BAMF literacy courses

BAMF literacy courses consist of 1,000 lessons, each lasting 45 minutes. Each course is divided into:

• Basic German course consisting of 300 lessons (development of basic language skills)
• Advanced language course A consisting of 300 lessons (consolidation of language skills)
• Advanced language course B consisting of 300 lessons (consolidation of language skills)
• Orientation course on the history, politics, and culture of Germany, consisting of 100 lessons

Learning the Roman alphabet is a fundamental part of all literacy courses. Courses also start by thinking about how people learn, because sometimes we need to learn how to study again. Lessons also look at topics from daily life. For example, we look at shopping, visiting the doctor, healthcare topics, the human body, and leisure activities.

Final certificate: After finishing the language course, a certificate test takes place. We carefully prepare course participants for the final exam. The orientation course concludes with the BAMF test on “Living in Germany.” If you do not pass the final test you may have to repeat the course.

To participate in a Berlitz literacy course, you will need written approval in the form of a Berechtigungsschein (certificate of eligibility). Application forms can be obtained from

• The Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde)
• The job center or welfare agency
• The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)
• The Federal Refugee Office (the Bundesvertriebenenamt for ethnic German resettlers)
• Immigration advisers

If your certificate of eligibility (Berechtigungsschein) has an expiration date, contact Berlitz before that date.

All courses in the overview show the regular course fees. Because Berlitz is a recognized provider of BAMF courses, if you have a certificate of eligibility or written approval to take part in this course, you are entitled to a subsidy of up to 100%. We will be happy to check what the specific costs will be for you.

See the course overview for the dates of literacy courses at selected Berlitz Centers. Not found the right course for you? We can help you identify if a suitable course is starting soon.

Already received written confirmation that you can participate in a BAMF German course? Allow us to arrange a consultation session so we can assess your current German language skills and determine which course is right for you.

Berlitz literacy courses usually take place in the morning in groups of no more than 16 people. The lessons are held on weekdays from Monday to Friday. The German literacy courses are mainly held at the Berlitz Center in Mönchengladbach.

The German instructors at Berlitz have all the required teaching approvals to run the integration courses of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.