Recognition in Germany

1. Visa Procedures and Migration

Federal Foreign Office

In visa procedures, ECL certificates at A2, B1, B2, and C1 levels are recognized as proof of German language proficiency. (Visa Handbook, 1.5.5 ECL Examination Centre)

Important Update (29 January 2026)

Please note that some German embassies only accept ECL language certificates in German if candidates achieve at least 60% in each individual skill (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

Because requirements may differ by embassy, we strongly recommend checking with your local German embassy to confirm under which conditions your ECL certificate is recognised.

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)

BAMF recognizes standardized language certificates, such as the ECL certificate in German at A2, B1, B2, and C1 levels, as an alternative to the “German Test for Immigrants.” (bamf.de, Overview of Recognized Language Certificates)

2. Recognition of Professional Qualifications in Healthcare

Due to the large number and variety of institutions, this list is not exhaustive and is continuously being updated. It is therefore always advisable to contact the relevant authority directly to make sure whether the ECL certificate is recognized.

Bavarian State Office for Nursing

The State Office for Nursing accepts the ECL B2 language certificate in German for recognition procedures in the nursing sector.

View Official Document (PDF)

Berlin Senate Department for Health

For foreign professional qualifications in healthcare (e.g., medical and preparation assistants), the ECL certificate is accepted as proof of German language proficiency.

service.berlin.de State Office for Health and Social Affairs

Arnsberg District Government

For the recognition of midwives and social professions, a German ECL certificate at level B2 is accepted.

bra.nrw.de

Stuttgart Regional Council

In the recognition procedure for academic healthcare professions as well as for nursing and general healthcare professions, a B2-level certificate in German is accepted (additional specialist language skills may be required!).

rp.baden-wuerttemberg.de

3. Recognition Under the Skilled Workers Immigration Act

  • Central Office for Skilled Worker Immigration North Rhine-Westphalia (ZFE NRW)

    The ZFE NRW accepts ECL certificates at levels A2, B1, B2, and C1 as proof of language proficiency under the Skilled Workers Immigration Act.

  • Arnsberg District Government

    For the recognition of foreign professional qualifications, particularly in healthcare, the ECL certificate is accepted as proof of language proficiency.

    The Arnsberg District Government is also responsible for recognizing teaching qualifications from EU member states in North Rhine-Westphalia. (bra.nrw.de)

  • Stuttgart Regional Council

    The Stuttgart Regional Council recognizes language certificates that comply with ALTE standards for various recognition procedures.

Other authorities and offices that recognize the ECL certificate:

4. Recognition by Universities in Germany

Important Notice: German universities generally do NOT recognize the ECL certificate in German as official proof of language proficiency required for university studies.

However, there are some exceptions where the certificate is accepted as general proof of language proficiency – for example when applying to certain programs, receiving conditional admission, enrolling in language courses, or in non-academic contexts:

University Requirement / Notes
European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) der Technischen Hochschule Deggendorf For German-language degree programs at the levels B2 or C1 (depending on the subject), for English-language degree programs B1 (Bachelor) or A2 (Master), certificate must not be older than 2 years.
Technische Universität Braunschweig For applications to degree programs without admission requirements, proof of a German course at level B2 must be provided.
Technische Universität Kaiserslautern At least level B1 for application to study.
Universität Bamberg At least level B1 for the application to the preparatory German course, at least B2 for participation in the DSH exam and for the application to the Studienkolleg.
Universität Göttingen For application to study at least level A1 (ECL exams from level A2).
Universität Hannover For application for all Bachelor’s degree programs at least level B1.
Universität Kassel At least level B1 for application to the DSH preparatory course and for the Studienkolleg.
Universität Kiel At least level B1 for admission to the preparatory German course.
Universität Oldenburg For some Master’s degree programs, a certificate of German language proficiency at level B2 or C1 is sufficient, otherwise at least level B2 for application to the preparatory college, at least level B1 for participation in a preparatory German course.
Universität Paderborn At least level A1 for application to a preparatory German course.
Universität Regensburg At least level B2 for the application to study.
Universität Saarbrücken All levels for the application for the preparatory German course.
Universität Siegen At least level B1 for the application for the preparatory German course.
Universität Trier At least level B2 for admission to the DSH exam.
Universität Würzburg At least level B2 for some Bachelor’s degree programs, for all other degree programs at least level B2 for admission to the DSH exam or application for the preparatory course.

Important Notes for Germany

Validity of the Certificate

Generally, the language certificate should not be older than one year, especially for visa applications. germania.diplo.de

Specific Requirements
  • Depending on the federal state or authority, additional or different requirements may apply.
  • It is recommended to check directly with the relevant institution for exact prerequisites.