German Exam Preparation Online | Goethe, TELC, TestDaF | Native Tutor
There is a confusing variety of German language proficiency tests around. The difference between the different tests might not be immediately clear.
Let’s review the different German language tests. They are split into four main groups:
- the test of the Goethe-Institut is probably the best known. It can serve different purposes, from just exhibiting on your resume to more official purpose, we’ll see them later.
- the testDAF is for those who want to study at a German university (or Hochschule).
- the telc language test is alternative and similar to Goethe’s. The telc organization does language test also for other languages.
- the DSH is a German language test used for admission to German university and Hochschulen. It is an alternative to the testDAF.
In this page we are going to view the Goethe certificates (Goethe-Zertifikate), leaving the rest to other pages.
Goethe-Zertifikate
In the table below you can see all the German language tests available from the Goethe-Institut, commonly known as Goethe-Zertifikate. They divides into adults and young (up to 16 years old) tests.
| CEFR levels | Adult | Young |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Start Deutsch 1 | Fit in Deutsch 1 |
| A2 | Goethe-Zertifikat A2 | Fit in Deutsch |
| B1 | Goethe-Zertifikat B1 | Goethe-Zertifikat B1 |
| B2 | Goethe-Zertifikat B2 | Goethe-Zertifikat B2 |
| C1 | Goethe-Zertifikat C1 | |
| C2 | Goethe-Zertifikat C2: GDS |
Preparing the German language test
Before going into the details of any single test let me say a few words about my courses.
I have long time experience in preparing students to take a German language test. Either testDAF, Goethe or telc test.
Very often a student comes to me for the last mile of his preparation.
This includes:
- refresh the German grammar, a fundamental points to pass the test.
- asses what are his weaknesses and get rid of them. I’m going to tackle his weakness one by one to make him ready for the test. Say you have a problem with understanding written text, we will go over it together, I’ll drive you step by step, until you are fit.
- make a dry run of the test, to see how he react under stress and with time limitation. I have a bunch of tests I use to test my students.
If you decide to take a course with me I can subscribe you to the test in a certified language school I’m in contact with (in Munich).
If you want to know more about my online lessons have a look to the linked page.
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Goethe-Institute test
The tests of the Goethe Institut are probably the best known among the German language tests. They are the German test par excellance.
If you pass the test for a level you get the Goethe certificate (Goethe-Zertifikat) for that level.
There are tests for all levels, from A1 to C2. The level classification refers to the common European framework (CEFR) for the language level classification.
The German tests of the Goethe-Institut are summarized below.
Goethe certificate A1
It corresponds to the A1 level of the Common European Framework (CEFR).
It is the lowest level and attests to an elementary knowledge of the German language. There are two possible language tests, depending on the age of the candidate:
- the Goethe certificate A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 is developed for juniors aged between 10 and 16 years. Notice that there is no certificate for kinder below 10 years old. I say it because I happened to receive request of certification for younger children.
- the Goethe certificate A1: Start Deutsch 1 is the A1 level for adults.
| An A1 level speaker can: |
|---|
| Be understood in simple situations, under the precondition that the interlocutor speaks slow and clear |
| Understand and use, in daily situations, sentences and frequent expressions of normal use. For example information regarding the person and his family, purchases, work, and known circle |
| Introduce oneself to another person, ask questions to an interlocutor about him. For example, where do they live, who they know, what they have |
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, as well as all the higher certificates (from A2 to C2), are accepted as a demonstration of proficiency with the German language for getting a family reunion visa, you will find a reference further below in the page.
Goethe certificate A2
An A2 level demonstrates that one is able to communicate in a simple way.
There are two A2 language tests:
- Goethe certificate A2: Fit in Deutsch for juniors up to 16 years;
- the generic Goethe certificate A2 is for adults.
| An A2 level speaker can: |
|---|
| comprehend and use common and recurring expressions |
| be understood in ordinary situations exchanging information of daily use regarding work and leisure time |
| describe with simple sentences his origin and education, the surrounding environment and the most common contexts |
Goethe certificate B1
The B1 level demonstrates a basic knowledge of German and autonomy in daily situations. In Germany is requested as evidence of proficiency in German for public employment and the acquisition of German citizenship.
Goethe certificate B2
Goethe B2 exam preparation online is one of the most requested courses I offer. The B2 certificate attests a good knowledge of German and is widely recognized by employers and universities. My online preparation course covers all four exam sections — reading, listening, writing, and speaking — with targeted exercises, full mock exams under realistic time conditions, and detailed feedback on your performance.
There are 2 certificates in this class:
- Goethe certificate B2
- certificate Deutsch für den Beruf (German for the profession)
The B2 level attests a good knowledge of German: the B2 is accepted for admission to German study faculty (Germanistik).
Goethe certificate C1
The C1 level indicates an advanced knowledge of German.
| A C1 level speaker can: |
|---|
| understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts |
| recognizes an implicit meaning |
| express himself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious search for expressions |
| use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes |
| produce clear, well structured and detailed texts on complex topics, showing a controlled use of organizational schemes, connectors and cohesive devices |
Goethe certificate C2
The Goethe certificate C2 is the highest level of certification.
The complete name is Goethe certificate C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS).
The C2 level implies an advanced knowledge of German. It corresponds to the highest level of the Common Reference Framework and allows admission to a German university of foreign students.
Only few years ago some other language test were existing:
- Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP),
- Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS),
- Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS).
These language tests are outdated. They have all been replaced by the Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom. Of course, the certificates already issued are still valid.
Where to take the test
You can take the Goethe-Institut language test at any authorized test locations, find the closest to you on this page.
Although you can take the test only at the authorized test center, you can prepare the test with any German language school or tutor you prefer.