German Language Exams
Prepare for official German language exams recognized worldwide. Whether you need certification for work, study, or immigration, find the right exam for your needs.
Below you'll find information about the most popular German language exams, their requirements, formats, and recognition.
Exam Comparison
| Exam | Levels | Best For | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat | A1 - C2 | General purpose, worldwide recognition | Worldwide |
| TestDaF | B2 - C1 | University admission in Germany | German universities |
| DSH | B2 - C2 | University admission (taken in Germany) | German universities |
| telc | A1 - C2 | General purpose, professional contexts | Europe, worldwide |
| ÖSD | A1 - C2 | Austria, Austrian German | Austria, German-speaking countries |
Goethe-Zertifikat
Overview
The Goethe-Zertifikat is the most widely recognized German language certificate worldwide, offered by the Goethe-Institut. It's accepted by employers, universities, and immigration authorities globally.
Official Website: www.goethe.de
Available Levels
Exam Format
All Goethe-Zertifikat exams test four skills:
- Reading: Understanding written texts
- Listening: Understanding spoken German
- Writing: Producing written texts
- Speaking: Oral communication (usually in pairs)
Recognition
Goethe-Zertifikat certificates are recognized worldwide by employers, universities, and immigration authorities. They are valid indefinitely and do not expire.
Where to Take the Exam
Exams are offered at Goethe-Institut locations worldwide and at authorized test centers. Check the official Goethe-Institut website for exam dates and locations near you.
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
Overview
TestDaF is specifically designed for students who want to study at German universities. It tests German language skills at levels B2 to C1 of the CEFR.
Official Website: www.testdaf.de
Who Should Take TestDaF?
- Students planning to study at a German university
- Students who need to prove German language proficiency for university admission
- Anyone needing B2-C1 level certification for academic purposes
Exam Format
TestDaF consists of four parts:
- Reading Comprehension: 60 minutes
- Listening Comprehension: 40 minutes
- Written Expression: 60 minutes
- Oral Expression: 30 minutes (computer-based)
Total exam duration: approximately 3.5 hours
Scoring System
TestDaF uses three performance levels (TDN - TestDaF-Niveaustufe):
- TDN 3: B2 level (minimum for some universities)
- TDN 4: B2-C1 level (required by most universities)
- TDN 5: C1 level (highest level)
Recognition
TestDaF is recognized by all German universities and is accepted as proof of German language proficiency for university admission. The certificate is valid indefinitely.
Exam Dates
TestDaF is offered six times per year at test centers worldwide. Registration typically opens 6-8 weeks before the exam date.
DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
Overview
DSH is a German language proficiency test specifically for university admission. It is offered by individual German universities and tests language skills at levels B2 to C2.
Important: DSH can only be taken at German universities, usually after arriving in Germany. It cannot be taken abroad.
Who Should Take DSH?
- International students who have already been accepted to a German university
- Students who need to prove German proficiency after arriving in Germany
- Students who prefer taking the exam at their university
Exam Format
DSH consists of two parts:
- Written Exam: Reading, listening, writing, and grammar (4-5 hours)
- Oral Exam: Speaking test (15-20 minutes)
The exam format may vary slightly between universities, but all follow the same general structure.
Scoring System
DSH results are graded as:
- DSH-1: 57-66% (B2 level) - Some universities accept this
- DSH-2: 67-81% (C1 level) - Required by most universities
- DSH-3: 82-100% (C2 level) - Highest level
Recognition
DSH certificates are recognized by all German universities. However, each university sets its own requirements, so check with your specific university about which DSH level they require.
Preparation
Many universities offer DSH preparation courses. It's recommended to take a preparation course before attempting the exam, as the format can be challenging.
telc (The European Language Certificates)
Overview
telc offers German language certificates at all CEFR levels (A1-C2). telc exams are widely recognized in Europe and are accepted by employers, universities, and immigration authorities.
Official Website: www.telc.net
Available Exams
telc offers various German exams including:
- telc Deutsch A1 - C2: General German language certificates
- telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege: For healthcare professionals
- telc Deutsch B2·C1 Medizin: For medical professionals
- telc Deutsch B2·C1 Beruf: For professional contexts
- telc Deutsch B2·C1 Hochschule: For university admission
Exam Format
telc exams test four skills:
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking (usually in pairs)
Recognition
telc certificates are recognized throughout Europe and are accepted by employers, universities, and immigration authorities in many countries. They are valid indefinitely.
Where to Take the Exam
telc exams are offered at authorized test centers worldwide. Check the telc website to find a test center near you.
ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom)
Overview
ÖSD is the Austrian German language certificate system. It's particularly useful for those planning to study, work, or live in Austria. ÖSD exams test standard German as well as Austrian German variants.
Official Website: www.osd.at
Available Levels
ÖSD offers exams at all CEFR levels:
- ÖSD Zertifikat A1 - C2: General German language certificates
- ÖSD Zertifikat B2: For university admission in Austria
- ÖSD Zertifikat C1: For university admission in Austria
Who Should Take ÖSD?
- Students planning to study at Austrian universities
- Professionals working in Austria
- Anyone needing Austrian German certification
- Those applying for Austrian citizenship
Exam Format
ÖSD exams test four skills:
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
Recognition
ÖSD certificates are recognized by Austrian universities, employers, and immigration authorities. They are also recognized in Germany and other German-speaking countries. Certificates are valid indefinitely.
Austrian German
ÖSD exams include Austrian German vocabulary and expressions, making them particularly suitable for those planning to live or work in Austria.