German exams
A1
Young people
Adults
Goethe-Zertifikat A1
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences that aim to satisfy specific needs. They can introduce themselves and others as well as ask other people about themselves, e.g. where they live, who they know and what they own, and respond to these types of questions. They can also communicate in a simple manner if the person they are speaking to talks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
A2
Young people
Adults
Goethe-Zertifikat A2
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand sentences and common expressions on topics that affect them directly (e.g. information about themselves and their family or about shopping, work and their immediate surroundings). Candidates can make themselves understood in simple, routine situations demanding a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and common matters. They can also describe in a simple way their background and education, immediate surroundings and other matters associated with their immediate needs.
B1
Young people
Adults
Goethe-Zertifikat B1
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand the main points of information in conversations and texts on familiar matters relating to work, school and leisure time, etc. when clear, standard language is used. Candidates can also deal with most situations typically encountered when travelling in German-speaking countries. They can also express themselves simply and coherently when talking about familiar topics and areas of personal interest and can report on experiences and events, describe dreams, hopes and ambitions as well as make short statements to justify or explain their own views and plans.
B2
Adults
Goethe-Zertifikat B2
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand the main contents of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, as well as technical discussions in their own respective area of specialisation. They can also communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is readily possible without a great deal of effort on either side. Candidates can also express themselves on a wide range of topics in a clear and detailed manner, explain their position on a current issue and state the benefits and drawbacks of various options.
C1
Adults
Goethe-Zertifikat C1
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can understand a wide range of challenging, longer texts as well as grasp implicit meanings. They can also express themselves spontaneously and fluently without frequently having to search for words. Candidates can also use the language effectively and flexibly in their social and professional lives or during training or their studies and make clear, structured and detailed statements on complex topics, whilst simultaneously using various appropriate cohesive devices in relation to a given text.
C2
Adults
Goethe-Zertifikat C2
Passing the exam demonstrates that candidates can effortlessly understand virtually everything that they read or hear in German. Candidates can also summarise information from various written and spoken sources, logically recounting reasons and explanations. They can also express themselves spontaneously with a high level of fluency and precision and make finer nuances of meaning clear when discussing more complex topics.
TestDaF
For students
TestDaf
The TestDaF is an advanced-level language exam. It covers levels B2 to C1 on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is accepted by all German universities and institutions of higher education as evidence of the language skills needed to gain admission to study in Germany. No specialist knowledge is required.
Goethe-Test PRO
For professionals
Goethe-Test PRO
The Goethe-Test PRO: German for Professionals exam is suitable for anyone looking for a job on the international labour market. Goethe-Test PRO tests candidates’ job-related language skills in 60 to 90 minutes.