A1, A2 and B1 German Levels Explained for Citizenship

For German citizenship you need B1 German, which is the third level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). A1 and A2 come before it. A1 covers basic phrases and introductions, A2 covers simple everyday exchanges, and B1 means you can deal independently with most situations that come up in daily life. B1 is the language proof that goes into a naturalisation application, so it is the level to aim for from the start.

Key takeaways: The CEFR scale runs A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. Citizenship requires B1. A1 is used for family reunion visas, A2 for the integration course midpoint, and B1 for both the integration course goal and naturalisation. The Einbürgerungstest civics exam is a separate requirement and is not graded on this scale.

What do A1, A2 and B1 actually mean?

The CEFR describes what a learner can do with a language rather than how many words they know. Each level adds range and independence. The table below shows the practical difference between the three levels that matter for living in Germany.

Level	Name	What you can do
A1	Beginner	Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, understand short signs and notes
A2	Elementary	Handle short routine conversations about family, shopping, work and your local area
B1	Intermediate	Cope with most everyday situations, describe events, and give reasons for opinions and plans

A1 and A2 are called the "basic user" levels. B1 is the first "independent user" level, which is why German authorities treat it as the point where someone can take part in daily life without constant help.

Which level do you need for German citizenship?

You need B1 for naturalisation. The relevant law asks for sufficient German in speech and writing, and the authorities read that as B1 on the CEFR scale. You prove it with a recognised certificate, such as the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, a telc, Goethe or ÖSD B1 exam, or a German school-leaving certificate that shows equivalent ability.

B1 is also the target of the state integration course, so many people reach the required level through that course rather than through private study. If you want the full picture of what naturalisation asks for, read our guide to German citizenship requirements.

Is A1 or A2 ever enough?

A1 and A2 have their own uses, just not for citizenship. A1 is the usual requirement for a spouse joining a partner in Germany on a family reunion visa. A2 is the checkpoint in the middle of the integration course and is enough for some residence purposes. Neither one meets the naturalisation standard, so if citizenship is your goal, treat A1 and A2 as stages on the way to B1 rather than destinations.

How long does each level take?

There is no fixed number, because it depends on how often you study and how close German is to languages you already speak. As a rough anchor, the state integration course gives around 600 hours of language teaching to move a complete beginner to B1, split into six modules of 100 hours. Self-study can be faster or slower. For a fuller breakdown, see how long it takes to learn German to B1.

Does the Einbürgerungstest test your German level?

No. The Einbürgerungstest is a civics exam with 33 multiple-choice questions about German law, history and society. It is written in German, so you need enough reading ability to follow the questions, but it does not give you a CEFR grade and it does not replace the B1 language proof. The two requirements sit side by side. Our post on what German you need for the Einbürgerungstest explains how they fit together.

How to move from one level to the next

The reliable path is to learn each level in order and practise all four skills as you go: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Skipping ahead tends to leave gaps that show up later under exam pressure. PassCitizen has a free, sequenced course for each level, so you can start with the A1 course, move on to A2, and finish with B1. Each level has grammar explained in English, vocabulary with translations, pronunciation and listening, plus reading, writing and speaking practice.

Frequently asked questions

What German level do I need for German citizenship?

You need B1, the third level on the CEFR scale. B1 means you can handle everyday situations, describe experiences, and give short reasons for your opinions in German. A B1 certificate or an equivalent proof, such as a German school-leaving qualification, satisfies the language requirement for naturalisation.

Is A2 German enough for citizenship?

No. A2 is enough for a spouse or family reunion visa in many cases, but naturalisation requires B1. A2 shows you can manage simple, routine exchanges, while B1 shows you can cope independently with most situations you meet in daily life.

What is the difference between A1 and B1?

A1 is the starting point: fixed phrases, introductions, and very simple questions. B1 is two levels higher and much more flexible. At B1 you can follow a normal conversation on a familiar topic, write a simple connected text, and explain a plan or a problem without relying on memorised sentences.