Do I need to speak German to qualify for the German settlement permit?

The standard Niederlassungserlaubnis expects you to show sufficient German language skills, generally at about the B1 level, along with a basic understanding of how German law and society work.

This is usually demonstrated through a recognised language certificate and, where relevant, the integration course test. Faster routes such as the EU Blue Card path can have their own language thresholds, so the exact level you need depends on which category you apply under.