German Language Exams
This hub compares major German language exams used for study, work, and immigration. Use it to match your goal to the right certificate and level.
You can explore exam formats, recognition, and typical levels, then prepare with grammar, vocabulary, and practice exercises.
German Language Exams Comparison
| Exam | Level | Purpose | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat | A1–C2 | General purpose | Worldwide |
| TestDaF | B2–C1 | Study in Germany | German universities |
| DSH | B2–C2 | Study in Germany (local exam) | German universities |
| telc | A1–C2 | Work and professional use | Europe, worldwide |
| ÖSD | A1–C2 | Austria-focused | Austria, German-speaking countries |
Levels follow the CEFR scale from A1 to C2.
Choose your exam
Goethe-Zertifikat
A1–C2 · Worldwide recognition
The most internationally recognised German certificate — accepted for work, study, and immigration globally.
telc German Exams
A1–C2 · Work and immigration in Germany
The most common certificate for residence permits and citizenship applications in Germany.
DTZ — Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer
A2–B1 · Integration in Germany
The official exam required at the end of the government-run Integrationskurs in Germany.
- Full DTZ guide → (coming soon)
TestDaF
B2–C1 · University admission
Required for admission to German universities — tests academic German across all four skills.
DSH — Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang
B2–C2 · University admission (local exam)
Taken in Germany at the university itself — an alternative to TestDaF for academic admission.
ÖSD — Österreichisches Sprachdiplom
A1–C2 · Austria-focused
Austria's official German certificate — relevant for study, work, or immigration in Austria.
- Full ÖSD guide → (coming soon)
Not sure which exam you need?
- For German citizenship or permanent residency → telc B1 or Goethe B1.
- For university admission in Germany → TestDaF or DSH.
- For work in healthcare or medicine in Germany → telc B2·C1 Pflege or Medizin.
Not sure of your current level? Take our free placement test.
How to prepare
Build your grammar foundation with our free grammar explanations, organised by CEFR level from A1 to C2. Every major exam tests the same core grammar topics — mastering them on STUDYGERMAN.IO gives you the foundation for any certificate.
Expand your vocabulary by level with our vocabulary lists covering work, health, travel, daily life, and more. Each exam level has specific vocabulary themes — practise the ones relevant to your target level.
Test your readiness with practice exercises and mock tests before your exam date. Work through each section — Lesen, Hören, Schreiben — separately before combining them into a full timed practice run.