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Overview of Goethe-Institut examination and course levels

Levels A 1 - C 2 in the table below refer to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). In Chicago, each course level is still subdivided into various parts.

 Language
 course levels 		 CEF*
equivalent		  Goethe-Institut
 examinations

A 1.1

A 1.2
A 1.3
A1
Beginning
German

 Fit in Deutsch 1
 Start Deutsch 1
A 2.1

A 2.2
A 2.3
A 2.4
A2
 Advanced
Beginning
German
 Fit in Deutsch 2
 Start Deutsch 2
B 1.1
B 1.2
B 1.3
B 1.4		 B1
Intermediate
German
  Goethe-Zertifikat B1
B 2.1
B 2.2
B 2.3
B 2.4
B 2.5
B 2.6
 B2
 Advanced
Intermediate
  Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf
 Goethe-Zertifikat B2

C 1.1
C 1.2
C1
 Advanced
 German

 Goethe-Zertifikat C1


 Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch

C2
 wird im GI
Chicago nicht
 angeboten
  Goethe-Zertifikat C2
 Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom


CEF*:
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Information about the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages



Breakthrough        /     Waystage
A 1 Beginning German A 2 Advanced German
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. Can introduce oneself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in situations requiring a simple and direct exchange of information. Can describe in simple terms aspects of one's background, environment and matters of immediate interest.
 
 
Threshold                  /    Vantage
B 1 Intermediate German B 2 Advanced Intermediate
Can understand the main points in matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can talk about topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. Can understand the main ideas in concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with native speakers without strain for either party. Can talk about a wide range of subjects and express a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
 
 
Effectiveness                /    Mastery
C 1 Advanced German C 2
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can speak clearly and correctly on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in complex situations.
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