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📚 German language

Free & Affordable German Courses — VHS, Online, Apps

Overview of free German courses: Volkshochschule, online platforms and apps for learning German.

German terms

Volkshochschule VHS Sprachkurs BAMF Integrationskurs Sprachniveau

Free German Courses

Integrationskurs (BAMF-funded)

600–900 hours of German instruction + 100 hours orientation course
Goal: Language level B1
Cost: €2.29/hour (personal contribution) — with Bürgergeld/social assistance: free
Registration: through BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge)

Volkshochschule (VHS)

The VHS offers affordable German courses in almost every city:
- A1–C1 courses
- Cost: approx. €100–300 per semester (reduced approx. €50)
- Evening courses, intensive courses, weekend courses
- Registration: directly at your local VHS

Free Online Platforms

Platform	Level	Special Feature
vhs-lernportal.de	A1–B2	Official VHS platform, with tutor
DW Deutsch lernen	A1–C1	Deutsche Welle, videos + exercises
Goethe-Institut Online	A1–B1	Professional exercises

Free Apps

Duolingo — gamified, good for beginners
Ankommen (BAMF app) — specially for newcomers
busuu — community-based learning
Tandem — find language partners

Affordable Options

Professional Language Courses (DeuFöV)

From level B1 onwards — job-related German
Free for job seekers and Bürgergeld recipients
Goal: B2 or C1
Registration via Jobcenter or employment agency

University Language Courses

Often free for enrolled students
Studienkolleg for preparation before university

Language Levels Explained

Level	Meaning
A1	Beginner — simple sentences
A2	Basic conversations
B1	Handle everyday situations (Integrationskurs goal)
B2	Work-capable (professional course goal)
C1	Fluent — university studies possible
C2	Native speaker level

Tips

Start with the Integrationskurs if you're eligible
Supplement the course with apps and online exercises
Speak German in everyday life — every conversation helps

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