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German for Ausbildung: which level do you need?

For a training visa with a contract, the statute asks for B1 only in one situation. For the permit to search for a training place, B1 is always required. This guide explains the difference.

Checked: October 2026

The statutory level is B1

Both Ausbildung provisions ask for “ausreichende” German, which the law defines as B1.

§ 2 Abs. 11 AufenthG

Training visa with a contract (§ 16a)

The residence permit for in-company training should be issued when the Federal Employment Agency has consented, or when an exemption applies.

§ 16a Abs. 1 AufenthG

Proof of B1 is required only if the German needed for the training has neither been tested by the training provider nor is going to be acquired in a preparatory German course. If the provider tests your German, or a preparatory course is planned, the statute does not ask for a B1 certificate up front.

§ 16a Abs. 3 S. 2 AufenthG

The preparatory German course is itself part of the purpose of the permit.

§ 16a Abs. 1 S. 4 AufenthG

Ask your employer or training provider which of the two applies to you. They may also ask for more than the law does.

Searching for a training place (§ 17)

Here, B1 is required up front. The permit can be issued if all four conditions are met:

§ 17 Abs. 1 AufenthG
  • You have not yet turned 35.
  • Your livelihood is secured.
  • You hold a certificate from a German school abroad, or a school-leaving certificate that gives access to university.
  • Your German is at B1.

The permit runs for up to nine months, and a new one can be issued only after you have stayed abroad at least as long. During the search you may work up to 20 hours a week, and do trial work of up to two weeks in total (not two weeks per employer).

§ 17 Abs. 1 AufenthG§ 17 Abs. 3 AufenthG

This is orientation, not legal advice. Laws and practice change. For a binding answer ask the German mission (embassy or consulate) or the Ausländerbehörde that handles your case.