Which German Level Do You Need? A1 to C1 for Visa, Jobs & Citizenship (2026)

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 1 October 2026

A1, B1, C1. If you want to move to Germany from Pakistan, you'll hear these letters everywhere. But which level do you actually need? It depends on your plan. Let's go through it.

First, what do the levels mean? They come from the Common European Framework. A1 and A2 are beginner, B1 and B2 are intermediate, and C1 and C2 are advanced.

A1 means you can introduce yourself and handle very simple situations. B1 means you can manage daily life and talk about familiar topics. C1 means you can study or work in complex German.

Step by step

1. 

   The Opportunity Card

   For the Opportunity Card, the job seeker card, you need at least A1 German, or B2 English. More German gives you more points.

   Done

2. 

   University

   For a degree taught in German, universities usually ask for C1, for example TestDaF or DSH. For English-taught programmes, you usually need English, not German. But German still helps a lot with part-time jobs and daily life.

   Done

3. 

   Ausbildung, vocational training

   Most training companies expect at least B1, and often B2, because you go to vocational school in German.

   Done

4. 

   Nurses and doctors

   For nurses, recognition usually needs B2. Doctors usually need B2 general German plus a medical German exam at C1 level. Patients' safety depends on clear communication.

   Done

5. 

   The EU Blue Card

   Many Blue Card jobs work in English, so German isn't required for the visa. But it pays off later.

   Done

6. 

   Permanent residence

   With a Blue Card, you can get a settlement permit after twenty-seven months with A1, or after just twenty-one months with B1. Other skilled workers usually need three years and B1.

   Done

7. 

   Citizenship

   For German citizenship, you need B1, and in most cases five years of residence. The faster three-year route was abolished in October 2025.

   Done

In short: Opportunity Card: A1 or B2 English. University: often C1. Ausbildung: B1 to B2. Nurses: B2. Settlement and citizenship: B1. My tip: start with A1 now, even before you apply.