When applying for a family dependent visa at the German embassy you will find in the family reunification visa checklist the requirement of having A1 German language skills. While this requirement applies in some cases, in others it is not mandatory to have German language skills.
In the following cases a German language certificate for family reunification visa's is not needed:
if you are the spouse of a Blue Card visa applicant/holder
if you or your spouse are a citizen of the European Union or
if you as the spouse hold a university degree and probably will be able to find
work in Germany
If you require a German language certificate A1, please make sure that you get it from a recognised course and examination provider like Goethe Institute or TELC. The language certificate needs to be presented at the visa application appointment at the German embassy.
For spouses of Blue Card applicants/holders, who do not need a German language certificate for the visa application nor for the family-dependent residence permit, it is important to note that an extension of the initial residence permit (valid for up to 4 years) will only be granted if they can proof participation in an integration course. Your spouse needs to make sure to take part in such a course after your arrival in Germany and within the first 4 years before the residence permit expires. An exception is made if they are also employed full-time in Germany.