Learning German without BAMF: This is also possible for self-payers

1. Introduction

Not everyone who wants to learn German is eligible for a state-funded integration course at the BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees). Many people have to pay for their language courses themselves – whether because they have been living in Germany for a long time, come from the EU, or because the waiting times for BAMF courses are simply too long.

But don't worry: Even without BAMF, there are numerous ways to learn German – often even more flexible and affordable.

2. Who does not receive a BAMF integration course?

Integration courses are regulated by law (Section 43 of the Residence Act). Those entitled to them are primarily:

• New immigrants with residence permits

• recognized refugees

• Late repatriates

• certain groups of people with obligation

👉 Often, no claim is made by:

• EU citizens

• Students and au pairs

• People who have been living in Germany for a longer period of time

• People abroad preparing to enter the country

Source: BAMF – Participation in the integration course.

3. What problems do self-payers have?

• High costs at language schools : €250–458 per module is usual.

• Long waiting times : In many cities, months until the course starts.

• Inflexible course times : often in the morning or evening, difficult to combine with job and family.

• No courses abroad : Preparation before arrival is often impossible.

4. Opportunities for self-payers to learn German

a) Private language schools & adult education centres

• Classic variant.

• Advantage: In-person instruction with a teacher.

• Disadvantage: expensive, fixed times, waiting lists.

b) Online courses – the modern solution

This is where providers like V-IZ come into play.

Features:

• Modules A1–B1 available via video.

• Including course book (Hueber Schritte Plus Neu).

• Start immediately, no waiting time.

• Price from 34.99 €/month → significantly cheaper than presence.

• Learn from anywhere – even from abroad.

👉 Start right away: German A1.1 online course from 34,99 € .

c) Language apps

• Duolingo, Babbel.

• Good as a supplement, but not as a main course.

d) Self-learning materials

• Books & YouTube channels (e.g. German with Marija ).

• Advantage: often cheap or free.

• Disadvantage: lack of structure, slow progress.

5. Comparison: Language school vs. online course for self-payers

criterion	Language school / adult education center	Online course (e.g. V-IZ)
Cost	250–458 € per module	from 34.99 €/month
flexibility	fixed times	anytime, your own pace
Waiting times	often several months	none – start immediately
Location	on-site, fixed rooms	everywhere – even abroad
Materials	Book + Teacher	Video + Coursebook
Target group	Self-payers with plenty of time	Working people, parents, Germans living abroad

6. Tips for self-payers when learning German

1. Check your budget – consider how much you want to invest.

2. Choose a course type – do you need fixed structures (adult education) or flexibility (online)?

3. Combine materials – use books + videos + apps for more success.

4. Set small goals – e.g., “achieve A1 in 3 months.”

5. Plan your exam – you can take an exam at telc or Goethe even without BAMF.

👉 Information about the exam: Telc Certificate A1 .

7. Conclusion

Even without BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees), there are many ways to learn German today. While language schools and adult education centers are often expensive and inflexible, online courses like V-IZ offer an affordable, flexible, and readily available alternative —perfect for self-funders who want to learn independently.

👉 Start now: Learn German online from 34,99 € per month .