German language

Why They Are So Important for Skilled Professionals

If you want to work and live in Germany, a key question arises: How important is the German language? The answer is clear: Very important. German language skills are not only a door opener to the job market but also crucial for successful integration and an independent life.

Even if some industries (like IT) are based on English, German language skills are legally required or at least strongly recommended in most cases. Here, we explain why this is the case and what language level you need for your plans.

Why you need German language skills

• Visa and Entry: The Skilled Immigration Act often makes German language skills a prerequisite for a visa. For example, a job-seeker visa often requires proof of German language skills at a specific level.
• Professional Integration: To get started in your daily work, communicate with colleagues, follow meetings, or interact with customers, German language skills are essential. For example, in the medical field, a B2 language level is legally required to ensure communication with patients and colleagues.
• Social Life: Life in Germany takes place in German. Whether you’re shopping, dealing with authorities, doing sports, or interacting with neighbors, the German language allows you to find your way, make contacts, and understand the culture. It facilitates integration and helps you build an independent life.

Language Levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Language skills are divided into six levels. The level you need depends on your profession and your plans. The language certificates are tested in the areas of listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

A1 and A2: Basic User

At these levels, you learn the fundamentals of the German language. You are able to manage simple, everyday situations.

• A1 (Beginner): You can introduce yourself and others and answer questions about yourself. You can understand and use simple, familiar sentences and expressions that relate to concrete needs (e.g., shopping or asking for directions). Communication works if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
• A2 (Elementary): You can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate importance (e.g., family, shopping, work). You are able to communicate in simple, routine situations and to describe your own background or immediate surroundings using simple means.

B1 and B2: Independent User

With these levels, you can already communicate independently and navigate many situations with confidence.

• B1 (Intermediate): You can understand the main points when clear standard language is used and the topics are familiar, such as work, leisure, or school. You can handle most situations you encounter while traveling. You are able to speak coherently about personal interests, report on experiences, and justify opinions. This level is the minimum requirement for many visa applications.
• B2 (Upper Intermediate): You can understand the main content of complex texts and communicate spontaneously and fluently about specialized topics. A normal conversation with native speakers is possible without major effort. You can express yourself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, explain your viewpoints, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages. This level is often required for academic professions or in the medical field.

C1 and C2: Proficient User

At these levels, you master the German language almost like a native speaker. You can express yourself confidently and precisely in any situation.

• C1 (Advanced): You can understand demanding, long texts and grasp implicit meanings. You can express yourself spontaneously and fluently without having to noticeably search for words. You can use the language effectively and flexibly in your social and professional life and can express yourself clearly and in a structured way on complex subjects.
• C2 (Mastery): You can effortlessly understand practically everything you read or hear. You are able to summarize information from various sources and present reasons in a coherent way, both in writing and speech. You express yourself very fluently, precisely, and with nuance, even on complex topics.