Learning German in Germany and from abroad

Updated:
05.10.2026

Learning a language is one of the main steps towards successful integration into a new country. German may seem difficult, but with the right approach this journey can be engaging and effective. In this article, we will explain how to learn German, prepare for exams and obtain the necessary certificates. We will also share practical tips to help you make German part of your everyday life.

German language levels and how to determine yours

In Europe, foreign language proficiency levels are defined using the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale – ranging from A1 to C2:

A1 – Beginner: You understand and use simple phrases, can talk about yourself, and are beginning integration into the German-speaking environment.
A2 – Elementary: Understanding frequently used expressions, being able to talk about family and work, and expressing your thoughts in a simple conversation. You can deal with matters related to everyday topics (bank, health, shopping), and communicate on the phone in German with various agency staff.
B1 – Intermediate: The ability to converse freely on any topic, the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, and the chance to enrol in Ausbildung and Studienkolleg programmes.
B2 – Upper-Intermediate: Ability to work in a German-speaking environment, read news and German literature in the original, and communicate fluently with native speakers.
C1 – Advanced level: Professional level of language proficiency. The ability to feel at ease in a professional German-speaking environment and to use the language for research activities and academic writing.
C2 – Proficient: Full, fluent and proficient command of the language.

Want to find out your level? Take online test from Sascha & Deutsch and receive learning recommendations by booking a diagnostic session.

Opportunities for learning German outside Germany

Today you have a wealth of options for learning a language:

Online classes: Ideal for those who want to study from anywhere in the world. C Sascha & Deutsch you can choose individual or group classes, as well as take intensive courses, join the Conversation Club or gain access to a self-paced online programme that you can follow anytime, anywhere.
In-person classes:
- In Russia and other countries you can study German at centres of Goethe-Institut or on courses at German cultural centres and language schools.
- Many universities and private language schools in major cities offer face-to-face classes with native speakers and preparation for international exams.
Free resources: You can learn German independently using platforms such as Duolingo, Deutsche Welle and the Goethe-Institut. Also take a look at Telegram channel, where you will find selections of books, podcasts, and useful exercises.

A selection of websites for independent language learning

Perfect German — the website of the Deutsch Perfekt magazine by ZEIT SPRACHEN publisher. We read texts packed with wunderbar vocabulary for various levels here and listen to podcasts from current issues.
Schubert Verlag — a platform where we practise grammar (a lot) for every level, and they also publish workbooks and PDF versions of textbooks here.
Deutsche Welle — for those who want everything at once, from A1 to C2: instructional videos, TV series and podcasts, complete with scripts and exercises.
vhs learning portal — a free educational platform of the German Adult Education Association. We do a wide variety of online exercises, which you can even send to a native speaker for checking!
German Academy — studying materials sorted by levels and grammatical topics, and reading works of fiction in German.
German from Scratch course by Sascha & Deutsch — an online course that will enable you to master level A1.1 at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. The result: you’ll know basic phrases and grammatical structures, be able to hold simple conversations with native speakers, laugh at local memes, and no longer be afraid of the German language. And yes, you can study at any time without being tied to a timetable — plus, you can always count on support from experienced tutors.

If you are already in Germany: requirements and programmes

For successful integration in Germany, you will need a certain level of language proficiency, especially if you plan to:

For family reunion Level A1 is required.
Apply for Permanent residence (permanent residence) – level B1 and a confirmed certificate are required.
To receive citizenship — it is necessary to prove knowledge of the German language at B1 level and complete an integration course.
The fast track to citizenship after 3 years with a C1 certificate was abolished with effect from 30 October 2025. You now need 5 years of residence and a B1 language level (§ 10 StAG).

Government support programmes

Adult Education Centre — budget-friendly language courses all over Germany. This is an affordable way to learn the language offline with native speakers.

Offline programmes by subject area

Academic – Preparation for university admission in Germany, including mastering academic language and terminology. Courses can be found on university websites or through Studienkolleg programmes.
occupational language courses – Professional development courses sponsored by BAMF and employment agencies. Applicable to engineers, IT specialists and other professions.
Medical German – Specialised programmes for medical professionals, available through hospitals or doctors’ associations.
General courses – General integration courses focusing on everyday vocabulary, including cultural aspects and civil rights.

If you are lacking company and support after moving, join the Sascha & Deutsch community. Alongside lessons, the school organises offline meetups, art breakfasts, networking sessions and conversation clubs in various cities across Germany so that students can feel at home and find new friends and like-minded people.

You can arrange medical insurance for a language study visa by following the link

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German language certificates

The certificates confirm your level of German language proficiency:

telc German – suitable for professional purposes and obtaining citizenship. Exams are held regularly in accredited centres. The cost varies from 150 to 200 euros.
Goethe-Zertifikat – a globally recognised certificate required for study and work.
TestDaF – required for admission to German universities. The exam can be taken at examination centres in Germany and abroad.
DSH – an examination for prospective university students. Organised by the universities where you plan to study.

At Sascha & Deutsch you will receive support and practical tips for passing the exam from professional tutors who have already prepared dozens of students. At the school you can take intensive courses to prepare for telc B1, to successfully pass the exam on the first attempt.

Practical tips for language learning

Create situations where you are forced to speak

To truly start speaking a new language, it is important to step out of your comfort zone. Prepare a few phrases and start communicating in simple situations: ask a cashier if you can pay in cash, or start a conversation with a neighbour.

If you are an introvert, then speak to yourself! For example, comment on your actions: “Now I’m cutting the potatoes, I’m taking the peeler, I’m slicing off the skin.” This develops not only vocabulary, but also the skill of fluent thinking in the language you are learning. And also ask yourself the question more often: “And how is that in German?” And what is “Ladle”? And what is “Brake”? And what is “If you love to ride, you must love carrying the sledge”?

Surround yourself with the language

Language learning requires practice, but in a comfortable environment. Stressful situations, such as a visit to the doctor, are not suitable for learning. Therefore, surround yourself with the language where you already feel confident.

Change your phone to German.

You will intuitively understand where to click, as you have done this action a zillion times. The button names will strike you as something unfamiliar, but they will quickly be memorised.

Read and watch familiar things in German.

Guaranteed to be lots of new words, but after a short time you will start to understand them intuitively. This applies to favourite books, films, series. Tip: watch Soviet films that you know by heart in another language — at the same time, it’s also very funny.

Translate songs into another language

At the Sascha & Deutsch school, there is a practice: together with the students, they translate various hits ranging from Ruki Vverh to Mikhail Shufutinsky into German. Furthermore, the translation has to be done by yourselves rather than using translation software — this way, you will memorise new words and structures faster and more effectively.

Comment on everything that can be commented on.

Set up social media accounts in the language you are learning and actively join discussions. Twitter (or X), YouTube and Reddit are great platforms where you can find real discussions and chat with native speakers. You will not only improve your written communication skills, but also start to understand how people really speak and how they express their thoughts in everyday life. This is an opportunity to learn “live” speech and slang that you will not find in textbooks.

Don’t rely solely on apps

Every twentieth person on the planet translates phrases like “My wife is a pregnant beetle” into various languages every blessed day. Yes, popular apps, such as Duolingo, are great for a start, but their capabilities are limited.

Such apps are not bad, but they rarely teach complex grammar, do not work with pronunciation and often “isolate” the user from the real language. Therefore, it is important to combine them with other methods of learning: conversation, reading and lessons with teachers.

Make use of the almighty ChatGPT

While Duolingo has long been a classic for language learning, neural networks are only just gaining popularity. And we strongly recommend using them!

ChatGPT can become your ideal language sparring partner. For example, if you are going to the bank or to the doctor and do not know how to express your thoughts, ask ChatGPT to simulate a dialogue for you, or even several.

You can practise these scenarios, memorise phrases and try using them in real life.

The more you practise in a safe environment, the more confident you feel in real situations.

ChatGPT will not only correct your mistakes, but also suggest new phrasing that will make your speech sound more natural.

Go on dates and drink

Dating is not just about romance. These are situations in which the other person’s attention is focused on you, and this is a wonderful opportunity to practise a language. People on dates are usually willing to help each other by explaining or paraphrasing. This is ideal practice for conversational skills.

Even if you aren’t looking for a romantic relationship, try using apps like Bumble to find friends. It’s a great way to find conversational partners and build social connections at the same time.

And pubs and bars in the new country can generally be considered “language schools”. Here the atmosphere is relaxed, and no one will let you switch to English. Two or three drinks – and you are already involved in a conversation where every word will become a new stepping stone in learning the language.

The main thing, of course, is not to overdo it, but sometimes casual conversation over a glass can be a great alternative to a classroom.

As a reminder, there is no safe dose of alcohol. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is harmful to your health!

How do they teach at Sascha & Deutsch?

Sascha & Deutsch are convinced that learning a language is always about integration into everyday life and inspiration for new knowledge, rather than just memorising vocabulary and grammar.

At school:

They break complex topics down into parts. Instead of studying all the grammar at once, they learn adjective endings or tenses step by step, integrating them with vocabulary and ready-made structures.
They include cultural context. They explain language features through history and culture. For example, students remember “reading numbers backwards” in German much quicker if they know how and why this feature arose.
They make learning come alive. The school holds webinars with experts, book clubs, and also discusses the practical aspects of living in Germany.

Learning a new language is not just about grammar and words. It is a way to gain a deeper understanding of the country, its people and its culture. The main thing is to approach the process with curiosity and perseverance.

If you are looking for structure and support along this journey, Join the Sascha & Deutsch school. Not only will you be helped to master German, but you will also be shown how to make it part of your everyday life.

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