· 7 min read
German A1 for the Spouse Visa: The Rules
By Language Lab editorial team
Joining a spouse in Germany means proving basic German at A1 before the visa. Which certificates count, who is exempt, and what the embassy interview checks.
A spouse joining a partner in Germany must prove basic German, defined by law as level A1, before the family reunification visa is issued. The rule is in section 30 of the Residence Act, read with section 2, paragraph 9. The usual proof is a certificate from a standardised exam: Start Deutsch 1 from the Goethe-Institut or telc, Grundstufe Deutsch 1 from the Austrian ÖSD, or a TestDaF certificate. The embassy decides what it accepts and normally holds a short interview in German. You are free to learn however you like, including online or with a private tutor, and if the officer can plainly see A1 at the appointment no certificate is needed. Spouses of EU citizens, nationals of listed countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan, spouses of EU Blue Card and ICT card holders and of certain skilled workers, and people for whom learning German abroad is impossible or unreasonable are exempt.
The legal rule
Section 30 of the Residence Act lists the conditions for a spouse's residence permit. One of them is that the spouse can communicate in German at least in a basic way. Section 2, paragraph 9 defines basic knowledge as level A1 of the Common European Framework. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the BAMF, explains in its brochure on proving basic German for spouses joining from abroad that the law requires simple language skills, which are defined as A1.
Which certificates count
| Certificate | Issuer | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Start Deutsch 1 | Goethe-Institut or telc | A1 |
| Grundstufe Deutsch 1 | ÖSD, Austria | A1 |
| TestDaF | TestDaF-Institut | Above A1; accepted as proof |
The BAMF names these as the certificates currently accepted, from exams standardised by the Association of Language Testers in Europe. The German mission where you apply decides on the recognition of your certificate, so check its own page before booking an exam.
The interview
As a rule a short interview in German is held when you appear at the embassy, to check the skills you have acquired. The BAMF brochure adds the other side of that coin: if the consular officer can clearly see at the appointment that you have the required skills, no separate certificate is required. In practice most applicants bring the certificate and still answer a few questions.
How to learn
The Foreign Office is explicit that applicants decide for themselves how to acquire basic German. A Goethe-Institut course is not required; private tutors and online courses are fine. What matters is the exam result or the interview. A1 means introducing yourself, asking and answering simple questions about where you live, people you know and things you have, and understanding slow, clear speech.
Who does not need A1
- Spouses of EU citizens.
- Nationals of the countries listed in the Residence Act, including the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan.
- Spouses of EU Blue Card holders, ICT card holders, and certain skilled workers and researchers; the BAMF's migration page says spouses of skilled workers and highly qualified people need no language proof before entry.
- People for whom learning German abroad is impossible or unreasonable in the individual case.
- People who cannot learn because of a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability.
A special case the Foreign Office mentions: the Goethe-Institut in Kabul is closed, and that is taken into account case by case for applicants from Afghanistan.
After arrival
A1 gets you the visa. Once in Germany, the integration course takes spouses to B1, and B1 is the level later asked for permanent residence and citizenship. Plan the jump from A1 to B1 as a two-year project, not a formality.
Frequently asked
What German level do I need for a spouse visa to Germany?
A1, the level the Residence Act defines as basic knowledge, proved by a certificate or at the embassy interview.
Which A1 certificate does the embassy accept?
Start Deutsch 1 from the Goethe-Institut or telc, Grundstufe Deutsch 1 from the ÖSD, or TestDaF, per the BAMF. The embassy you apply to makes the final decision.
Do I have to take a Goethe-Institut course?
No. The Foreign Office says you may learn any way you like, including online or with a private tutor.
Is there an interview?
Usually a short interview in German at the embassy appointment. If the officer can plainly see A1, no certificate is needed.
Who is exempt from the A1 requirement?
Spouses of EU citizens, nationals of listed countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan, spouses of Blue Card and ICT card holders and certain skilled workers, and people who cannot reasonably learn German abroad or cannot learn because of illness or disability.
Checked against section 30 of the Residence Act and the BAMF brochure on proving basic German for spouses joining from abroad on 3 November 2026.
