BAMF & DeuFöV Guide 2026

Vocational German Course B2 (DeuFöV) 2026: FAQ for Immigrants & Professionals

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The authoritative guide to federal vocational German training under Section 45a Residence Act. Eligibility vouchers, tuition waivers, DTB exam blueprints, and course repetitions.

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Vocational German Course B2 (DeuFöV) 2026: FAQ for Immigrants & Professionals

What is the B2 vocational course and who is it for?

For immigrants, refugees, and international specialists residing in Germany, the vocational German language program B2 (DeuFöV under Section 45a Residence Act) serves as the primary gateway into the formal labor market. Whereas the integration course caps at B1 everyday topics, the B2 vocational course arms learners with occupational proficiency: formal correspondence, employment agreements, shift protocols, and the standardized Deutsch-Test für den Beruf (DTB B2) examination.

This comprehensive guide details the legal prerequisites, eligibility certificates from the Jobcenter or Employment Agency, who takes part free of charge (Bürgergeld, unemployment benefit, AsylbLG) and who pays a 50% contribution, and the statutory 300-hour course repetition policy in the event of an initial exam failure.

What should you know about DeuFöV B2 funding? The 4 core areas

Statutory Foundation: What is DeuFöV under Section 45a Residence Act?

Bereich 1

Vocational German Language Promotion (DeuFöV) is a federal sponsorship program coordinated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and funded through government budgets.

Scope: The B2 module has 400 or 500 teaching units (UE).
Formats: There are full-time courses and part-time courses in the evening or at weekends; the weekly hours are set by the course provider.
Eligibility: You prove German at level B1 (e.g. with the DTZ or another B1 certificate).
Final exam: The course ends with the Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 (DTB B2), a BAMF exam administered by telc.
Important: Regular attendance pays off – a free repeat (exam or 300-UE course) is only available with at least 85% attendance. Always report missed days to the course provider.

Eligibility Voucher & Funding: Who Covers the Tuition?

Bereich 2

Enrollment in a DeuFöV vocational course requires an official entitlement certificate. Tuition coverage varies strictly by employment status.

Benefit recipients: If you receive Bürgergeld (SGB II), unemployment benefit (SGB III) or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, you take part free of charge.
Travel costs: Ask the course provider or BAMF whether a travel allowance is possible and how much it is.
Employed with a contribution: If your income is above the income threshold, you pay a contribution of 50% of the course costs.
Employer support: Some employers cover the contribution – ask at your workplace.
Repeat: If you attended at least 85% of the lessons and fail the exam, you can repeat it once free of charge or attend a 300-UE repeat course.
Tip: If your income is below the income threshold despite being employed, you pay no contribution. Clarify this with BAMF before the course starts.

The Deutsch-Test für den Beruf B2 (DTB): Architecture & Modules

Bereich 3

The DTB B2 is a BAMF exam administered by telc. It tests German in typical workplace situations: 125 minutes of written exam without a break and about 16 minutes of oral exam in pairs.

Reading (45 min) and Reading and Writing (20 min): labour-market information, instructions, forum posts and task allocation; then understanding a complaint and replying to it by email.
Listening (20 min) and Listening and Writing (5 min): conversations, meetings and requests at work; then a phone note on a customer enquiry. You hear every recording once.
Sprachbausteine and Writing (35 min): Sprachbausteine Part 1 (6 gaps, words a–j) and Part 2 (6 multiple-choice gaps); then a forum post on topic A or B.
Speaking (approx. 16 min, in pairs, no preparation time): Parts 1A–1C talking about a topic and answering questions, Part 2 a chat with colleagues (approx. 3 min), Part 3 discussing solutions to a workplace problem together (approx. 4 min).
Important: You pass the DTB B2 with at least 144 of 240 points and at least 36 of 60 in at least three of the four skills; one weaker skill is compensated if it has 24–35 points.

Failing & Course Repetition Rights: The 300-Hour Voucher Rule

Bereich 4

If you fall short of the B2 passing threshold, BAMF regulations provide clear remediation pathways through an official repetition voucher.

Two options: If you fail the exam, you can repeat the exam once free of charge or attend a 300-UE repeat course.
Condition: You attended at least 85% of the lessons in the previous course.
Procedure: Clarify with your course provider which option suits you and which documents are needed.
Targeted practice: Look at your result per skill (60 points each) and train above all the skills below 36 points.
Note: Clarify the repeat promptly with your course provider, as the course authorization is time-limited.

Authentic Workplace Phrase Toolkit for the DTB B2 Exam

1. Team Briefing, Coordination & Clarification

Clarification requests regarding ambiguous workplace instructions or process updates
Musterformulierung für Prüfung & Betrieb:

„Könnten Sie den genauen Arbeitsablauf bezüglich der neuen Qualitätskontrolle bitte noch einmal detailliert erläutern, damit Missverständnisse bei der Schichtübergabe ausgeschlossen werden?“

“Could you please explain the exact workflow regarding the new quality control in detail once more, so that misunderstandings during shift handovers are ruled out?”

Polite Subjunctive II structures ("könnten Sie", "würden Sie") instead of blunt imperatives fit the formal register expected in writing and speaking.

2. Task Allocation, Jurisdiction & Delegation

Establishing binding operational responsibilities in the department
Musterformulierung für Prüfung & Betrieb:

„In unserer Abteilung bin ich primär für die Prüfung der eingehenden Lieferantenrechnungen sowie die Freigabe der Wareneingänge zuständig. Die abschließende Verbuchung übernimmt Kollege Becker.“

“In our department, I am primarily responsible for auditing incoming supplier invoices and approving merchandise receipts. The final ledger booking is handled by Mr. Becker.”

Deploy established idioms such as "zuständig sein für (+ Acc)" or "die Verantwortung tragen für (+ Acc)".

3. Incident Reporting, Defect Claims & Safety Hazards

Documenting product flaws, delayed consignments, or machinery safety incidents
Musterformulierung für Prüfung & Betrieb:

„Die gelieferte Stückzahl weicht gravierend von den vertraglichen Vereinbarungen ab. Zudem weisen drei Komponenten sichtbare Transportschäden auf, weshalb wir eine sofortige Nachbesserung verlangen.“

“The delivered quantity deviates substantially from contractual terms. Furthermore, three components exhibit visible transit damage, which is why we demand immediate rectification.”

Precise vocabulary counts under the DTB B2 assessment criterion range of language (Spektrum sprachlicher Mittel): "abweichen von (+ Dat)", "Schaden aufweisen", "Nachbesserung".

4. Formal Deadlines, Legal Escalation & Sanctions

Enforcing contractual remedies with concrete calendar deadlines
Musterformulierung für Prüfung & Betrieb:

„Wir setzen Ihnen hiermit eine verbindliche Frist bis zum 24. Oktober 2026. Sollte bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt keine mangelfreie Ersatzlieferung eintreffen, behalten wir uns rechtliche Schritte vor.“

“We hereby set a binding deadline of October 24, 2026. Should flawless replacement goods fail to arrive by then, we reserve the right to initiate legal remedies.”

Always give a specific calendar date ("bis zum DD.MM.YYYY"). Vague words like "soon" make your reply less clear.

Interactive Knowledge Check: Vocational Course Regulations

3 practical scenarios on funding waivers, course retakes, and citizenship

1. Who covers the tuition costs of a DeuFöV B2 course for Bürgergeld benefit recipients?

2. Under which statutory condition does BAMF grant a 300-hour repetition voucher if the B2 exam is failed?

3. Can a passed B2 certificate from the vocational course (DTB B2) serve as proof of language skills for naturalization?

Verified against official 2026 BAMF guidelines

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an integration course and a B2 vocational course?

The integration course ends at level B1 (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer, DTZ) and covers everyday situations such as doctor visits, flat hunting or shopping. The B2 vocational course builds on it and teaches German for work: employment contracts, DIN 5008 business letters, workplace safety, team communication and specialist vocabulary.

How do I get the authorization for the B2 vocational course?

If you are registered as a jobseeker, the Jobcenter or the Federal Employment Agency issues the authorization. Employees and apprentices apply directly to BAMF; in both cases you must prove German at level B1.

Is the B2 vocational course free for employed people?

Not always: if your income is above the threshold, you pay a contribution of 50% of the course costs. The course is free if you receive Bürgergeld, unemployment benefit (SGB III) or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.

Can I repeat the exam if I fail?

Yes, once for free: you can either retake the exam or attend a 300-lesson repeat course. The condition is that you attended at least 85% of the classes.

Is a B2 certificate enough to get my profession recognized, for example in nursing?

For many regulated health and social care professions, such as nursing, the authorities require German at level B2; the responsible authority decides which proof it accepts. Doctors also need a specialist language exam at level C1.

How does registration at a language school work?

You show the course provider your original authorization, your ID and your proof of B1. The school often runs a short placement test and registers you with BAMF; make sure your authorization is still valid when the course starts.

Can I quit the vocational course if I find a job?

Yes. Taking up work has priority; if the course clashes with your working hours, you can end it. Alternatively, you can switch to an evening or weekend course alongside your job.

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