, handle basic everyday phrases.
- A2 — Elementary: talk about routines, shopping, family and immediate needs in simple terms.
- B1 — Intermediate: handle most travel and work situations, describe experiences, give reasons and opinions. The everyday “independent user” level.
- B2 — Upper intermediate: interact fluently and spontaneously, understand complex texts, work in German.
- C1 — Advanced: use German flexibly for academic and professional purposes; understand demanding, long texts.
- C2 — Mastery: near-native; understand virtually everything with ease.
Which level do you actually need?
- Family reunification / spouse visa: usually A1.
- Permanent residence in Germany: commonly B1.
- Skilled work, apprenticeships, nursing: often B1–B2.
- University study in German: typically C1 (via TestDaF or DSH).
Always check the exact requirement for your situation and country — rules change and vary. But this gives you a realistic target to aim at.
How long does each level take?
As a rough guide with consistent study, each level takes roughly 60–100 hours of focused work on top of the last. Zero to B1 is realistically 200+ hours — several months at an hour a day. Anyone promising a level in days is selling a fantasy.
How to find your current level
Take a free online placement test (many schools offer one), or look at the “can-do” statements above and find the highest one that is honestly true for you across speaking, listening, reading and writing. Your real level is usually the lowest of those four skills.
From level to exam
If you need to prove a level, you will sit a certificate exam such as the Goethe-Zertifikat at that level. Don’t just “study German” — train for the specific exam format, because the task types are predictable and practising them is what gets you the pass.
Ready to pick a study method that matches your target level? See Start Here for where to begin.