German language certificates at a glance: Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, DSH and DTZ
Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, DSH or DTZ: which German certificate do you need, and how do you pass the exam with confidence? Here you will find a dedicated guide to every recognised German exam covering structure, duration, pass mark and preparation tips. We advise you personally and free of charge on every certificate.
Goethe certificates A1 to C2
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany and runs its exams in more than 90 countries. Goethe certificates are the global benchmark for German as a foreign language and follow the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Goethe certificates are accepted by German embassies, immigration offices, universities and employers worldwide.
Goethe-Zertifikat A1
The Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is the world’s best-known proof of basic German.
Read the exam guide →A2Goethe-Zertifikat A2
The Goethe-Zertifikat A2 certifies basic German for simple everyday situations.
Read the exam guide →B1Goethe-Zertifikat B1
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is the most requested language certificate for life in Germany: it meets the language requirement for citizenship and permanent residence and is required for many vocational training programmes.
Read the exam guide →B2Goethe-Zertifikat B2
The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 proves advanced German and is the standard for skilled work in Germany.
Read the exam guide →C1Goethe-Zertifikat C1
The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 certifies German at a highly advanced level.
Read the exam guide →C2Goethe-Zertifikat C2
The Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) is the Goethe-Institut’s highest German exam.
Read the exam guide →telc German A1 to C2
telc (“The European Language Certificates”) is a non-profit exam provider based in Frankfurt am Main and a subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association. telc exams are held at thousands of licensed centres, mainly adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) and language schools. telc certificates are firmly established with German authorities, universities and employers, for example for citizenship, professional recognition and university admission.
telc Deutsch A1
telc Deutsch A1, also called Start Deutsch 1, confirms basic German.
Read the exam guide →A2telc Deutsch A2
telc Deutsch A2 (Start Deutsch 2) shows that you can communicate in German in familiar everyday situations.
Read the exam guide →B1telc Deutsch B1
telc Deutsch B1, also known as Zertifikat Deutsch, is one of the most frequently taken language certificates in Germany.
Read the exam guide →B2telc Deutsch B2
telc Deutsch B2 certifies advanced language competence for work and everyday life.
Read the exam guide →C1telc Deutsch C1
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule is, alongside TestDaF and DSH, one of the three major language certificates for university admission in Germany.
Read the exam guide →C2telc Deutsch C2
telc Deutsch C2 is the most demanding telc exam and confirms German at near-native level.
Read the exam guide →ÖSD certificates A1 to C2
The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is Austria’s state-approved exam system for German as a foreign and second language. ÖSD exams take into account standard German as used in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and every exam is assessed by two trained examiners. ÖSD certificates are recognised in Austria, Germany and Switzerland for residence, citizenship, study and work.
ÖSD Zertifikat A1
The ÖSD Zertifikat A1 (ZA1) confirms elementary German and is accepted for residence permits in Austria as well as for the spouse visa for Germany.
Read the exam guide →A2ÖSD Zertifikat A2
The ÖSD Zertifikat A2 (ZA2) proves basic German for everyday life and work.
Read the exam guide →B1ÖSD Zertifikat B1
The ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) is identical in content to the Goethe-Zertifikat B1; both institutes developed the exam together with the University of Fribourg (Switzerland).
Read the exam guide →B2ÖSD Zertifikat B2
The ÖSD Zertifikat B2 (ZB2) proves independent, advanced use of German.
Read the exam guide →C1ÖSD Zertifikat C1
The ÖSD Zertifikat C1 (ZC1) is the standard language proof for university admission in Austria and is also accepted by universities in Germany and Switzerland.
Read the exam guide →C2ÖSD Zertifikat C2
The ÖSD Zertifikat C2 (ZC2) is the highest exam of the Austrian German Language Diploma.
Read the exam guide →German exams for university: TestDaF and DSH
If you want to study in Germany, you normally need language proof at level C1. The three common routes are TestDaF, DSH and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule; many universities also accept the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2 and the ÖSD Zertifikat C1. The DAAD provides information on individual universities’ requirements.
TestDaF
TestDaF is the central language exam for anyone who wants to study in Germany.
Read the exam guide →B2–C2DSH
The DSH is the German universities’ own language exam for international applicants.
Read the exam guide →C1telc Deutsch C1
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule is, alongside TestDaF and DSH, one of the three major language certificates for university admission in Germany.
Read the exam guide →Integration and citizenship: the DTZ
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) is the final exam of the integration course and is run on behalf of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). It is the only exam that measures two levels, A2 and B1, in a single test. Alternatively, the B1 certificates from Goethe, telc and ÖSD also meet the language requirement for citizenship. Official information on the integration course is available from the BAMF.
DTZ
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) is the final test of the integration course in Germany.
Read the exam guide →B1Goethe-Zertifikat B1
The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is the most requested language certificate for life in Germany: it meets the language requirement for citizenship and permanent residence and is required for many vocational training programmes.
Read the exam guide →B1telc Deutsch B1
telc Deutsch B1, also known as Zertifikat Deutsch, is one of the most frequently taken language certificates in Germany.
Read the exam guide →Goethe, telc or ÖSD: what is the difference?
All three providers test according to the Common European Framework, and their certificates are equivalent at the same level. The differences lie in the exam format, the availability of dates and where the certificates are best known.
| Goethe | telc | ÖSD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organisation | Cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany | Non-profit subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association | Austria’s state-approved exam system |
| Availability | Worldwide in over 90 countries | Very dense network in Germany, also abroad | Austria, Germany and many other countries |
| B1 format | 4 separate modules | One complete exam with language elements | 4 separate modules (identical to Goethe) |
| Most in demand for | Visas from abroad, international applications | Citizenship, work, university admission (C1 Hochschule) | Residence, study and work in Austria |
Levels A1 to C2 at a glance
| Level | Typical purpose | Study time (45-min units) | Certificates |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 – Beginner | Spouse (family reunion) visa for Germany | 80–200 | Goethe · telc · ÖSD |
| A2 – Elementary | Recognition partnership and other routes to professional recognition in Germany | 200–350 | Goethe · telc · ÖSD |
| B1 – Intermediate | German citizenship (naturalisation) | 350–650 | Goethe · telc · ÖSD |
| B2 – Upper intermediate | Professional recognition in nursing and many healthcare professions | 600–800 | Goethe · telc · ÖSD |
| C1 – Advanced | University admission in Germany and Austria | 800–1.000 | Goethe · telc · ÖSD |
| C2 – Mastery | Unrestricted language proof for any degree programme | 1.000+ | Goethe · telc · ÖSD |
How we support you
Sprachzertifikat Akademie supports you from your first question to a passed certificate: with online courses for every level, mock exams in exam format, one-to-one lessons with qualified teachers, help with exam registration and visa application assistance.
Frequently asked questions about German certificates
Which German certificate is the best?
The “best” certificate is the one your target institution accepts and that you can take soon. Goethe, telc and ÖSD are equivalent at the same level. For university, TestDaF, DSH and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule are usual; for citizenship, a B1 certificate or the DTZ.
Which level do I need for a visa?
It depends on the visa: usually A1 for a spouse visa, mostly B1 for vocational training, B1 to B2 for many skilled workers and mostly C1 for university. The requirements of the responsible German mission abroad are binding.
Can I take the exam online from home?
The recognised exams are taken at exam centres, even where they are done digitally on a computer there. Preparation can be completed entirely online.
Can you buy a German certificate?
No. Genuine certificates are issued only by the exam provider after you pass the exam. Purchased “certificates without an exam” are forgeries, are detected when verified and have criminal and immigration consequences.
How quickly can I get a certificate?
If you already have the level, many exam centres offer dates within a few weeks; the result usually follows a few weeks later. We help you plan the fastest realistic route.
Ask for advice: German certificates
Tell us briefly what you need the certificate for and by when. Within 24 hours you receive a personal reply: which level you need, how long preparation takes and where you can sit the exam. The first consultation is free and without obligation.
Or call us: +49 176 35398433