Learn German in Pakistan – free, online, from A1 to B1

Why German pays off for Pakistanis

Germany is looking for skilled workers, nurses and trainees, and its public universities charge little or no tuition for most programmes. More and more young people from Pakistan apply every year – and the language is usually the step that decides how fast things move.

• Study: German language for study in Germany from Pakistan opens German-taught degrees and makes everyday student life, part-time jobs and internships much easier, even if your programme is in English.
• Work and Ausbildung: most vocational training is taught in German, and employers want people who can talk to colleagues and customers.
• Nursing: German for nursing jobs is in demand, but recognition of your nursing degree requires a recognised German certificate.
• Family reunion: spouses joining a partner in Germany are usually asked to show basic German (A1) as part of the visa application.

Which German level do you need?

The levels below are typical requirements. Rules depend on your case, the federal state and the employer or university, and they change from time to time – always confirm with the official source.

Official information: the German missions in Pakistan for visas, make-it-in-germany.com for work and the Opportunity Card, and goethe.de or telc.net for exams.

How to learn German in Pakistan: a 12-week plan from A1 to B1

This is an intensive plan for about 60–90 minutes a day. If you have less time, stretch each step – what matters is practising every day.

1. Weeks 1–4: the 30-day course. One lesson a day with vocabulary and audio, short grammar, a dialogue and exercises. Review new words in the vocabulary trainer.
2. Weeks 3–5: sounds and listening. Train ü, ö, ch and r in pronunciation, then numbers, prices, times and spelling in the listening gym – these come up in every A1 exam.
3. Week 5: A1 mock exam. Take an A1 practice test in exam prep. If you are applying for a spouse visa, this is the point to book your exam.
4. Weeks 6–9: A2. Work through the grammar topics (perfect tense, dative, subordinate clauses), read A2 texts in the reading room and speak daily in conversation practice.
5. Weeks 10–12: B1. Write letters and emails in the writing studio, do B1 practice tests and finish with a timed mock exam.

Not sure where to start? The personal study plan asks a few questions, checks your level and builds a plan around your exam date.

Where to take the German exam in Pakistan

The Goethe-Institut Pakistan is based in Karachi and runs German courses and exams there. Goethe exams have also been offered in other cities through exam partners, but locations change – check goethe.de/pakistan for current centres, dates and fees before you plan anything.

telc certificates are another widely accepted option. Whether a telc exam is available in your city, and whether it is accepted for your purpose, is something to confirm on telc.net and with the office that will receive your certificate.

Exam seats for the Goethe A1 exam in Pakistan can fill up quickly. Prepare early, and register as soon as registration opens.

Tips for Urdu and Punjabi speakers

Your languages already give you a head start. Here is what helps – and what to watch out for:

• The ch in “Bach” or “Buch” sounds very close to Urdu خ (kh). The German r in the throat is close to غ (gh). The soft ch in “ich” is new: smile and whisper a long “h”.
• ü and ö do not exist in Urdu or Punjabi. For ü, say “ee” with rounded lips; for ö, say “e” with rounded lips. Practise Tür, schön, müde, hören.
• Gender is not a new idea. English has no grammatical gender, but Urdu does (kitaab is feminine). German simply has three: der, die, das – and they rarely match Urdu. Always learn the article with the noun: das Buch, die Tür, der Tisch.
• Verb at the end feels familiar. In German subordinate clauses the verb goes to the end, just like in Urdu: …, weil ich Deutsch lerne. In main clauses, though, the verb must be in second place: Heute lerne ich Deutsch.
• Sie is your “aap”. Use the formal Sie with strangers, officials and at interviews, and du (like tum) with friends and family.

Prefer explanations in Urdu? Read our guide German in Urdu.

What you get in the free course

Looking for online German classes in Pakistan for free? Deutsch30 is not a classroom German language course in Pakistan with a live teacher – it is a self-study course, so you can learn German online for free at any time – early morning, after work or during load-shedding on your phone.