A full Ausbildung (the standard path),B1
B1 is the level named for a full Ausbildung under §16a.
- GoetheB1
- telcB1
- ÖSDB1
- TestDaFB2(TestDaF starts at B2)
I want to do an Ausbildung
THE ANSWER
For a qualified (dual) Ausbildung, the visa standard is B1. The preparatory-course route can start at A2 and build up to B1 during the course.
Preparatory-course route,A2
If you first do a preparatory German course, you can enter at A2 and reach B1 during it.
- GoetheA2
- telcA2
- ÖSDA2
Nursing or care Ausbildung,B2
Healthcare Ausbildung is the exception: it typically needs B2, with the nursing-specific exam.
- telcB1·B2 Pflege(the dedicated nursing exam)
- GoetheB2
- ÖSDB2
telc Deutsch and Goethe-Zertifikat at B1 or B2 are the two most commonly requested certificates. Many employers and the IHK/HWK chambers prefer B2, because vocational school is taught entirely in German. That is a tendency, not a legal rule.
The German embassy and the company that hires you each decide which German level is enough
- Confirm the exact level on the German embassy's visa page (B1 is the published standard for a full Ausbildung, A2 for the preparatory-course route).
- Ask the company that hires you or your chamber (IHK or HWK) whether they want B2 in practice.
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The five CEFR language exams at a glance
These five are CEFR-aligned and accepted as a class. Which one counts is set by the institution you apply to. Study tests and exams for doctors and nurses are in the goal answers above.
| Exam | Levels | Mainly used for | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Institut | A1 to C2 | All routes; strong for university (C2) and visas | Most exam centers in India |
| telc | A1 to C2 | Ausbildung, nursing (B1·B2 Pflege), jobs | Slots tend to open more often |
| ÖSD | A1 to C2 | All routes; Austria's official exam | Accepted across routes |
| TestDaF | B2 to C1 (TDN 3-5) | University admission | No A1; not for a spouse visa |
| ECL | A2 to C1 | General immigration / jobs | No A1 or C2; rarely used for university |