Studying in Germany in English: do you still need German?
Redaktion · 15 October 2026 · 2 min read
In short
For an English-taught programme you usually need no proof of German, but proof of your English. Which proof is set by the university. The student visa does not set a fixed German level either. German still pays off: in daily life, and later for permanent residence and citizenship, which both usually require B1.
Do I need German for admission?
For programmes taught in German, most universities ask for at least B2, according to the DAAD, proven with a certificate or an on-site test. International programmes taught in English are exempt: there you prove your English instead. Which English test and which score apply is set out in the programme's admission rules.
Where do I find programmes in English?
The DAAD runs the database „International Programmes in Germany“ with bachelor's, master's and PhD programmes aimed at international students, many of them in English. Check there and on the programme's own page whether really all courses are in English. Some programmes still need German for individual modules or internships.
And the visa?
For the student visa, the Residence Act sets no fixed German level. The authority only asks for language proof if the university did not check the language at admission and you will not learn it in a preparatory course (§ 16b AufenthG). For a degree in English, that is the language of the programme, not German.
Where does German still count?
| Situation | German |
|---|---|
| Admission to an English-taught programme | usually not required |
| Student visa | no fixed level in the law |
| Daily life, offices, part-time job | not required, but a big help |
| Settlement permit | usually B1 (§ 9 AufenthG) |
| Citizenship | B1 (§ 10 StAG) |
As the DAAD puts it, German skills significantly affect how comfortable you feel in Germany. If you want to stay, you will need German for permanent residence at the latest. Which level applies to which stay is in Germany visa: which German level.
A plan that pays off
- Admission: English proof under your programme's rules.
- First year: German up to A2 for daily life.
- By graduation: B1 with a certificate. That meets the language requirement for a settlement permit and citizenship.
- For jobs in German: B2. You can practise with us under real conditions, for example Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or Goethe-Zertifikat B2.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Germany without speaking German?
Yes, in English-taught programmes. There you prove English, not German. Which proof counts is set by the university.
Do I need German for a German student visa?
The Residence Act sets no fixed German level. Language proof is only required if the university has not already checked the programme's language (§ 16b AufenthG).
Do I need German to stay in Germany after my studies?
For a settlement permit the law usually asks for B1, and citizenship also requires B1.
Sources
- DAAD: Requirements overview (language skills), checked 9 October 2026
- DAAD: International Programmes in Germany, checked 9 October 2026
- DAAD: The German language, checked 9 October 2026
- Residence Act (AufenthG), § 16b study, checked 9 October 2026
- Residence Act (AufenthG), § 9 settlement permit, checked 9 October 2026
- German Nationality Act (StAG), section 10, checked 9 October 2026
