The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a German exam for adults. The exam confirms advanced language skills at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

  • Language certificate for studying in Germany
  • Live and work in Germany
  • Official and internationally recognised certificate

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The modules

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 consists of the modules listening, reading, writing and speaking (oral pair exam).
This offers full flexibility: the four modules can be taken individually or in combination. The exam is conducted and graded uniformly worldwide.

Listening

Duration: 40 minutes

You listen to a podcast, an interview, a discussion and a lecture. You can understand statements, individual pieces of information and opinions on various topics.

Reading

Duration: 65 minutes

You can read various texts such as (online) articles and contributions from newspapers and magazines. You can recognise main messages, individual pieces of information and points of view.

Writing

Duration: 75 minutes

You express and justify your opinion on a current social issue in writing in a forum post and write a formal message. You vary the tone, style and register so that they are appropriate for the occasion and the addressee.

Speaking

Duration: 20 minutes

You give a short presentation on a complex topic and talk about it with your discussion partner. You will also discuss a controversial topic in pairs.

Further Information

By passing the exam, you demonstrate that you ...

  • are able to use the German language effectively and flexibly in private, public, academic and professional contexts;

  • are able to understand demanding and longer texts and their implicit meaning, even if the topic is unfamiliar;

  • are able to express yourself spontaneously and fluently and defend your opinions.

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is accepted for study at some universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany.
Find out in advance from the university of your choice which Goethe certificate you need to present for your course.

Recognition of Goethe-Zertifikat, general overview(PDF, 151 KB)

Information about the exam

Requirements

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a German language exam for adults.
The Goethe-Institut exams are generally open to anyone and can be taken regardless of age or nationality.

  • The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is recommended for ages 16 and over.

  • The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 requires language skills at the fifth level of proficiency (C1) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

  • Depending on your existing knowledge and learning requirements, you will need 800 to 1,000 lessons of 45 minutes each to reach this level. 

Exam Preparation

Optimal Preparation for the Exam

Practice materials on-site

In our on-site libraries you will find additional practice materials and German-language media such as books and films. Come and visit us!

People sitting and studying in a library with bookshelves, tables, and large windows. Some individuals are using digital devices while others are reading. © Goethe-Institut/Tatsam Malhotra © Goethe-Institut/Tatsam Malhotra

Digital German exams

Would you like to take the exam on a laptop? We offer selected exams digitally at our premises. You can find further information and tutorials here.

Three examinees with headphones are sitting at individual tables and concentrating on their work on laptops.

Frequently asked questions

Further questions

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