How to Come to Germany for Family Reunification — What German Level Do You Need?

What is family reunification?

Family reunification (Familienzusammenführung) allows non-EU citizens to move to Germany to live with a close family member who has legal residence there. This applies to spouses, minor children, and in some cases parents of German citizens.

What German level do you need?

For spousal reunification, you need to prove basic German language skills before arriving in Germany. The minimum requirement is Goethe A1 — the entry level. You must pass the Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 exam at a Goethe Institut in your home country.

The A1 exam tests simple everyday communication — greetings, numbers, basic questions. It is designed for complete beginners.

Exceptions to the language requirement

• If your spouse is an EU Blue Card holder
• If you hold a university degree from a German-speaking country
• If you can prove it was impossible to learn German before arrival
• Children under 16 joining parents do not need A1

Steps to apply

• Register at your local Goethe Institut for the A1 exam
• Pass the exam and receive your certificate
• Apply for a family reunification visa at the German embassy
• Submit your Goethe certificate with your visa application
• After arrival, enrol in an integration course to reach B1

How long does A1 take to prepare?

With focused daily practice, most people reach A1 level in 4 to 8 weeks. DeutschWeg's A1 modules cover exactly what the Goethe A1 exam tests — pronunciation, numbers, greetings, basic grammar, and simple conversations.