German Exams

About us

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach.

We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive image of Germany by providing information about cultural, social and political life in our nation. Our cultural and educational programs encourage intercultural dialogue and enable cultural involvement. They strengthen the development of structures in civil society and foster worldwide mobility.
 

German exams offered by the Goethe-Institut

At all levels you also have the option of taking one of our examinations, which are recognized around  the world. Usually we offer the examination twice a year: January/February and June/July.

The German exams offered by the Goethe-Institut correspond to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and range from level A1 for beginners to C2 for the most advanced language learners.

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 clearlyand is willing to help.

Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 Young people (<16)
Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 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.

Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Fit in Deutsch 2 Young people
Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Start Deutsch 2 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.

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.

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.

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.

Goethe-Test PRO

Goethe-Test PRO: Deutsch für den Beruf exam is suitable for anyone looking for a job on the international labour market. Goethe-Test PRO candidates’ job-related language skills in 60 to 90 minutes.

Examination fees