Goethe-Zertifikat C1

A young woman with headphones writing something down. Photo: Goethe-Institut/Sonja Tobias

Ideal if you'd like to ...

  • prepare to study at a university or institution of higher education in Germany
  • demonstrate a very advanced knowledge of German for employment purposes
  • prepare to work in the medical sector
  • prove that you have successfully reached level C1
  • be issued with an official and internationally recognized certificate

Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is an examination for adults. It certifies that candidates have acquired advanced language skills and corresponds to the fifth level (C1) on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

News as of January 2024

On January 1st 2024, the Goethe-Institut will launch a new examination at level C1 – the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 modular. The exam comprises the modules reading, listening, writing and speaking. You can find a set of model exercises for this exam below under "practice materials (from 01.01.2024 onwards)". Further information about the exam will be available in July 2023.

The new modular Goethe-Zertifikat C1 will replace the current exam in 2024 worldwide. Please take this into account when planning your exam date.
 

You can sit the exam in Germany, at one of the Goethe-Instituts located around the world or with one of our exam partners situated in your area. Select the country in which you would like to take the exam to find out about the options available to you there. Please contact the exam centre of your choice directly to enquire about available dates and prices.

Passing the exam demonstrates that you can ...

  • understand a wide range of challenging, longer texts as well as grasp implicit meanings,
  • express yourself spontaneously and fluently without frequently having to search for words,
  • use the language effectively and flexibly in your social and professional life or during training or your studies,
  • make clear, structured and detailed statements on complex topics. 
Please contact your university, institution of higher education or preparatory course provider before your course of study is due to begin to find out if the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is able to grant you exemption from taking a language entrance test for foreign students.
 

Preparation

Practice materials

Accessible and interactive sample papers and practice exercises to help you prepare online are available here.

Further information

The requirements, contents of the exam and further information on the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 exam are available here:

Practice materials

Accessible and interactive sample papers and practice exercises to help you prepare online are available here.