Integration program for expats married to Germans

Hallo!

Is it true that Germany has an "integration program" for expatriates married to Germans? I was told that the government will pay for my German lessons (intensive courses). Has anyone participated in this program? We're paying over €400 a month for my German lessons so we hoping this is a possibility!

Thanks

I believe it depends on your, or your spouse's, income. I think the norm is that you pay 1 euro per hour, but it only applies to the standard integration courses, not intensive or super-intensive. The integration courses are usually 100 hours per month, making the cost 100 euro per month. Have you registered at the BAMF office? They should have given you all this info as you will be required to show that you have taken, or are registered in, German courses.

No, it doesn't. Unless you're so poor that you can't even afford the 100 €, which is rather unlikely in most cases.

This is what we were told at the BAMF office. You either pay 1 euro per hour, or you pay nothing, depending on the income level. I'm sure they could have given us incorrect info, but this is what we were told.

True - if you are on welfare, you don't have to pay.

BAMF office? I haven't been there...is this where I register for the program?

I was given a form saying I was eligible for the subsidy (the EUR1/hour) when I registered for my residence permit at the KVR.

I received a paper with information on schools when I got my visa. It is a 600 hour language program with 30 hours of politics and society at the end of the course. The class is 1€ per hour and going 4 days a week from about 9:30am-1pm. (This would differ at each school)

While I have only attended one school, I must say mine moved a bit slow. I was astounded that the people aren't weeded out or pushed ahead. When it all boils down to it they are running a business and don't care if you are learning quicker than others (at least at the school I was attending). I will be changing schools in the fall.

So what school did you go to? Please, tell us what one to avoid... Although, as someone with some german knowledge already, I am certainly not going to go to any class that doesn't offer me a placement test!!

(I'm at the beginning of the last stage that the integration course covers, for the record.)

Sorry...what is the BAMF office?

BAMF = Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge/Federal Office for Migration and Refugees

As I arrived here and register in rathaus, they gave me a list of german course supported by govn (In many places, many cities with different time and schedule. You just need to choose which one is comfy for you). And yes, u only have to pay 1 euro/ hour for 630 hours deutsch course!! They dont ask my husband salary sheet for this though...

Currently I attend AWO but it only 9 hours a week and they have so much holiday! Heading to move to VHS which has faster program

True, I'm married to a German and we don't have any money worries, still they offered me this course (language + German culture) which I declined as I'm not really interested, although they insisted I should take it... Still it is THAT cheap and available for those interested.

Here are a few topics on integration courses, what they offer, how you apply, what they cost, who is eligible etc.

And here's the main topic on integration.

Hello,

I'm married to a german and came to Hamburg one month ago. I registered in rathaus and received a list withl the schools which offer integration lessons. But i don't know which one to choose? htere are so many...I am hesitating between a small school, but totally unknown "Akademikerbund" and a big one "Inlingua". Do you have any information about these schools? Can you give me some advice?

just pick one and ask if you can sit in for about 20 minutes..the right teacher is really important, if he/she can't explain things so the students will understand then it is just a waste of money.

As I've found from teaching english and taking a few german courses, definately try out a class before fully commiting. Even if a school has a recognisable name it still doesn't mean that they thoroughly check their teachers ability to teach, so you could just end up with some gimp who is a terrible teacher but just interviews well enough to get the job.

Start with schools that are easy for you to get to and have classes at times that are convenient for you.

Do any schools offer classes at night? What if you have to work during the day and want to go to school?