Family reunification in Germany 2025: Do you always need the A1 language test? You should know these exceptions!
Why is the A1 certificate required?
The German Residence Act (§ 30 AufenthG) generally requires that spouses must provide proof of basic German language skills for family reunification. The aim is to promote integration from the outset and to ensure that the spouses joining the family can communicate in everyday life. Proof is usually provided in the form of a recognised language certificate (e.g. ‘Start Deutsch 1’ from the Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD).
Important:
The A1 certificate must be presented before entry. It is generally not possible to catch up on the language course after entry – the law is clear here and leaves little room for manoeuvre.
How can the language level be proven?
- Only certificates from recognised examination providers are accepted (Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD).
- As a rule, the certificate must not be older than one year. In exceptional cases (e.g. delays due to the pandemic), it may be accepted for up to six months longer if the language skills can be confirmed in an interview.
- In exceptional cases, the certificate may be waived in the case of obvious German language skills (e.g. in a counter interview).
The most important exceptions: When is an A1 certificate NOT required?
The law provides for numerous exceptions, which must be carefully examined on a case-by-case basis. Here are the most important cases:
1. obvious language skills
If it is immediately and without doubt recognisable during the interview that you have sufficient German language skills, a certificate is not required. If there is any doubt, proof will be requested.
2. reunification with certain groups of people
No A1 certificate is required if you are joining a spouse who:
- Holder of an EU Blue Card (§ 18b Para. 2 AufenthG)
- Skilled worker with vocational or academic training (Sections 18a, 18b (1) AufenthG)
- Settlement permit for skilled workers (Sec. 18c (3) AufenthG)
- Senior employee, specialist, scientist, researcher, IT specialist, holder of an ICT card, company founder, recognised refugee or person entitled to asylum.
3. nationality of privileged states
Spouses of nationals from Andorra, Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, Monaco, San Marino or the USA are exempt from the language requirement.
4. low need for integration
Anyone who has a university degree or a corresponding professional qualification and will take up gainful employment in Germany in line with their qualifications can be exempted from the obligation to provide proof. All three requirements must be met:
- Qualification,
- positive employment prognosis,
- positive integration prognosis
5. reunification with underage German children
If you are the parent with custody of your minor German child, you are not required to provide proof of language skills. The exception may also apply in the case of pregnancy, if the child receives German citizenship at birth.
6. EU/EEA nationals
If you or your spouse are a citizen of an EU member state (other than Germany), the language requirement does not apply.
7. hardship case regulation
Proof of language proficiency may be waived if it is impossible or unreasonable for you to learn the language before entering the country for special reasons. These include
- Physical, mental or psychological illnesses or disabilities.
- Please note: A simple certificate is not sufficient! Comprehensive, comprehensible medical reports must be submitted.
- Proven inability to attend language courses (e.g. no courses in the home country, no online alternatives), although this is rarely recognised, as the Goethe-Institut and Deutsche Welle, for example, offer courses worldwide.
- Proof of serious efforts over at least one year (e.g. course attendance, examination attempts) if the certificate could not be obtained despite this.
Not recognised as a case of hardship:
- Illiteracy (required to complete a literacy course first).
- Older age, pregnancy, lack of childcare or distance to the language school alone are not sufficient.
How do I prove unreasonableness or a case of hardship?
Case law requires:
- Concrete, verifiable reasons (e.g. medical documentation, proof of lack of course offerings).
- Regular, documented learning efforts (e.g. certificates of attendance, examination attempts).
- Comprehensive medical reports in the case of health restrictions – simple certificates are not sufficient.
What to do if you do not pass the A1 exam?
Multiple failures alone do not constitute a case of hardship. The decisive factor is the demonstrable, serious endeavour over a longer period of time. Only then can the language requirement be waived in exceptional cases – the language skills must then be acquired after entering Germany.
Practical tip from a lawyer: Document and seek advice early on!
The authorities scrutinise exceptions very strictly. Anyone wishing to claim an exemption should:
- Fully document all efforts and obstacles,
- Seek professional advice at an early stage,
- Obtain comprehensive expert reports at an early stage in the event of health problems,
- not rely on generalised arguments.
Conclusion: An A1 certificate is not always mandatory – but exceptions are narrowly defined
The legal requirements for family reunification are strict. However, there are numerous exceptions that are assessed on an individual basis. It is crucial that you provide sound evidence of your situation and seek legal advice at an early stage so that your application does not fail due to formalities.
Would you like to know whether you or your relative can be exempt from the language requirement?
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FAQ family reunification and A1 language certificate: your most important questions and answers
In order to give you as a client and applicant a comprehensive overview, I will answer the most frequently asked questions about family reunification, A1 language certificate and the most important exceptions below.
1. do I always have to present an A1 language certificate for family reunification in Germany?
As a rule, yes. For spouse reunification, the Residence Act requires that you provide proof of basic German language skills at A1 level before entering the country. Without an A1 certificate, you will generally not be issued a visa for spouse reunification.
2. are there exceptions to the A1 language requirement for family reunification?
Yes, there are numerous exceptions where you do not have to present an A1 certificate. The most important exceptions include
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- Reunification with holders of an EU Blue Card, highly qualified persons, researchers, self-employed persons or certain residence titles.
- Reunification with nationals of privileged countries (e.g. USA, Australia, Japan, Canada, Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino).
- Reunification with recognised refugees or persons entitled to subsidiary protection if the marriage already existed in the country of origin.
- Reunification with underage German children or if you are pregnant and the child will acquire German citizenship at birth.
- Recognisably low need for integration, e.g. if you have a university degree and a positive employment prognosis.
- Hardship regulation: If language acquisition is not possible or reasonable for health or other serious reasons.
3. can I catch up on the A1 language course after entering Germany?
No, the legal situation is clear: without an A1 certificate, a visa for spouse reunification is generally not issued. Proof must be provided before entering the country.
4. which language certificates are accepted?
Only certificates from recognised examination providers such as Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF and ECL are accepted. As a rule, the certificate should not be older than one year.
5 What counts as a case of hardship when it comes to proof of language proficiency for family reunification?
A case of hardship exists if you can prove that you are unable to learn the language for health reasons (physical, mental or psychological illness/disability) or due to exceptional circumstances. Illiteracy, age, pregnancy or distance to the language school alone are not sufficient. Comprehensive and comprehensible medical reports must be submitted.
6 What happens if I fail the A1 exam several times?
Multiple failures alone are not sufficient for an exemption. You must provide evidence of serious and documented efforts over a longer period of time (e.g. course attendance, examination attempts). Only then can the proof be waived in exceptional cases, whereby the language skills must be made up for after entering Germany.
7. do I have to complete a course at the Goethe-Institut?
No, you can also complete the language course with other recognised providers. It is important that the certificate issued is from a recognised body (Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, ECL).
8. is the A1 language certificate also valid for reunification with German nationals?
Yes, in principle, proof of basic German language skills is also required when joining German nationals. However, there are also exceptions here, e.g. in the case of recognised unreasonableness or when joining German children who are minors.
9. what evidence do I need to provide for an exemption from the language requirement?
You must provide concrete and verifiable reasons, e.g. detailed medical reports, evidence of missing course offers or documented learning efforts. A simple certificate is not sufficient.
10. is there an exception for illiterate people when it comes to proof of language skills?
No, according to case law, illiteracy is not a case of hardship. Illiterate people should first complete a literacy course and then take German lessons. A private teacher can be hired for the literacy lessons.
11 How can I learn German for family reunification?
You can attend a language course with recognised providers, use online courses or learn on your own. The Goethe-Institut and Deutsche Welle offer numerous free learning programmes and exam preparation courses.
12. how long is the A1 certificate valid for?
As a rule, the certificate should not be older than one year. In exceptional cases (e.g. pandemic-related delays), it can be accepted for up to six months longer if the language skills can be confirmed in an interview.
13 How much does an A1 language course and the exam cost?
The costs vary depending on the provider and country. You can expect to pay around 100-300 euros for the course and 60-150 euros for the exam. Contact the Goethe-Institut or telc directly for current prices.
14 Where can I get further information and support?
Use the official websites of the Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-Institut or contact a law firm specialising in immigration law directly. I can offer you a free initial consultation and a comprehensive ebook with all visa types and practical tips.
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Disclaimer
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute individual legal advice. Despite careful research, no guarantee can be given for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the content.