At a glance
These are the facts most readers look for first. Each one is explained in detail further down.
| Point | What to know |
|---|---|
| Levels | German has six CEFR levels, A1 to C2. Most Indian goals need A1, B1 or B2. |
| Time with Yastudy | About 3 weeks for A1, 6 weeks for A2, 13 weeks for B1 and 21 weeks for B2, at 3 hours of live class a day, Monday to Friday. |
| Course fees | A1 ₹14,000, A2 ₹16,000, B1 ₹20,000, B2 ₹24,000. Combos start at ₹23,500, and A1 to B2 is ₹39,500. |
| Exams | Goethe-Institut, telc and ÖSD. Goethe exam fees for an external candidate are ₹9,400 (A1), ₹10,600 (A2), ₹18,800 (B1) and ₹21,200 (B2). telc centres set their own fees. |
| Spouse visa | A1, when a certificate is required. The German Missions in India say the exam cannot be more than one year old. |
| Ausbildung | B1 normally, according to the Make it in Germany portal. |
| Nurses | B2 for recognition. A2 is the usual minimum for the recognition partnership visa. |
| German-taught degree | Usually C1. Check each university. |
| Where | Live online across India. Offices in Patna, Noida and Bangalore. |
The six levels, in plain words
German language levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The descriptions below paraphrase how telc describes them. Our course covers A1 to B2, which is where almost every visa, training and recognition goal in India sits.
| Level | What you can do | Live class hours | Time | Course fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Use familiar everyday expressions and very simple sentences, introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions. | 40 | about 3 weeks | ₹14,000 |
| A2 | Understand commonly used expressions and communicate in simple, routine situations. | 50 | about 3½ weeks | ₹16,000 |
| B1 | Communicate in a simple, connected way in daily life, at work and when travelling; talk about experiences, goals and opinions. | 100 | about 7 weeks | ₹20,000 |
| B2 | Communicate spontaneously and fluently, understand the main ideas of complex texts and explain viewpoints on current issues. | 120 | 8 weeks | ₹24,000 |
| C1 | Advanced German. It is usually the level for a German-taught degree. We do not teach it. | – | – | – |
| C2 | The highest level. Very few goals need it. We do not teach it. | – | – | – |
Weeks assume 3 hours of class a day, Monday to Friday, full attendance and about 2 hours of daily practice. A1 is done by week 3, A2 by week 6, B1 by week 13 and B2 by week 21. The A1 to B2 combo is ₹39,500 for 310 hours, against ₹74,000 level by level.
Read this first. This hub gives general information. Visa offices, employers, schools and universities set and change their own rules, so always confirm the level and the certificate with the office that asked for it.
Which level do you need? By goal
| Your goal | Usual level | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse visa (family reunification) | A1, when a certificate is required | Goethe A1 exam guide, A1 course |
| Ausbildung (vocational training) | B1 normally | German for Ausbildung |
| Nursing recognition | B2 (A2 to enter on a recognition partnership) | German for nurses |
| Studienkolleg | B1 to B2 | B2 course |
| German-taught degree | Usually C1 | Check the university, then see study abroad |
| Just starting, not sure | A1 | A1 course and the fees section |
If you are unsure, message us on WhatsApp with your goal and deadline. The level you need is decided by the office, school or employer, so the first step is always to ask them.
Exams: Goethe, telc or ÖSD
An exam is what turns your German into a certificate that an office accepts. Three providers are common in India: the Goethe-Institut, telc and the Austrian Language Diploma (ÖSD). For a German spouse visa, the German Missions in India list a Start Deutsch 1 certificate from the Goethe-Institut or telc GmbH and the ÖSD's Grundstufe Deutsch 1. For other goals, ask the office which providers it accepts.
| Question | Where to read the answer |
|---|---|
| How does the Goethe A1 exam work, and how do I pass? | Goethe A1 exam guide |
| What are the telc formats, centres and rules in India? | telc exam guide for India |
| How much do the Goethe exams cost? | Goethe exam fees in India |
| How recent must my certificate be? | How long a Goethe certificate is valid |
Three rules apply to every provider. Book only through the exam provider or a centre it names. Ask the office how recent the certificate must be before you choose your date. And never buy a certificate: fake certificates are fraud and can get a visa refused. Our classes prepare you for the Goethe and telc exams at each level, but we do not conduct the exams.
Visa and recognition routes at a glance
- Spouse visa. The German Missions in India ask for a current, recognised A1 certificate when one is required, with the exam no more than one year old. A certificate is not always necessary.
- Ausbildung. There are two visas: one for vocational training when you already have a place, and one for seeking a training place (under 35, B1, school-leaving certificate). The official 2026 money figures are in German for Ausbildung.
- Nursing. Recognition needs B2. The recognition partnership visa asks for A2 to enter. The Triple Win programme works with partner authorities in Kerala and Telangana. See German for nurses.
Which German mission handles your state?
India has five German missions that handle visas, and they split the country by state. The table below is from the German Missions' own page. Check that page before you apply, because the lists can change.
| Mission | States and territories |
|---|---|
| Embassy, New Delhi | Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep |
| Consulate General, Mumbai | Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli |
| Consulate General, Chennai | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry |
| Consulate General, Kolkata | West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura |
| Consulate, Bengaluru | Kerala is listed under Bengaluru, and Karnataka is where the consulate is. See the official page for the full list. |
Source: the German Missions in India and the Federal Foreign Office, checked on 4 October 2026.
How to learn German: a plan that works
- Fix your goal and level. Ask the office, school or employer what it needs.
- Study full time if you can. Our course gives 3 hours of live class a day, Monday to Friday, plus about 2 hours of your own practice. It will not suit you if you can only study on weekends.
- Speak from day one. Our batches have 10 to 12 students, and you speak in every class.
- Learn nouns with their article (der, die, das).
- Do a mock test every week. telc publishes free mock exams for A1, A2, B1 and B2, and the Goethe-Institut links free exam training on its India pages.
- Book your exam early, for a date soon after your level ends.
- Keep going. Each level builds on the one before. Plan your next level before you finish the current one.
First German words and phrases
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Hallo / Guten Morgen / Guten Tag / Guten Abend | Hello / Good morning / Good day / Good evening |
| Tschüss / Auf Wiedersehen | Bye / Goodbye |
| Bitte / Danke / Entschuldigung | Please (or you're welcome) / Thank you / Excuse me |
| Ich heiße Priya. Ich komme aus Indien. | My name is Priya. I come from India. |
| Ich lerne Deutsch. | I am learning German. |
| Sprechen Sie Englisch? | Do you speak English? |
| Ich verstehe nicht. Noch einmal, bitte. | I do not understand. Once more, please. |
| Wie viel kostet das? | How much does that cost? |
| eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf | one, two, three, four, five |
| sechs, sieben, acht, neun, zehn | six, seven, eight, nine, ten |
German classes by city
Our classes are live online, so you can study from any city and travel only for your exam and, if needed, your visa appointment. Each city page tells you where the nearest exam centres are and which German mission handles your state.
| City | Page |
|---|---|
| Patna | German language course in Patna |
| Delhi | German language course in Delhi |
| Noida (Delhi NCR) | German language course in Noida |
| Bangalore | German language course in Bangalore |
| Mumbai | German language course in Mumbai |
| Pune | German language course in Pune |
| Chennai | German language course in Chennai |
| Kolkata | German language course in Kolkata |
| Hyderabad | German language course in Hyderabad |
| Chandigarh | German language course in Chandigarh |
| Coimbatore | German language course in Coimbatore |
| Trivandrum | German language course in Trivandrum |
Yastudy's German course
Yastudy teaches intensive German online, from A1 to B2. Our classes prepare you for the Goethe and telc exams at each level. We do not conduct the exams, place students in jobs or training, or guarantee visas.
What you get
- Live online classes, 3 hours a day, Monday to Friday
- Batches of 10 to 12 students, with speaking practice in every class
- Every class recorded, and doubt support on WhatsApp
- A mock test every week
- A Germany roadmap session plus admission or Ausbildung guidance with the A1 to B2 combo
Repeat the level if you do not clear the exam
If you do not clear your Goethe or telc exam, you repeat that level's batch without paying again. You need at least 80% attendance, and you must take the exam within 3 months of finishing the level.
| Option | Class hours | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single levels | A1 40, A2 50, B1 100, B2 120 | A1 ₹14,000, A2 ₹16,000, B1 ₹20,000, B2 ₹24,000 |
| Combo: A1 to B1 | 190 | ₹29,500 |
| Combo: A2 to B1 | 150 | ₹23,500 |
| Combo: A1 to B2 | 310 | ₹39,500 |
| Combo: A2 to B2 | 270 | ₹33,500 |
The exam fee is paid to the exam centre and is not included. A ₹199 live demo class is credited against your fee if you enrol within 7 days. See the fees section of the main page and the batch timings.
Start from zero and reach B2 in about 21 weeks. Live classes, 3 hours a day from Monday to Friday, in a batch of 10 to 12. Enrol online or see the next batch.
See fees and enrolSee batch timingsCommon mistakes when learning German for a goal
- Choosing the level yourself instead of asking the office what it needs.
- Booking an exam before checking which provider is accepted and how recent the certificate must be.
- Studying only on weekends and expecting B1 in a few weeks.
- Skipping speaking practice. Every telc and Goethe exam has a speaking part.
- Paying an agent for a seat, a certificate or a guaranteed visa.
- Stopping at the minimum level when the goal needs more, for example A2 for a nursing partnership when recognition needs B2.
Your next steps
- Write down your goal, your deadline and the exact level and exam name the office wants.
- Open the guide for your goal: Ausbildung, nurses or the A1 exam.
- Check the exam fee and date on Goethe exam fees or the telc guide.
- Choose your batch on the batch timings.
- Not sure? Message us on WhatsApp.
Questions about learning German in India
How long does it take to learn German?
It depends on how much you study. On Yastudy's intensive course, with 3 hours of live class a day, Monday to Friday, plus about 2 hours of practice, A1 takes about 3 weeks, B1 about 13 weeks and B2 about 21 weeks from zero. The Goethe-Institut's own guide counts about 450 to 600 hours of instruction to reach B2.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages describes language ability in six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. German exams from the Goethe-Institut, telc and ÖSD are all measured against it.
Which German level do I need for a spouse visa?
A1, when a certificate is required. The German Missions in India ask for a current, recognised certificate, with the exam no more than one year old, and say a certificate is not always necessary.
Which German level do I need for Ausbildung?
B1 normally for qualified vocational training, according to the Make it in Germany portal. Nursing training needs B1 or B2 depending on the state. See our German for Ausbildung guide.
Which German level do nurses need?
B2 for recognition. The recognition partnership visa asks for A2 to enter, but you still need B2 for full recognition. See our German for nurses guide.
Which German level do I need to study in Germany?
For a German-taught degree it is usually C1, and for Studienkolleg it is usually B1 to B2. Some master's programmes are taught in English. Check each university and programme.
Is the Goethe exam better than telc?
Neither is officially better. Both are measured against the same levels. Choose the provider that your office accepts and that you can book soon, then compare dates, fees and format.
How much does the Goethe exam cost in India?
For an external candidate, ₹9,400 for A1, ₹10,600 for A2, ₹18,800 for B1 and ₹21,200 for B2, including 18% GST. See our Goethe exam fees guide.
How much does the telc exam cost in India?
Each telc centre sets its own fee and dates. Ask the centre for a written fee list for your level. See our telc exam guide for India.
Does a Goethe certificate expire?
The Goethe-Institut India states that its certificates are valid indefinitely. The office that receives it can still ask for a recent one, for example one year for the spouse visa. See our certificate validity guide.
Can I learn German online?
Yes. Yastudy's classes are live online, so you can join from any city in India. You travel only for your exam, which is held in person at an exam centre.
Can I take the German exam online from home?
The Goethe-Institut states that taking part is only possible on site at one of its exam centres. telc offers paper, computer and hybrid formats at its centres. Ask your exam centre about the format.
What is the difference between A1, A2, B1 and B2?
A1 is very basic everyday German, A2 is simple routine communication, B1 is independent everyday and work communication, and B2 is fluent, spontaneous communication including complex texts.
What does your course cost?
A1 costs ₹14,000, A2 ₹16,000, B1 ₹20,000 and B2 ₹24,000 when bought one at a time. The A1 to B2 combo costs ₹39,500 against ₹74,000 level by level.
Is the exam fee included in the course fee?
No. You pay the exam fee to the exam centre when you book. Our course fee covers live classes, recordings, doubt support and mock tests.
What if I do not clear the exam after your course?
You repeat that level's batch without paying again, as long as you attended at least 80% of classes and took the exam within 3 months of finishing the level.
Can I study German if I work or study during the day?
Our batches run 3 hours a day, Monday to Friday, and the pace needs about 2 more hours of practice. Every class is recorded, but the course will not suit you if you can only study on weekends.
Do you guarantee a visa, a job or a training place?
No. Yastudy teaches German and explains the routes. We do not place students in jobs or training, and we cannot guarantee a visa. The authorities and employers decide.
Which German mission handles my state?
India has five missions that split the country by state: the Embassy in New Delhi and the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. The table in the visa section lists the states. Check the German Missions' page before you apply.
How do I avoid fake certificates and agents?
Book exams only with the provider or a centre it names. Never buy a certificate. Be careful with large upfront fees for guaranteed placements, ask for every promise in writing, and verify the employer.
Which exam should I take first?
Take the level your goal needs, not the lowest. If a spouse visa needs A1, take A1. If your goal is Ausbildung, plan for B1 and sit the B1 exam when you are ready.
What are free ways to practise German?
telc publishes free mock exams for A1, A2, B1 and B2, and the Goethe-Institut's India pages link free exam training. Practise speaking with another learner as well.
Where can I take the exam in my city?
Each city page lists the nearest Goethe-Institut or partner centre and, where we found one, a telc centre. Confirm on the provider's official pages before you pay.
Is German hard for Indian learners?
It has features that take time, such as noun genders and case endings, but with regular study and speaking practice many students reach B1 within months. Learn nouns with their articles from the start.
Where do I start if I know nothing?
Start with A1. Read our A1 course page, book a ₹199 live demo or ask for the recorded class on WhatsApp, and choose a batch.
Sources and how current this page is
We checked the sources below in October 2026. Rules, fees, dates and centres change, so confirm your own case with the office or institution that asked for the document.
- telc: German examinations overview (CEFR level descriptions)
- German Missions in India: consular districts
- Federal Foreign Office: German missions in India
- German Mission in India: Family reunion for spouses (A1 certificate and one-year rule)
- Make it in Germany: Visa for vocational training
- Make it in Germany: Nursing professionals
- Goethe-Institut Pune: exam registration and fees
Yastudy course details (hours, weeks, fees, the repeat-level rule and the ₹199 demo) come from our German course page. Last reviewed: 4 October 2026.