Language Courses

This section is about language courses in Germany that are open to all. You can find separate guidance on preparatory language courses for prospective students at a German university here.

There’s no better way to learn German than an intensive language course in a German-speaking country, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in everyday conversation. Courses of different durations and difficulty are available from the Goethe-Institut (in 12 different locations across Germany) and many other providers. The Association of German Language Schools and Language Trip Operators (Fachverband Deutscher Sprachschulen und Sprachreise-Veranstalter) offers a searchable database of accredited businesses and organisations, as well as general information on language courses in Germany.

If you’re a British citizen, you don’t need a visa or residence permit to attend a language course in Germany for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer language courses (up to one year, with at least 18 hours of teaching per week), you’ll need a language course visa or residence permit.

You can apply for a language course visa before you leave – from the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (if you live in Scotland) or from the German Embassy in London (if you live in any other part of the UK). Alternatively, you can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office within 90 days.

Requirements for a language course visa or residence permit include:

• A confirmation letter from your language course provider;
• Evidence of sufficient funds (currently €1091/month) in the form of a blocked account, scholarship, and/or a German sponsor;
• Evidence of health insurance cover in Germany, for example in the form of a UK GHIC or EHIC (travel insurance will not usually be enough); and
• A personal motivation letter (in German or English) explaining what you expect to achieve by learning German and how German language skills will help your personal development or professional career.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Full details on language course visas are available on the website of the German Missions in the UK. Details on applying for a residence permit after your arrival are available from the relevant local immigration office in Germany. The fee for a visa is €75. A residence permit obtained in Germany after arrival will usually cost you €100.

Like everyone living in Germany, you must register as a resident with the local authority within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. You’ll need confirmation of your registration to apply for your residence permit, or to have your visa converted into a residence permit.

Disclaimer: the information in this guide has been collated from government, academic, professional and public institution sources available at the time of publication. However, it is subject to change, and errors and omissions are excepted. Please always check directly with the relevant decision-making bodies and/or take professional advice for specific cases.