Integration courses, learning German, and building a social life.
The integration course: 700 hours to B1The state-subsidised Integrationskurs combines ~600 hours of German lessons with a 100-hour orientation course on German law, history, and culture. Some residents are entitled to it, some are obliged to attend.The cheapest and fastest ways to learn GermanThe Volkshochschule (VHS) is the budget option in every city, while job-related language courses (Berufssprachkurse) are subsidised for people in or entering work. Daily-life immersion does the rest.Building a social life in GermanyGerman friendships form around structured activities more than spontaneous socialising. The Verein (registered club) is the classic route in — there is one for every sport, hobby, and cause.