Job-related German courses 2026: what changed and what applies from October

What changed in 2026?

Who can get a job-related German course now?

New: not only employed people are admitted, but also people who have already signed a job contract (§ 4(1) no. 1(c) DeuFöV). Skilled workers from abroad whose job in Germany is fixed can therefore get a course. If you do not live in Germany yet, you can be admitted when employment of at least one year in Germany is planned. For employees from abroad the course is always subject to the fee.

Also new: people living in a border region next to Germany can take part in joint projects of the Federal Employment Agency with the neighbouring country (§ 4(1a) DeuFöV).

Who pays nothing?

A new limit applies to employees: you are exempt from the fee if your gross pay is no more than 33 percent of the annual contribution ceiling of the statutory pension insurance. The limit rises by 10 percentage points of the ceiling with one child and by 20 with two or more children. Because it is tied to the contribution ceiling, it adjusts itself every year. Pending applications are decided under the new rule.

What if I failed the exam?

You can take part in a course once more on request, if you are not expected to pass the exam without it (§ 15(2) DeuFöV). For B2 there has been a separate course type since 1 July 2026: a course with targeted exam preparation for repeaters. Until then you had to repeat the whole B2 course.

Which courses are offered from October 2026?

• Workplace-related courses (apprentice, job, early-education courses, and courses for people in the recognition procedure): still without restriction.
• B2 courses: reported demand can probably be met in full.
• C1 and C2 courses: clearly expanded and offered almost according to demand.
• Hands-on courses for learners new to classroom learning: possible again.
• B1 courses: only to a very limited extent, for people likely to find a job afterwards.
• A2 courses: still not offered.

According to the BAMF's current planning, these rules also apply to the first half of 2027. How many places there are locally is agreed by providers, the BAMF and the employment services in their quarterly meetings.

What changes for the German Test for the Workplace?

From 1 May 2027 the DTB at levels A2 to C1 is taken digitally, on telc's DIGItelc 2.0 platform. The BAMF announces digital practice material and model tests. Since 30 April 2026, examiners also generally need a valid examiner licence from the test institute. What changes across telc exams is in telc exams go digital.

What does this mean for you?

1. You have a job contract but no B2 yet? Ask for a job-related course; that is now possible, even before you start work.
2. You earn little? Check the new income limit before you pay the fee.
3. You failed the B2 DTB? Ask for the course with targeted exam preparation.
4. Your DTB is after 1 May 2027? Practise on screen as well.