Further Information

The individual modules

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 exam comprises reading, listening, writing and speaking sections (the speaking section is completed in pairs).

The exam is offered at selected centres in digital format or on paper. Consistent standards are used worldwide for administration and evaluation.

Reading

You will be asked to read a number of different texts, such as forum posts, newspaper and magazine articles, commentaries and instructions. You will be required to summarise key information and important details, as well as viewpoints, opinions and rules.

Duration: 65 minutes

Writing

You will be asked to express and justify your opinion on a current social theme in a forum post. You will also write a formal message in a professional context.

Duration: 75 minutes

Listening

You will be asked to listen to interviews, presentations, conversations and everyday remarks, as well as radio broadcasts. You will be required to summarise the main points and key details.

Duration: approx. 40 minutes

Speaking

You will be asked to deliver a short presentation on a specified theme and discuss it with your conversation partner. You will also be required to exchange arguments with the other person.

Duration: 15 minutes

Requirements

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a German exam for adults.

The Goethe-Institut exams are available to all interested parties. Candidates may take the exam without being required to reach a minimum age or hold German nationality.

A minimum age of 16 years is recommended to take the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 exam.
To sit the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 exam, candidates must have German language skills corresponding to the C1 level of competence of the Common European Framwork of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
To reach this level, candidates need to have completed between 800 and 1,000 45-minute units of teaching, depending on their previous knowledge and learning requirements.