How to Come to Germany for Family Reunification — What German Level Do You Need?

What is family reunification?

Family reunification (Familienzusammenführung) allows non-EU citizens to move to Germany to live with a close family member who has legal residence there. This applies to spouses, minor children, and in some cases parents of German citizens.

What German level do you need?

For spousal reunification, you need to prove basic German language skills before arriving in Germany. The minimum requirement is A1 — the entry level. You need a certificate from a recognised exam provider, for example the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, telc Deutsch A1 or ÖSD A1.

The A1 exam tests simple everyday communication — greetings, numbers, basic questions. It is designed for complete beginners.

Exceptions to the language requirement

• Your spouse holds an EU Blue Card (or an ICT card)
• You have a university degree and are likely to find work in Germany (low integration need)
• You cannot learn German because of illness or disability
• You or your spouse are a citizen of certain countries, for example the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia or South Korea
• It is not reasonable for you to learn German before arrival (hardship, checked case by case)

Children joining their parents follow separate rules.

Steps to apply

• Register for an A1 exam with a recognised provider (Goethe-Institut, telc or ÖSD)
• Pass the exam and receive your certificate
• Apply for a family reunification visa at the German embassy
• Submit your A1 certificate with your visa application
• After arrival, enrol in an integration course to reach B1

How long does A1 take to prepare?

With focused daily practice, most people reach A1 level in 4 to 8 weeks. DeutschWeg's A1 modules cover exactly what the Goethe A1 exam tests — pronunciation, numbers, greetings, basic grammar, and simple conversations.