For many newcomers in Lower Saxony, an integration course is the first structured way to learn German and understand everyday life in Germany. Oldenburg and Hannover both offer many integration courses through public adult education centres (Volkshochschule or VHS) and other providers. However, the system can feel confusing at the beginning: Do you need a special permission? Where do you register? How much does it cost?
This guide explains, in simple language, how integration courses work and how you can practically find a place in Oldenburg or Hannover. You will learn what an integration course includes, who can join, how to use the BAMF-NAvI website to search for courses, and what to expect at the VHS in each city. The focus is on practical steps so that you can move from “I heard about Integrationskurs” to actually sitting in a classroom.
What Is an Integration Course in Germany?
An integration course is a special type of German language and orientation course regulated and funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). It is designed to help adult migrants build enough language skills and basic knowledge about Germany to live more independently. The general integration course combines two main parts: a language course and an orientation course [1][2].
The language course normally has 600 lesson hours. It is divided into a basic course and an advanced course, and these are again divided into modules. In the language part, you learn German for everyday situations such as shopping, housing, work, doctor visits, and talking to authorities [2][3]. The goal is to reach about B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and to pass the Deutsch Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) [3].
After the language part, there is a 100 hour orientation course. Here you learn about German history, political system, rights and duties, and everyday topics such as living together in a diverse society. The orientation course ends with a test called “Leben in Deutschland” (Life in Germany) [3]. Together, language and orientation form the full integration course of 700 hours in total.
Who Can Attend an Integration Course in Lower Saxony?
Integration courses are meant for adults who plan to live in Germany for a longer period, not just for a short visit. In many cases, people receive either an obligation (Verpflichtung) or an entitlement (Berechtigung) to attend an integration course. This can come from BAMF, the Ausländerbehörde, the Jobcenter, or the Sozialamt, depending on your residence status and situation [1][3].
Typical groups of people who may join integration courses include:
- non EU citizens with a residence permit and good chances to stay long term,
- newly arrived spouses or family members in family reunification,
- refugees and persons with protection status who meet certain conditions,
- EU citizens and German citizens with migration background in some cases, usually with an entitlement instead of an obligation.
If you are not sure whether you have the right to join, do not panic. You can still go to a counselling session at the VHS or another provider in Oldenburg or Hannover. They will look at your residence permit and tell you whether you can receive an entitlement from BAMF or another office. Sometimes people who do not fit into the standard categories can still participate if there are free places, but then different rules for costs may apply.
Step By Step: Getting Into an Integration Course in Oldenburg
Oldenburg offers integration courses mainly through the Volkshochschule Oldenburg (VHS Oldenburg) and some other providers. The general structure is the same as in the rest of Germany, but the local process has a few special points. Here is a step by step overview.
Step 1: Check Your Entitlement or Obligation
First, you need to know on which legal basis you can join an integration course. Look at the letters you received from BAMF, the Ausländerbehörde, Jobcenter, or Sozialamt. There may already be a document that says you are obliged or entitled to participate in an integration course. Bring this letter to your counselling appointment at VHS Oldenburg.
If you do not have such a document, you can still go to the VHS customer centre and ask for advice. The staff can explain whether you likely qualify and which office you should contact to apply for an entitlement. In some cases, the course provider can help you send the application to BAMF [7].
Step 2: Choose a Course Provider in Oldenburg
VHS Oldenburg is one of the main integration course providers in the city. On its website, you can see that there are different course types, for example general integration courses, special courses, and integration courses with literacy support [5]. Most of these courses are funded by BAMF and are meant for people with a long term residence perspective.
For registration in Oldenburg, VHS asks you to book a personal counselling appointment. During this appointment, they look at your documents, talk about your goals and free time, and help you decide which course type, time of day, and intensity fits your situation best [5][6]. There may also be other providers in Oldenburg, but VHS is usually the first address for many newcomers.
Step 3: Placement Test and Registration
Before you can start, you normally take a small placement test. This helps to find out whether you should begin in module 1 or later, especially if you already know some German. If you are a complete beginner, the test is mostly to confirm that A1 is the right starting point.
After the test and counselling, you receive information about the next available course date. Integration courses often have long waiting lists, so you may not start immediately. Ask the staff to write down your waiting number and ask how they will contact you (email, phone, or letter) when a place becomes free.
Step 4: Costs and Possible Reductions
Integration courses funded by BAMF usually have a fixed fee per lesson for participants who have to pay. In many situations, people receive a cost reduction or can apply for a fee exemption, especially if they receive certain social benefits. If you pay yourself and pass the final exam quickly, you may be able to request partial reimbursement from BAMF later [1][3].
During your appointment at VHS Oldenburg, ask clearly:
- how much you personally will pay per lesson,
- whether you can apply for free participation,
- what the rules are for reimbursement after finishing the course.
Step By Step: Getting Into an Integration Course in Hannover
Hannover is a large city with several integration course providers. The Volkshochschule Hannover (VHS Hannover) is one of the main institutions offering BAMF funded integration courses. The general process is similar to Oldenburg but with some local details.
Counselling at VHS Hannover
VHS Hannover offers various German and integration courses and invites people to attend special counselling hours for “Deutsch als Fremdsprache” (German as a foreign language). According to city information, you can visit these consultation hours without an appointment on specific days of the week, but you should expect some waiting time [6]. In the counselling, staff members explain the course types and check your documents.
Integration courses at VHS Hannover are also built from 600 hours of language and 100 hours of orientation and usually lead to B1 level. For participation, you need either a Verpflichtung or Berechtigung. The website of VHS Hannover underlines that such a document is required for integration courses and that you can look up free places using BAMF-NAvI [4][6].
Registration and Course Choice
Once your entitlement or obligation is confirmed, you take a placement test similar to Oldenburg. After this, the staff will suggest a suitable course: general integration course, special course, or maybe a literacy course if you need help with the Latin alphabet. Hannover also offers job related language courses (Berufssprachkurse), but these are separate from integration courses and have their own rules.
Because Hannover is larger, there may be more course options but also more demand. It is a good idea to ask about different times (morning, afternoon, evening) and locations within the city. If one course is full, staff may be able to place you on a waiting list for another group.
Read more: Understand everyday communication styles and politeness rules in Lower Saxony
Using the BAMF-NAvI to Search for Courses
BAMF offers an online tool called BAMF NAvI. It lists integration course providers, locations, and contact details all over Germany. You can switch the interface to English or German, and you can filter for integration courses, job language courses, counselling offices, and more. This is very useful if you want an overview of providers in Oldenburg, Hannover, or other towns nearby [4].
To use BAMF NAvI for integration courses, follow these basic steps:
- Open the website for integration courses, for example the German version of BAMF NAvI: BAMF NAvI integration course search.
- Choose “Integrationskurse” as the topic.
- Enter your city or postal code, such as Oldenburg or Hannover.
- Adjust filters if necessary, for example general integration course, youth integration course, or literacy course.
- Look at the list of providers, addresses, and sometimes also information about free places.
- Contact the provider directly using the phone number or email in the entry.
Remember that NAvI shows many providers, but it does not replace personal counselling. Each provider will still need to check your documents, do a placement test, and confirm whether they can accept you. However, NAvI is a quick way to discover which schools exist in your area and not only rely on one institution.
Types of Integration Courses: Which One Is Right for You?
The “general” integration course is the standard format for many learners, but there are also special types that may fit your situation better. BAMF and local providers in Lower Saxony mention several options [1][3][5][6]:
- General integration course: For most adults, 600 hours language plus 100 hours orientation, target level B1.
- Integration course with literacy: For people who are not familiar with the Latin alphabet or have never attended school. These courses are longer, for example up to 1000 or 1200 hours [5].
- Women’s integration course: Focus on topics and schedules that make participation easier for women, especially with children.
- Parent integration course: With a special focus on topics related to school, kindergarten, and parenting in Germany.
- Youth integration course: For younger participants who may move on to school or vocational training.
- Intensive integration course: Fewer total hours but more hours per week, often aimed at learners with good educational background.
In Oldenburg and Hannover, not all special course types are always available. It depends on demand, funding, and free teachers. During counselling, tell the staff about your situation, for example if you have children, health issues, or special work hours. They can check whether there is a suitable course or if a standard course is still the best option for you.
How Integration Courses Connect With Your Life in Oldenburg and Hannover
Integration courses are not only about textbooks. They are meant to prepare you for real life in Lower Saxony. In class, you will practise situations like going to the doctor, talking to neighbours, and visiting authorities. Many course books use examples from German cities, and teachers often bring local information from Oldenburg or Hannover into the classroom.
To get the most out of your integration course, combine it with real activities outside the school. For example, you can use public transport, talk to shop staff, or join a local club or sports group. Our article on learning German in Lower Saxony with VHS, private schools, and apps explains how to combine classroom learning with self study and everyday practice.
Integration courses also help with understanding letters from authorities, such as the Ausländerbehörde or Jobcenter. Teachers often explain official forms and typical vocabulary so that you slowly become more independent. This can reduce stress when dealing with bureaucracy and make you feel more at home in Oldenburg or Hannover.
Checklist: Questions To Ask Before You Enrol
Before you finally sign up for an integration course, it is helpful to prepare some questions. This will help you compare offers and avoid surprises later.
- Do I have an obligation or entitlement, and which office issued it?
- How many hours per week does the course have, and at what times of day?
- Which type of course is it (general, literacy, women’s, etc.)?
- What is the expected level at the end (usually B1)?
- How much do I personally have to pay per lesson?
- Can I apply for a fee exemption or later reimbursement?
- How long is the waiting list for this group?
- Where is the classroom located, and how do I get there by bus or tram?
- What happens if I miss classes because of illness or family reasons?
- Does the provider also offer support after the course, for example job language courses or exam preparation courses?
Bring your passport, residence permit, letters from BAMF or other authorities, and any previous language certificates to your counselling appointment. The more information you have, the easier it is for the staff to place you correctly.
Conclusion: Taking the First Step
Finding an integration course in Oldenburg or Hannover can look complicated, but in practice it becomes easier if you follow a simple order: clarify your entitlement or obligation, choose a provider, attend counselling and placement testing, and then wait for a free place. BAMF NAvI helps you to see what is available in your area, and the Volkshochschulen in both cities have experience guiding newcomers through the process.
Integration courses require time and energy, but they are a strong investment in your future in Lower Saxony. With patience and regular attendance, you will not only improve your German but also understand your rights, duties, and opportunities in your new home.
References
- [1] Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). “Integrationskurse.” General information about the structure and goals of integration courses in Germany.
- [2] Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). “Inhalt und Ablauf eines Integrationskurses.” Description of modules, hours, and everyday topics covered in the language course.
- [3] Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). “Leitfaden für Integrationskursträger.” Information on course length, DTZ, and orientation course test “Leben in Deutschland”.
- [4] Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). “BAMF NAvI – Integration courses and course locations.” Online search tool for finding integration courses and providers by address.
- [5] Volkshochschule Oldenburg. “Integrationskurse” and related pages on general and special integration courses, including course goals and counselling information.
- [6] Volkshochschule Hannover and City of Hannover information pages on “Deutsch und Integration” and “Integrationskurse”, including counselling hours and course formats.
- [7] German public administration service portal. “Zulassung zum Integrationskurs beantragen.” Explanation of how to apply for admission to an integration course and choose a local course provider.
