Frequently asked questions

The Goethe-Institute examinations are available to all interested parties and can be taken regardless of nationality. They are designed to test your competencies in German as a foreign language, or as a second language.

A minimum age is requirement is normally taken into consideration for one to be allowed to sit for a particular examination.

Certificates that merely attest to participation in a language course, a placement test etc. do not suffice in proving your language competency.

​​​​​​​Only a certificate issued, after one has passed an examination - Goethe-Zertifikat A1 to C2 or the Kleines or Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom - is recognized worldwide as proof of the corresponding knowledge of German as a foreign language.

The Goethe-examinations- Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom, Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom and Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom are recognized as linguistic proof for one to be allowed to study at a higher learning institution (university) in Germany and exempt one from having to provide proof of a Test DaF examination or another university-related examination (DSH).

For information on language requirements for the university of your choice, for the course of study or the subject of study, please contact the respective universities or do some research on www.sprachnachweis.de.

Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit 1
One passes the exam, if at least 30 points (50 percent of the maximum score) has been attained and all the exam sections have been taken.

Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1
One passes the exam, if at least (60 percent of the maximum score) has been attained and all the exam sections have been taken.

Goethe-Zertifikat B1
A module is passed when at least 60 points or 60 percent has been attained.

The whole examination can be repeated as often as desired. The details on repeating modules or sections of the examination are found in the Durchführungsbestimmungen of the respective examinations.

Learning is an individual process. How much time you need to reach a particular level depends on various factors including personal engagement, time invested in the learning process and how one makes use of additional practice materials.

In most cases, it will be quicker for you to learn German. If you have already learnt one or more languages, it matters a lot whether you attend a language course in your home country or in Germany-where you can interact with the language outside of the classroom setting.

​​​​​​​The intensity of the lessons also plays a critical role in the learning process (i.e. if one takes part an intensive course, evening lessons etc.). Please contact the examination center of your choice for personal advice.

Participation in the examination is tied neither to attendance of a preparatory course, nor to the acquisition of a certificate at a lower level.

​​​​​​​However, we recommend that you take part in a preparatory course at the examination center. During the course, you will acquire the necessary language- and exam specific skills needed to make it as easy as possible for you to sit for the examinations.

In principle, no duplicate will be issued.

​​​​​​​However, if the exam was undertaken not more than ten years ago, the exam center where you took the exam can issue a replacement certificate at a fee.

The Goethe-Institute certificates (A1 to C2) are valid indefinitely.

​​​​​​​For information on the language requirements for the university of your choice or employer, please contact the respective universities (prospective employer), embassies, etc.