Learn German for free with Deutsche Welle
Deutsche Welle, Germany's public international broadcaster, offers free online German courses from level A1 to C1. Levels follow the European framework: A1–A2 basic, B1–B2 independent, C1–C2 proficient.
Language
Learn German
Even if your Master's is in English, German decides how easily you find a flat, a part-time job and later a full-time job. Start in India — every level you finish before you fly saves you stress later.
Your language line
A1 → C1
U30/5
Next stop: A1 — first words
Basic user
A1 — first words
Introduce yourself, numbers, shopping, simple forms. Start this while you are still in India.
A2 — daily life
Appointments, the doctor, the Bürgeramt, small talk with flatmates.
Independent user
B1 — getting by on your own
Phone calls, letters from offices, simple part-time jobs that need German.
B2 — working in German
Meetings and job interviews in German. Most German-taught Master's programmes ask for at least B2 (see the figure below).
Proficient user
C1 — professional
Study and work fully in German. The DW free courses go up to C1.
122 of 155 Master's programmes in our database that are taught fully or partly in German ask for B2 or higher (B2, C1, C2, DSH or TestDaF).
Certificates in India
The Goethe-Institut (Max Mueller Bhavan) runs German courses and the official Goethe-Zertifikat exams in India. Check its website for current centres, dates and fees — exam seats fill up.