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Education in Germany
Children in Germany have a right to school, and adults can usually access language or integration courses. Contact the municipality early once you have an address.
Schools and language support in Germany
Health insurance: Mandatory for everyone. Employees and students use statutory (gesetzlich, ~14.6% of gross). Freelancers can choose private. Pick a Krankenkasse — TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK are largest. Service quality varies — TK has strong English support. Get your insurance card — Arrives in 1–2 weeks. Show it at any doctor. Children of insured parents are free. Find a doctor — Use jameda.de or call 116 117 to be assigned one. Many GPs accept new patients only by recommendation in big cities. Integration course (Integrationskurs): 600 hours of German + 100 hours of orientation. Free or 2.50 €/hr depending on status. Apply at BAMF — Refugees and EU Blue Card holders qualify automatically. Others can apply for a Zulassung. Find a school — VHS and private schools (Goethe, IIK, did) run the course. Search BAMF's official list. Final exam — DTZ (German A2/B1) + Leben in Deutschland. Passing B1 counts toward citizenship. Find work: Non-EU citizens generally need a work permit tied to their residence permit. Recognition of foreign qualifications is a separate process. Recognize your qualification — Free check at anerkennung-in-deutschland.de. Crucial for regulated jobs (doctor, nurse, teacher, electrician). Register with Agentur für Arbeit — Even if employed, registering gets you access to job counseling, free German courses, and Bewerbungstraining. Bürgergeld if unemployed — If you have a residence permit allowing work and limited means, Jobcenter pays Bürgergeld (~563 €/month single) + rent + health insurance.
Enrolling children
Bring passports or ID, birth certificates, previous school documents, vaccination records if available, and proof of address. If documents are missing, still contact the school or municipality — children should not wait at home.
Adult language and integration courses
Learning German makes appointments, work and school contact much easier. Ask integration offices, adult education centres, municipalities and NGOs about free or subsidised courses.
Education-related offices
BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration): Asylum, integration courses. Phone: 0911 943 0. Volkshochschule (VHS): German integration & language courses.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child start school before all documents are ready in Germany?
Yes, schools and municipalities should help children enter education even while paperwork is being completed.
Which office should I contact first in Germany?
Start with BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration). For broader newcomer help, also check Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt, Ausländerbehörde, BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration).
What language will offices use in Germany?
The main administrative language is German. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do my children need documents to enrol in school?
Schools must enrol every child. If documents are missing, the municipality helps to sort it out — do not delay.
Can I study for free?
Public universities are free or low-cost for EU citizens and often for other residents after a qualifying period.