german language exams * deutsches sprachdiplom * zertifikat deutsch als fremdsprache

The main examinations open to foreign learners of German are listed below - click on a link for more details about an individual exam. For examination dates, contact either your language school or the relevant exam provider (see useful exam links at the end of this page).

• General German Language Examinations:
  • Start Deutsch 1
  • Start Deutsch 2
  • Zertifikat Deutsch(ZD)
  • Goethe-Zertifikat B2
  • Goethe-Zertifikat C1
  • Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)
  • Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)
  • Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
  • TestDaF
  • TELC

  • German for Business Language Examinations:
    • Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf (ZDfB)
    • Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch (PWD)

  ---

  GENERAL GERMAN LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONS

  Start Deutsch 1

  • Run by Goethe-Institut and TELC.

  • The test is equivalent to the Common European Framework for Languages level A1, which has a total of 6 levels. It shows the ability to use language at a basic level.

  • The exam is written and evaluated world-wide under uniform standards.

  Start Deutsch 2

  • Run by Goethe-Institut and TELC.

  • The test is equivalent to the Common European Framework for Languages level A2 (see above).

  • As with Start Deutsch 1, the exam is written and evaluated world-wide under uniform standards.

  Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)

  • Run by Goethe-Institut and TELC.

  • Candidates must show that they have solid basic skills in German that will enable them to cope linguistically with all main everyday situations. They should have mastered the main grammatical structures of the language and be able to describe simple topics orally and in writing.

  • Level: Approximately 400 to 600 lessons (@ 45mins) of intensive study.

  • The candidate should be able to understand and take part in general day to day conversations, and cope with simple written texts.

  • Exam consists of: Written section lasting 150mins: reading comprehension, written expression, listening comprehension, structures and vocabulary. Plus a 15mins oral examination.

  • Other points: Accepted by Germany authorities as proof of language skills required when applying for German citizenship.

  Goethe-Zertifikat B2 / TELC B2

  • New exam to be introduced in Autumn 2007.

  • Level: Approximately 590-680 lessons (@45mins) of intensive study.

  • Prepared and administered by the Goethe Institute

  • The diploma certifies that candidates have a good knowledge of standard German, enabling them to speak and write on a wide range of topics almost

    faultlessly and comprehend more complicated texts.

  • Exam consists of a 190mins reading/writing test and a 10-15mins oral exam.

  Goethe-Zertifikat C1 / TELC C1

  • New exam which replaces the 'Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP)' from the autumn of 2007.

  • Level: Approximately 800-1000 lessons (@45mins) of intensive study.

  • Prepared and administered by the Goethe Institute

  • The diploma certifies that candidates can understand a wide range of longer, more demanding texts, and that they can understand more subtle meanings. The diploma shows that candidates can express themselves on complex topics, using fluid, clear and well-structured sentences. It shows that holders are able to use German effectively in both social and business contexts.

  • The 'Goethe-Zertifikat C1' (ZMP) is widely known throughout the world. Employers generally consider it to prove solid language skills.

  • The certificate exempts students from a range of language entrance examinations into German institutions of higher education.

  Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)

  • Prepared and administered by the Goethe Institute.

  • Level: Approximately 1200 lessons (@45mins) of intensive study.

  • Candidates must show they have a good command of the regional variations of standard German. Must be able to understand complex authentic texts and to express themselves accurately both orally and in writing. Level compares with that of the "Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom" (KDS).

  • Exam consists of: Written section: text analysis, tasks that test the ability to express oneself, essay and listening comprehension. Plus oral examination.

  • Other points: Candidates who pass the ZOP are exempt from the language entrance examinations to German universities.

  Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

  • Administered by Goethe Institut and the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich.

  • Level: Approximately 1200 lessons (at 45 minutes per unit).

  • In terms of difficulty the KDS compares with that of the Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (see above). The candidate will also show that he has an insight into areas of German culture and background studies.

  • Exam consists of: Written section: Text analysis according to content and vocabulary, tasks to test the ability to express oneself, questions on several set literature books, dictation. Plus oral examination.

  • Other points: It is officially recognised by all German Ministries of Education and gives you proof of language proficiency for study at most German / Swiss / Austrian universities or other educational institutions without any special further testing in German language proficiency.

  Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)

  • Administered by the Goethe Institut and the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich.

  • Level: Near mother-tongue.

  • Exam consists of: Written section: Essay, text analysis according to content, style and vocabulary, tasks to test the ability to express oneself, questions on one of the three areas of "German literature", "Economics" or "Sciences", questions on background studies, dictation. Plus oral examination.

  • Other points: The GDS is the highest qualification available in German as a Foreign Language (DaF) outside the sphere of university or specialist translating/interpreting courses. Proves the candidate has a near native command of the German language.

  • In certain countries recognised as proof of language ability necessary for trainee teachers of German. The GDS also serves as proof of language ability for teachers from within the EU who wish to work in Germany.

  TestDaF

  • Intended primarily for students who wish to study in Germany and require certification of advanced German skills.

  • The TestDaF Institut in Hagen is responsible for preparing and administering the TestDaF examination.

  • It is an examination prepared at a central location and implemented around the world.

  TELC

  • The European Language Certificates (TELC) offer a clearly structured programme of examinations based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages published by the Council of Europe.

  • Five different levels - A1 to C1

  • Exams can be taken at a wide range of centres. Visit the TELC website for details.

  ---

  GERMAN FOR BUSINESS LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONS:

  Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf (ZDfB)

  • Administered by the Goethe Insitut and TELC.

  • Level: Similar to that required for the Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache (see above) plus approximately 100 to 120 lessons (at 45 minutes per lesson) of Business German.

  • The candidate will show that he can cope with general day-to-day business situations both orally and in writing.

  • Exam consists of: Written section: structures/vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, business correspondence. Plus oral examination.

  Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch (PWD)

  • In conjunction with the Deutscher Industrie und Handelstag (DIHT) and the Carl Duisberg Centres (CDC).

  • Level: Similar to that required for the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 (see above), but with the addition of specialist business language and knowledge.

  • The candidate will show that he can express himself in written and spoken German to an advanced level in the areas of business and commerce.

  • Exam consists of: Written section: specialist vocabulary, reading comprehension, business correspondence, précis of a text in the mother-tongue (in Germany: précis in German); oral examination.

  ---

  German Language Exams - Useful Links
  • Goethe Institut www.goethe.de

  • TELC www.telc.net

  • CDC - Carl Duisberg Centren www.cdc.de

  • TestDaF www.testdaf.de

  • Deutscher Industrie und Handelstag www.dihk.de

  • Common European Framework of Reference for Languages www.coe.int

  ---

  Work as an Au Pair in Germany

  German Language Schools in Germany Home Page