German Language Exams

There are multiple exams and certificates to prove your German language skills. Before choosing the suitable one, you should take into consideration the differences between them and the reasons why you are seeking a German language certification (e.g. to study or work in institutions that require German ability or to apply for a visa, residence permit in Germany/Austria/Switzerland or for citizenship). The following, most common examinations and certificates are all commonly accepted by German authorities and institutions.

The most common internationally recognized exams for adults and young people

Goethe

The German exams offered by the Goethe-Institut are internationally recognized and cater for all levels: from A1 for beginners to C2 for the highest language level. Achieving the “Goethe-Zertifikat“, can give a lot of benefits for students, visa seekers, or workers.

You can take your German examination at Goethe-Institute facilities worldwide, as well as with their examination partners near you. They have 6 different levels from A1-C2 for adults and the levels between A1 and B2 are offered for young people in a different format to enable them to access studies in German-speaking countries. 

Goethe offers the Goethe-Test Pro for professionals, which is a flexible online test that evaluates listening and reading competence quickly and reliably in the workplace. It can be taken either at one of the Goethe test centers worldwide or on the company’s premises. The test employs the methods of the renowned Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) and is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). and nursing professionals as well.

The other Goethe-Test for nursing professionals, the Goethe-Test PRO Pflege exam, is for adults who are already working in health care or who would like to do so in the future and can demonstrate their specialist language skills at an advanced language level comprises reading, listening, writing, and speaking components. The exam is offered at selected centers. Consistent standards are used worldwide for administration and evaluation.

You can read more about the Goethe exams on their official website: Goethe exams.

TELC

Taking a TELC (The European Language Certificates) exam in German in one of their 3,000 test centers worldwide is another alternative to provide an assessment for your German language skills at any level between A1-C2. It ensures you high quality and international recognition at universities, companies, and government authorities.

They offer different options depending on

– your age:

  • for young people: telc Deutsch A1 Junior/ telc Deutsch A2-B1 Schule (school) / telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (university), Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer A2-B1 Jugendintegrationskurs (visa purposes)
  •  for adults: telc Deutsch A1-C2 (general exam)

– your purpose like visa purposes: telc Deutsch A1 für Zuwanderer

– profession:

  • for professionals, telc Deutsch A2-C1 Beruf 
  • nursing personnel: telc Deutsch b1-b2 Pflege
  • medicine: telc Deutsch B2-C1 Medizin (different types).

Please check out their website for more information about the different exam types: TELC exams.

 

DTZ

The exam Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and developed in cooperation by the Goethe-Institut and telc gGmbH.

The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer A2·B1 is the right exam for you if you need proof of your language competence when applying for German citizenship. Integration courses end with this exam. But the exam can also be taken by anyone else wishing to do so in Germany. 

The DYZ examination  tests general language competence on two levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR. This examination offers you an evaluation of your language competence in all four skills – Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. It documents exactly which CEFR level was achieved for each of the four skills.

For young adults aged under 27, attending a youth integration course, it is recommended to take the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer A2·B1 (Jugendintegrationskurs).

More info about it is on the TELC website: DTZ exam.

TestDaF

The certificate issued upon successful completion of all four sections of the TestDaF exam at TestDaF level 4 will act as evidence of the language skills needed to gain admission to almost any subject and degree course at universities and institutions of higher education in Germany. The TestDaF language exam also provides internationally recognized evidence that your knowledge of German is sufficient to complete scientific projects and enter academic professions.

It is an advanced-level language exam. It covers levels B2 to C1 on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

For more information about TestDAF please visit this link: TestDaF exam.

 

DSH

DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is a university-level language proficiency test and is one of the most important requirements when you are planning to seek a degree in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc.  The test aims to gauge your abilities over reading, composing, listening, and talking abilities and various colleges and universities conduct this test independently. As you would be expected to study a course in the German language, your abilities and proficiency in basic skills in German will be evaluated.

DSH exam does not have a set format like other language proficiency tests, and can vary from one institution to another. However, the more-or-less the pattern of the test remains the same. The test is entirely focused on the classroom setup, and the questions would hence be based on scenarios that you may face while pursuing the course.

Students are tested on reading, writing, and listening comprehension, and undertake an oral examination. The DSH grades 1 – 3 are equivalent to CEFR levels B2 – C2.

More information about this language exam: DSH exam.

Only in Switzerland recognized exam

fide

With the fide test you can have your German language skills tested. The test tasks are at levels A1 – B1 and relate to various everyday situations in Switzerland, such as at work, at the doctor’s surgery, or at the municipality. The fide test was developed on behalf of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The fide test consists of an oral part («speaking and understanding») and a written part («reading & writing»). Anyone can take the exam over the age of 16. 

Please take into consideration, that this exam is only in Switzerland recognized for migrational purposes. 

For more information about this exam, please visit the official website: fide.