Learning German

Standard German and dialects

Classes usually teach Standard German, often called Hochdeutsch in everyday language. In linguistics, Hochdeutsch also refers to a historical dialect group, as distinct from Low German; the terms therefore do not always mean the same thing.

German is pluricentric: the standard varieties used in Germany, Austria and Switzerland differ in vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling conventions. Switzerland generally uses ss instead of ß. These varieties are not incorrect forms of German.

Bavarian, Swabian/Alemannic, Saxon and Franconian dialects are examples of regional diversity. An accent is not the same as a dialect. Low German/Plattdeutsch also has the status of a regional language.

Build a foundation in Standard German first. Later, add listening material from your destination region; you do not need to master a dialect before arriving.

How is German structured?

German belongs to the Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family. Its written form uses the Latin alphabet plus ä, ö, ü and ß. Nouns are capitalised.

Learn nouns with their article and plural form: der, die and das indicate grammatical gender. The nominative, accusative, dative and genitive cases affect articles, pronouns and word endings.

In statements, the finite verb is usually in second position; in many subordinate clauses it comes at the end. Separable verbs, the sentence bracket and compound words are learned step by step.

Practise listening, reading, writing, speaking, interaction and conveying meaning, as well as grammar.

German around the world

German has official status in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and multilingual Switzerland. It is also part of the official language systems of Belgium and Luxembourg; in Luxembourg it has different functions alongside French and Luxembourgish.

In South Tyrol in Italy, German has regional official status alongside Italian. Standard varieties and dialects differ across these regions.

German-speaking communities also exist in countries such as Namibia, Brazil, the USA and Canada. The presence of a language community does not make German an official language throughout that country. German is learned worldwide as a foreign language.

A1 to C2: what can you do at each level?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR; GER in German) was developed by the Council of Europe. Its levels describe communicative abilities; a course name, coursebook or number of teaching hours alone does not establish a level.

A1/A2 indicate basic use, B1/B2 independent use and C1/C2 proficient use of a language. Your reading may be stronger than your speaking; consider individual skills and exam rules.

German as a foreign and second language

German as a foreign language (DaF) typically refers to learning outside a predominantly German-speaking environment, for example in many courses in Iran or Türkiye.

German as a second language (DaZ) typically concerns German as a necessary language for everyday life, school or work in a German-speaking environment. “Second” does not necessarily mean the second language you have learned.

DaF and DaZ do not have separate A1–C2 scales. Both can use the CEFR; their learning environments, needs and teaching approaches differ.

Course formats and learning pathways

Choose face-to-face, online, intensive, part-time or blended courses to suit your routine and goals. An intensive course provides substantial study time but does not guarantee rapid success.

Integration courses usually combine everyday language with an orientation course. The general language course aims at B1; course type, eligibility and funding depend on your situation.

Vocational language courses develop workplace communication. The BAMF system includes different options, such as B2 and C1 courses and job-related formats. Check eligibility and local availability.

For university, practise specialist texts, summaries, presentations and argumentation. Regulated professions may require specialist language in addition to a general language exam. Exam training does not replace a solid language foundation.

Publishers and well-known coursebooks

Choose a main coursebook series suited to your level, age and goal; supplement it with listening materials and writing practice. Check the edition, audio, digital access and volume sequence with the publisher. A partial-level volume such as B1.1 does not cover the entire level.

The following series are examples, not a ranking. A coursebook is not a language certificate; buying a particular series is not a general requirement for taking an exam.

Language exams and certificates

First establish the purpose: visa, vocational training, university, work or professional licensing. Then check the exact exam name, level, paper or digital format, individual skills and the receiving authority’s acceptance requirements.

A certificate of attendance, course completion or a placement test is not automatically a recognised exam certificate for visa or university purposes.

Understanding CEFR, ALTE and ISO

The CEFR describes language proficiency. The Council of Europe does not run all exams or certify every individual diploma.

ALTE stands for Association of Language Testers in Europe. Its Q-Mark is based on a quality audit of a specific exam or exam series. Membership does not mean that every product offered by a provider carries this mark. Check the current ALTE listing.

ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. ISO standards cover areas such as organisational quality management. Certification to such a standard is not equivalent to CEFR alignment, a Q-Mark or acceptance of a language certificate for your purpose.

Acceptance is determined by the university, visa authority or responsible professional body. A quality mark alone does not ensure automatic recognition everywhere.

Language for work, university and migration

There is no single B2 minimum for all jobs and work visas. Some international roles use English; employers and regulated professions may set specific requirements. B2 is a helpful target for conversations and teamwork, not a general guarantee of employment.

B1 is generally relevant to the usual vocational training visa route; the company or school may require more. B2 helps with lessons, safety and workplace communication. In healthcare, requirements depend on the profession and state; general B2 and a specialist language exam may both be needed. Doctors often need medical German at C1 level.

For German-taught programmes, universities determine the exam, result and individual skills required. Some conditional admission routes or preparatory courses start at B1/B2; this is not a general rule. The final required proof must be provided when the degree programme begins.

C1 helps with lectures, specialist texts, presentations and precise writing. English-taught programmes may require proof of English instead. German still supports everyday life and career prospects; language skills alone do not guarantee admission or a residence permit.

Your learning plan

1. Define your goal and an accepted exam. 2. Assess your level and individual skills. 3. Build a sustainable weekly plan with daily listening and speaking, reading, writing and qualified feedback.

4. Practise official model exams once you have a solid foundation. 5. Coordinate exam and results dates with application deadlines. Prior knowledge, practice quality and exposure determine progress; one fixed timeframe for everyone is unrealistic.