How long from A1 to B1 German? The official course hours
Redaktion · 8 October 2026 · 2 min read
In short
The German state plans 600 lessons (Unterrichtseinheiten) to take a beginner to B1 in the general integration course: a basic course of 300 and an advanced course of 300, followed by the DTZ. Fast learners can take an intensive course with 400 lessons of language; special courses (for example literacy) run up to 900. If you miss B1, you can repeat up to 300 more lessons once.
The official figures
| Route | Language lessons (UE) | Plus orientation course |
|---|---|---|
| General integration course | 600 (basic 300 + advanced 300) | 100 |
| Intensive course | 400 | 100 |
| Special courses, for example literacy | up to 900 | 100 |
| Repeat if B1 was missed | up to 300 once, on request | - |
These are the hours the state funds for a group course with a teacher. Your own study time comes on top, and it decides much of the result.
What that means in weeks
| Lessons per week | 600 lessons take | 400 lessons take |
|---|---|---|
| 25 (full-time course) | 24 weeks, about 6 months | 16 weeks, about 4 months |
| 20 | 30 weeks, about 7 months | 20 weeks, about 5 months |
| 10 (part-time) | 60 weeks, over a year | 40 weeks, about 9 months |
How to use the hours well
- Know the target exam early: DTZ, Goethe B1 and telc B1 differ in format; practise the one you will sit.
- Add daily practice at home: short, every day, with listening and speaking, not only reading.
- Test yourself halfway: a full practice set after the basic course shows which skill lags.
In 2026 the integration course has admission limits; check integration course 2026. A plan for the last stretch: four-week B1 plan.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to get from A1 to B1?
The German integration course plans 600 lessons of language for beginners to reach B1, or 400 in the intensive course, plus your own study time.
How long is the integration course?
The general course has 700 lessons: 600 language plus 100 orientation. Special courses can reach up to 1,000.
What if I do not reach B1 in the integration course?
You can apply once to repeat up to 300 lessons of the language course.
Can I go from A1 to B1 in three months?
Only with a full-time intensive course and a lot of study at home. At 25 lessons a week, even the 400-lesson intensive route takes about four months.
Sources
- BAMF: integration course content and procedure, checked 8 October 2026
