The language requirement for germany opportunity card applicants depends on the route. With a fully recognised qualification, no language proof is needed at all. On the points-based route it is mandatory, and German and English count separately – each contributing points at defined levels.
To apply under Option 2 (points-based route)—meaning your foreign qualification is not fully recognized in Germany—you must demonstrate either:
German at CEFR level A1, or
English at CEFR level B2.
This requirement is mandatory to be even considered, regardless of whether your qualification is recognized or partially recognized.
You need official certificates from recognized institutions:
Goethe-Institut
telc
ÖSD (Austrian Language Diploma)
TestDaF (for higher levels)
IELTS (ALTE-certified)
TOEFL
Cambridge English (B2 First)
PTE Academic (for English B2)
Note: Pearson (PTE Pearson) is not accepted in some cases
After fulfilling the basic requirement, your language level can earn you points in the overall scoring system—important if your qualification doesn’t grant automatic eligibility:
| Language Level | Language | Points Earned |
|---|---|---|
| A2 (German) | German | 1 |
| B1 (German) | German | 2 |
| B2 or above (German) | German | 3 |
| C1 or above (English) | English | +1 bonus point |
You can combine points from both languages (e.g., B1 German + C1 English → 3 total language points).
If your qualification is fully recognized, you can apply directly—language certification is not strictly required, although having one may strengthen your case.
From real-world experiences (Reddit discussions):
“Since 01.06 as a graduate from a foreign university your way to come to Germany to seek a job is the Opportunity Card. You need to prove your language skills via a English proficiency test certified by ALTE or TOEFL.”
“Basically, you can certainly get this opportunity card if a) you have B2 or higher language certificate and b) more than 5 years of work experience.”
Mandatory Requirement: German A1 or English B2
Valid Certificate:
German: Goethe, telc, ÖSD
English: IELTS (ALTE), TOEFL, Cambridge B2, PTE Academic (but note Pearson limitations)
For Partial-Recognition Applicants: Language skills count toward points:
German: A2 (1), B1 (2), B2+ (3)
Add English C1 for +1 point
Combine languages for higher total language score.
| Language | Accepted evidence |
|---|---|
| German | Goethe-Institut, telc, TestDaF, ÖSD or DSD certificates at the stated level |
| English | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or an accepted equivalent |
| Either | A degree taught wholly in that language, where the mission accepts it |
The certificate must be current at the date of application, and issued by a recognised body. Screenshots, provisional results and institutional letters are not accepted in place of the certificate itself.
On the points route, language is one contributor among several – qualification, age, experience and any German connection all count too. That matters because a shortfall in language can sometimes be covered elsewhere, and an applicant who is one band short is not automatically ineligible. It is worth scoring yourself across every criterion before assuming a higher language certificate is what you need; in some profiles the same effort spent documenting work experience adds more.
The language requirement does not apply on that route. Where your foreign qualification is formally recognised as equivalent in Germany – confirmed through the responsible recognition body – you enter on the qualification rather than on points, and no language certificate is required for the card itself. Employers will still expect the language the job needs, which is a separate matter from the visa.
On the points route you need evidence at the stated level in German or English, from a recognised body – Goethe, telc, TestDaF or ÖSD for German, IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic for English. A degree taught wholly in one of those languages is accepted by some missions in place of a certificate.
Often, yes. Language is one contributor among qualification, age, experience and any German connection, so an applicant one band short is not automatically ineligible. Score yourself across every criterion before assuming a higher certificate is what you need.
