As of 2026-09-09 · re-verified by 2027-09-01. Pathway information as of the date shown, from the primary sources linked. Rules and fees change; always check the embassy or exam body page before you act. FirstGrade prepares you for Goethe/telc/ÖSD levels — only those bodies certify.

Where are you now?

Pick a level to see which doors are already open to you.

LevelA1

Unlocks

Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) language minimum: German A1 or English B2 (§20a AufenthG).source
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Start Deutsch 1) exam-ready — modules Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen; pass 60/100.source

Does not unlock

Any job on its own; any visa on its own.

Exam: Goethe / telc / ÖSD A1. Fees: check goethe.de (Chennai: Max Mueller Bhavan, Nungambakkam) or a telc centre (DeutschPro Chennai, PSG Coimbatore).

LevelA2

Unlocks

Recognition partnership (§16d AufenthG): A2 while your qualification is recognised in Germany, with an employer.source
+1 Chancenkarte point (German A2).source
Workplace small talk, Amt and Vermieter basics, daily routine.

Does not unlock

The Ausbildung visa (needs B1); German-language jobs in India (B2 floor).

Exam: Goethe A2: pass needs ≥60 total AND ≥45/75 written AND ≥15/25 oral.source

LevelB1

Unlocks

Ausbildung visa (§16a): German B1 ("ausreichend") unless the training provider tests you or plans a German course.source
Visa to search for an Ausbildung place (§17): B1, under 35, up to 9 months.source
Triple Win nursing programme: B1 before departure (B2 in Germany for full recognition). India channel currently via Kerala (NORKA).source
+2 Chancenkarte points (German B1); Studienkolleg official minimum.source
Hold a German job interview (Vorstellungsgespräch) and an Ausbildung phone call.

Does not unlock

German-language jobs in India (hiring floor is B2); nursing recognition (B2 in Germany); German-taught university entry (TestDaF 4 / DSH-2).

Exam: Goethe B1 is modular: four modules, each passed at ≥60, certified separately; telc B1 also accepted for visas.source

Before you plan

Facts worth knowing

The EU Blue Card has NO German requirement (§18g); 2026 salary thresholds €50,700 general / €45,934 shortage occupations.source

Certificates accepted for visas: Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF (B2+), ECL — ALTE standard, not older than 12 months at application.source

Indians are the largest group of Chancenkarte applicants (4,622 of 12,177 processed to May 2025) and of international students in Germany (59,419 in 2024/25).source

After a German degree: up to 18 months to find a job (§20 AufenthG). The job search happens in German.source

Hours

Goethe-Institut estimates 80-200 teaching units (45 min) for A1. Plan on 10-12 weeks at about one hour a day for Tamil-L1 learners. Never "fluent in 8 weeks".source

Start A1 Open lesson 1