A recent study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) shows that 57 percent of establishments in Germany required at least B2-level German for their most recent vacancy. However, the study also shows that some employers are willing to accept lower language levels, particularly when the job profile allows it, applicants are taking language courses, or companies recruit internationally. Overall, language skills remain an important factor for labour market integration.
At the same time, it is important to distinguish between language requirements for employment and the recognition of foreign professional qualifications. In most professions, applicants do not have to prove a specific level of German in order to have their foreign qualification assessed. The recognition procedure primarily examines whether the foreign qualification is equivalent to a comparable German qualification.This distinction is particularly relevant for employers: limited German language skills do not necessarily mean that a person’s professional qualification cannot be assessed or recognised.
The BQ-Portal provides reliable information on foreign vocational education and training systems and professional qualifications, supporting companies and competent authorities in Germany in better understanding and evaluating qualifications acquired abroad. In this way, the BQ-Portal contributes to more transparent recognition procedures and helps employers make better use of international skilled labour potential.