German certificates: telc, Goethe, ÖSD, TestDaF, DSH or Gast DTZ Which certificate for German as a foreign language helps with which goals?
What language certificates are there that I can use to officially prove my knowledge of German? Which ones do I need for what? Where can I take the tests? These are important and frequently asked questions from people who come from abroad and want to study at a German university, work in Germany or apply for German citizenship. Are you one of them?
To provide clarity, we present the most important German certificates and diplomas. In an overview here and on more detailed pages, we explain all the important questions about the individual German language certificates.
The most important German certificates and diplomas at a glance:
Info:
What most exams have in common is that they are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Almost all German certificates can be assigned to levels A1 to C2.
Of course, we will also show you how you can best prepare for the exams.
At the DeutschAkademie, for example, you can learn German at all levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 - and also take part in extra exam preparation courses. Preparation for certificates at levels B1, B2 and C1 are the most popular. We will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have if you would like or need to provide official proof of your German language skills.
Unsure which course is suitable?
Filter for the right German course!
Telc Zertifikat Deutsch
The Telc GmbH language tests are open to everyone. Telc certificates are available for all levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The selection is large. You can also filter by specific professions and sectors. The Telc examinations are subject to a fee and can be taken at selected examination centres.
They test the areas of listening, reading, speaking and writing - for work, training and study as well as for residence permits and naturalisation in Germany. Internationally, Telc certificates are highly recognised by companies, government agencies, schools and universities.
More information about the telc certificate and how to prepare for it
Goethe-Zertifikate
The Goethe-Institut offers a wide range of certificates. For example, there are special certificates for young people or for professional purposes. Goethe certificates are available for all levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The examinations are subject to a fee and can only be taken at Goethe-Instituts. To obtain a Goethe certificate, the corresponding German exam must be taken.
The areas of listening, reading, speaking and writing are tested. They are internationally recognised as proof of language skills, whether at universities or in the workplace.
ÖSD-Zertifikat
The Austrian German Language Diploma ÖSD offers the same qualification as the Goethe-Zertifikat and is widely recognised internationally. The certificates are available for all levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. There are also special courses for young people and a certificate in Business German at level C2.
The examinations can be taken at the examination centres of the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch association. There are more than 400 examination centres in around 50 countries worldwide. The certificates are regarded as proof of German language skills for employment, educational institutions or naturalisation procedures.
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH
The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH is aimed at foreign applicants who have not completed their Abitur at a German school. They use it to prove that they can follow lectures and seminars and read academic texts with ease. The DSH exam is often a prerequisite for studying at a German university. Level DSH-2 is required for most degree programmes.
After the test, a corresponding DSH level is assigned to the percentage achieved. The examination for the DSH certificate is not standardised. It is subject to a fee and is conducted by the universities themselves or by authorised private institutions according to their own criteria. This can also mean that the DSH certificate from one university is not valid at another.
TestDaF: Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache
The Deutsch als Fremdsprache TestDaF test is primarily aimed at students who have not completed their Abitur in Germany, but who wish to study at a German university or continue a degree programme they started in their home country.
The certificates are available for levels B2, C1 and C2. The examination is standardised throughout Germany. It is analysed centrally by the TestDaF Institute. The four parts of the exam are each assigned to a TestDaF level, which can also be assigned to the CEFR levels.
The exam is subject to a fee and can be taken at selected test centres. There are official test centres in over 96 countries worldwide. TestDaF is officially recognised in the language entrance examination for German universities.
Gast DTZ - Prerequisite for the integration course certificate
With the g.a.s.t. Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), immigrants prove that they have reached language level B1. In addition to the version for adults, there is also a version for young people, which is used in the youth integration course.
The test is a prerequisite for obtaining the ‘Integration Course Certificate’, which facilitates naturalisation in Germany, among other things. The DTZ consists of a written and an oral examination. The test is carried out in all German federal states according to uniform standards and is analysed centrally. Integration course providers authorised by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) serve as test centres.
Do you already know which certificate you would like to prepare for? To make it easier for you: It can be useful to attend a special language course to prepare.
Why take an exam preparation course at the DeutschAkademie?
- Over 20 years of experience in German courses from A1 to C2
- You will be optimally prepared for language examinations:
- All exam-relevant areas are trained: reading, writing, speaking, listening
- Additional exercises, tried and tested learning materials, exam simulations and model tests - Money-back guarantee
- Fair price: only 99 euros
- Online course: You can take part from anywhere.
- The course takes place on Fridays. This means it can be easily combined with the intensive and semi-intensive courses (Monday to Thursday).
