German examinations

A1–C2

The Goethe-Institut offers German exams worldwide for adults and young learners at levels A1–C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Quality standards during the development, administration, and implementation of the German exams are an essential part of our work. With success! Goethe certificates are valued worldwide as internationally recognized proofs of language knowledge for visa procedures, professional recognition or registration at a university.

Five people holding certificates in their hands. @ Goethe-Institut

German exams A1–C2

Would you like to book an exam at one of our exam centres or contact our colleagues on site? You can find our locations worldwide here.

Deutsch lernen

Learn German with success in more than 90 countries on-site at your Goethe-Institut or online.

Our German Examinations

Transparent, standardized, internationally recognized

The German exams offered by the Goethe-Institut correspond to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and range from level A1 for beginners to C2 for the highest level of this framework.

The German exams can be taken in Germany and worldwide at our Goethe-Institutes and exam partners. 
The exams are administered and evaluated according to uniform standards.  Detailed information regarding the exam structure, free practice material is available unter exam preparation.

One Goethe Certificate,
many advantages

Goethe certificates open doors worldwide. We have summarized the advantages of a Goethe certificate for exam candidates as well as recognising bodies, employers and universities for you at a glance:
  • Recognised
    Our Goethe certificates are valued internationally as proof of language proficiency for the visa process, professional recognition, or university admission.
  • Verifiable 
    You can check the authenticity of a Goethe certificate quickly and easily on the verification page
  • Realistic
    Exam candidates work on communicative tasks close to day-to-day life and show what they can do in their everyday life, at work or in their studies. 
  • Transparent 
    The Goethe-Institut’s exams are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which provides full transparency as well as international comparability of exam results. 
  • Flexible 
    Goethe Certificates B1–C2 are modular, meaning the modules listening, reading, writing and speaking can be taken and certified individually or combined.  
  • Digital 
    The digital German exams are taken and evaluated on a laptop at a Goethe-Institut.  
  • Proven 
    Our quality management and longstanding experience with exams guarantee valid, reliable and fair exams because quality is a word we take seriously.

About the German Exams

This is where you will find detailed information on what makes a good exam and how we continuously ensure and demonstrate the quality of our Goethe certificates.

This is where you will find free practice material, accessible and interactive as well, for the modules/exam parts listening, reading, writing and speaking.

This is where you can find an overview of levels A1 to C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This is where you can find out what types of contractual collaboration are available and what requirements must be met.
 

Frequently asked questions

Do you have any question?
If so, please contact us.

If you have any questions about exam registration (e.g. dates, prices), exam administration or preparation courses and materials, please get in touch with the contact person at the respective examination centre. Please select the country below. 
 
If you have specific exam or content-related questions (e.g. about quality standards) or questions about the authenticity of a certificate, please contact the head office of the Goethe-Institut at pruefungen@goethe.de.

German exams A1–C2

Would you like to book an exam at one of our exam centres or contact our colleagues on site? You can find our locations worldwide here.

Deutsch lernen

Learn German with success in more than 90 countries on-site at your Goethe-Institut or online.

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