Goethe-Zertifikat as stipulated offical German exam in HKDSE
From 2025
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA) announced new arrangements for Category C (Other Languages) subjects commencing from the 2025 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) onward.
HKDSE candidates who take Category C subjects will be required to take stipulated official language examinations, instead of the current examination of Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International) Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level.
The stipulated official language examination of German is the Goethe-Certificate, provided and issued by the Goethe-Institut*.
Goethe-Institut Hongkong is glad to see this arrangement update, which Goethe-Certificate is now the stipulated official language examination of German in HKDSE from 2025.
*The Goethe-Institut is the official cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany.
the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
The level of Goethe-Certificate and Reporting of Results are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Therefore, instead of taking the same exam paper for all candidates, candidates will have their designated examination according to their level of proficiency.
The level of proficiency starts the lowest with A1 (Beginner, 60-150 learning hours), A2 (Basic, 150-260 learning hours), B1 (Independent, 260-485 learning hours), B2 (Advanced, 450-600 learning hours), while the proficient learners at levels C1 and C2 require 600 learning hours or above.
Students who would like to take the German language as a Category C subject have to take the Goethe-Zertifikat examination in level A2 or above within the two years preceding the HKDSE they sit, i.e. for 2025 HKDSE candidates, the exam has to be taken in 2023 and/or 2024. The exam has 4 parts in total: listening, writing, speaking and reading.
Learn German with Goethe-Institut
German courses organised by Goethe-Institut Hongkong follow the framework of CEFR. Courses are designed for not only different CEFR levels but also different ages, including
The big PLUS: When you are learning German at the Goethe-Institut, you can profit from our reduced exam fees. Also, you can use our extensive German library for free, which holds many exam preparation books and materials.
And did you know? We also offer summer intensive courses in Hong Kong and in Germany!
Studying in Germany
The Goethe-Institut offers you linguistic, professional and intercultural preparation for studying in Germany. With the TestDaF certificate as well as with the corresponding examination certificates of the Goethe-Institut, you will receive an international language certificate required for studying in Germany. Click here explore more about studying in Germany and find FAQs.
If you have any further question, please do not hesitate to contact our language office:
14/F Hong Kong Arts Centre,
2 Harbour Road, Wanchai
