Updated: 2020-08-14 | Duration: 5:00 min.
How you can prove your German level with TestDaF, Goethe or alternative certificates to get admitted to a degree program in Germany
- Which German language certificates are recognized?
- How well do I need to speak German?
- Why do I need the Goethe-Zertifikat on a C2 level?
- Which German language certificate to choose
- Can I hand in my certificate after the deadline?
Browse
2517 Study programs
Search by Subject
Search by Program Name
Search by University
Search by City
To study in Germany, you need to prove that you speak English or German well enough to study in that language. This proof needs to be delivered by handing in an official language certificate unless you are a native speaker or have graduated from an English or German-speaking program. Of course, getting to this point requires hard work. But do not worry: Universities will not expect you to speak anywhere near as perfectly as a native speaker.
More than 245,000 international students are currently enrolled at German universities, most of them come from non-English and non-German speaking countries. Therefore, universities are prepared to have second-language speakers in the classroom.
Even some of your professors will speak with accents, especially if you study in an English-taught international program. So as soon as you reach the required level, do not be afraid that you do not speak enough English or German. You will have to invest some time and effort, but the language level required from you is fair and reachable. Even if you have never been to an English or German-speaking country and feel like you are not as much of an expert as you would like to be – YET!
Which German language certificates are recognized in Germany?
The following five German language tests and certificates must be recognized by all German universities:
- TestDaF(TDN 3, 4 or 5) (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache),
- DSH II or III (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang),
- Goethe-Zertifikat C2,
- telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (The European Language Certificate),
- DSD II (Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe II),
In a Resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) in Germany, all five of them were defined as equally valid when it comes to applying to German universities. So as long as you hold one of these certificates, you are good. The university of your choice will accept your certificate as valid proof of your language skills.
Each program can decide on a level of German skills independently. Therefore, the minimum results in each language test required from you vary from university to university.
How well do I need to speak German to study in Germany?
The German law clearly defines which German language certificates a student may hand in. However, the universities and each program can make independent decisions when it comes to setting the requirements for the German language level. That is why it is important that you check with the program of your choice to learn precisely which proficiency level they expect from you.
As a rule of thumb, German universities require you to present a proof of upper intermediate to advanced German language skills (level B2/C1) to study in German.
To let applicants know how well they should speak German, many German universities use the terms defined by the Council of Europe in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). On this scale, there are 6 levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2):
- A1 is the lowest level and designates that the student is a beginner.
- C2 is the highest level one can gain.
Upper intermediate language skills correspond with level B2, and advanced language skills correspond to level C1.
Why do I need the Goethe-Zertifikat on a C2 level?
You may have noticed that in order to be sure that a Goethe-Zertifikat will be recognized, you need to pass Goethe-Zertifikat C2. This is the highest level possible and may, therefore, be harder to obtain than other certificates. The reason for this is simple: All the other language exams were specifically created for people looking to study in Germany. The Goethe-Zertifikat, on the other hand, is a more general test, and therefore treated differently.
I do not have a German language certificate yet. Which one should I choose?
Which certificate is the best one for you depends on your own circumstances and situation. If you are preparing for your studies in Germany from abroad and looking to obtain your language certificate from anywhere in the world, the TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C2 or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule may be your best options:
German language tests offered abroad AND in Germany
Goethe-Zertifikat C2
+
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
+
* A university/program may decide to not accept certificates older than 2 years.
If you are looking to get your language certificate in Germany, the DSH is a great option. This test is offered at German universities and has got a non-standardized test format, meaning that the university’s teachers create and conduct the test. We find the DSH to be the best option. Not only is it affordable, but due to its non-standardized form, we find it to be a bit easier to pass, as well.
DSH is a German language test offered ONLY in Germany
DSH
+
What about DSD II?
The fifth of the officially recognized German language certificates is a special case because it is only offered to pupils enrolled at one of 1,100 secondary schools which offer the DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), the so-called DSD-Schools. For students who are enrolled at one of these schools taking part in this test is a great option to get a German language certificate: After taking part in their secondary school’s German classes for some years, they are well prepared to take the DSD exam. And the best thing is that these exams are free of charge. If you are not enrolled in a secondary school offering the DSD, you cannot obtain this certificate.
Pupils who graduated from one of the officially accredited German high schools abroad with the German International Abitur, known as the Deutsche Internationale Abiturprüfung in German (or DIA for short) can also take a shortcut around obtaining a language certificate: The German International Abitur is considered equivalent to one of the language certificates.
Note that when it comes to getting into the program of your choice, all five tests are equally as valid and recognized. Also, as these tests (except for the DSH) are standardized, they are equally as hard or easy to pass, no matter where you take it. The examiners and graders have been trained by the respective institutions and can, therefore, ensure fair judgment across all test centers and countries.
Can I hand in my language certificate after the application deadline?
A first general answer is: Usually not. Your language certificate is part of your application and must, therefore, be handed in before the application deadline.
However, some universities grant applicants the option to apply with a placeholder, for example, a language certificate on a lower level, and hand in the actually required language certificate later. The applicant can be admitted under the condition that they will provide a language certificate at a high enough level when they enroll.
Keep in mind that if you have to apply for a visa, you will also have to hand in a proof of language proficiency or of your intention to take a language course to show that you are an eligible and serious candidate and can obtain the visa. Time management is therefore crucial.
If you need help in planning and organizing your next steps and if you want to make sure to get everything done in a timely fashion, subscribe to our app.
Summary Box
German Language requirements at German universities:
To study in German international students have to prove their language proficiency at an upper intermediate to advanced level (B2/C1):
- by presenting a TestDaF, DSH 2, Goethe-Zertifikat C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or DSD II certificate,
- by showing they got their German International Abitur from one of theaccredited German schools abroad.
All German universities have to accept these German language certificates.
Further Reading
English Language Requirements to Study in Germany
→ Read article
Advice Box
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT - Keep in mind:
You don’t have to be a native speaker to do well in your studies in Germany, but you do have to pass one of the language examination tests. We recommend you check out the practice material before. A lot of it is available online for free. If you take some time before your language test date you will have gotten accustomed to the type of questions you can expect and maybe even certain tricky grammatical phenomena that are repeatedly asked for.
More Articles
FAQs
What level of German is required to study in Germany? ›
Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Do I need B2 German to study in Germany? ›As a rule of thumb, German universities require you to present a proof of upper intermediate to advanced German language skills (level B2/C1) to study in German.
Is German language required to study in Germany? ›As a result, you do not need to know German to study in Germany. From agribusiness or digital media to social sciences, you will find details of over 160 mainly English-language Bachelor courses and some 1,100 international Master programmes in the DAAD database of International Programmes in Germany.
What level of German is required to study in Germany for free? ›To participate in a Bachelor study programme in Germany taught in German language, you must attest that you've skills in such language of minimum C1 level of CEFR or DSH II.
Is B2 German enough? ›B2 is the first level that means that you can speak really fluent and understand 80% of the situations that you find yourself in repeatedly.
Is B1 German enough? ›B1 German speakers have no problem understanding the main points of a conversation when clear standard German is used, especially when the topic is something familiar like school or work. If you reach this level, you can rest assured that you can handle most of the travel situations you will face if you go to Germany.
How long does it take to get from B1 to B2 German? ›| Assess your current level & test your German online! | Intensive course (20 lessons/week) | |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | beginner | 8 weeks |
| A2 | elementary | 8 weeks |
| B1 | intermediate | 8 weeks |
| B2 | upper intermediate | 10 weeks* |
B2 also takes around 3 months if you spend around 8 hours a week. P.S.: There are some people who are good at learning languages and remembering stuff who finished it all in 3-4 months.
How long is German B2 valid? ›Does the certificate/my exam expire? Goethe-Zertifikats A1 through C2 do not expire. Many institutions and employers, however, expect the certificate to be dated not more than two years ago.
How long does it take to get to C1 German? ›Anyone who has a fairly high level of language skill goal, such as B2 or C1 as a level, should schedule at least nine to 12 months of daily intensive German courses or a visit to the nearest Studienkolleg (when in Germany) when starting with zero knowledge.
What is B2 German level? ›
The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is a German exam for young people and adults. It certifies that candidates have acquired advanced language skills and corresponds to the fourth level (B2) of the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
How do I get my German A1 certificate? ›...
All exams seek to assess the knowledge of applicants in four aspects:
- Listen ( Hören ).
- Read ( Lesen ).
- Write ( Schreiben ).
- Talk ( Sprechen ).
Germany is extremely popular among international students even if German is not that easy to learn. That's because even if you don't speak any German you can still go for a Bachelor's here thanks to the numerous English-taught Bachelor's.
Can I get student visa to Germany without German language? ›Language requirements for studying in Germany
If you apply to a long-term visa, you need to have at least basic German skills, so you will be required to provide the results for one of the following tests (the results should not be older than 4 years): A1 certificate from the Goethe Institute.
German language requirements for a student visa
There are broadly two categories in this. If your degree programme is conducted in German, you must submit a certificate of German language proficiency at least at B1 level, which you have received from a recognised institute, for your visa application.
As you can see, rapid learning is undoubtedly doable even if you want to learn German from scratch to a B2 level in 5 months or faster. I have done it with dozens of students using the outlined strategy, and results are always great.
How many hours is A1 German? ›A1 (Survival German): 60 – 150 hours. A2 (Basic German): 150 – 260 hours. B1 (Conversational German): 260 – 490 hours. B2 (High Intermediate German): 450 – 600 hours.
How much is B2 German exam? ›| EXAMS FOR ADULTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Examination fees | Module price | |
| Goethe-Zertifikat B1 | € 255 | € 99 |
| Goethe-Zertifikat B2 | € 285 | € 109 |
| TestDaF | € 195 | / |
B1 is one of the central requirements for non-EU-citizens to start working in Germany directly. With B1 you also may apply for an apprenticeship in order to learn a German profession in Germany.
How much does the B1 German test cost? ›| Exam | Price |
|---|---|
| A1/Start Deutsch | $100 |
| B1/ZD neu | $130 |
| B2 | $150 |
| C1 | $180 |
Can I learn German B1 in 3 months? ›
In all, that comes to about 200 hours total, meaning that to reach a B1 level in German in 3 months, you should study the language for about ~2 hours and 10 minutes each day. It's a high goal, but if you have sufficient motivation, you can definitely reach it.
How can I learn German fast? ›- Know Your Goal - And Plan How to Get There. ...
- Study Daily. ...
- Prioritize Key Words. ...
- Start Talking from the Beginning. ...
- Study Vocabulary Daily. ...
- Use Free Apps and Tools. ...
- Develop Activities That Target Your Learning Styles and Schedules. ...
- Treat Mistakes Like Free Lessons.
To pass the Deutsch Zertifikat B1 exam you must have achieved 60% of the maximum points in both the written and oral tests. This equates to 135 points in the written and 45 points in the oral test.
How hard is B2 German test? ›It is not at all difficult to pursue B2 level with graduation. I finished my C2 when I was in my second year of graduation. I used to take breaks for the courses only during my exam months and did not take admission during those times. How long will it take me to learn German from A1 to B2 ?
What is the pass mark for German B2 exam? ›In order to pass the examination, 60% of the possible maximum number of points must be achieved in both the written and the oral examination, i.e. at least 135 points in the written and 45 Points in the oral examination.
How many German words do you need to know for B2? ›Reaching B2 is generally considered by most people as having basic fluency. You'll have a working vocabulary of around 4000 words.
How difficult is A1 German? ›German A1 exam pattern is quite simple. As it's a language, there are 4 modules- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is 60 points exam and you have to score 36 points (60%) to pass the exam.
What is the salary after German B2 level? ›3,50,000 - 5,00,000 PA.
Which German exam is easy? ›Of the three different levels DSH-1, DSH-2 and DSH-3, the former is the easiest.
What is the passing score for Goethe b1 exam? ›A maximum of 100 points = 100% can be attained in each module. A module is deemed to have been passed if at least 60 points or 60% are attained.
Is A2 German enough? ›
A proof of German language proficiency at level A2 is needed when applying for admission to a degree programme instructed in German. You can only attend a German course in the University Preparation Programme of the Vienna Universities if you already have a proof of German language proficiency at level A2.
Is B2 German advanced or intermediate? ›These levels are classified as A1 for beginners, A2 for elementary, B1 for intermediate, B2 for upper intermediate, C1 as advanced, and C2 as mastery.
Is B2 German intermediate? ›B2 - Intermediate I/Upper Intermediate. Participants have acquired the main outline of the German language and practice reading, writing, and speaking, as well as debate over complex themes. The intermediate I level is strongly centered on the repetition of grammar which was learned in the beginner levels.
What level is B2 German? ›The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is a German exam for young people and adults. It certifies that candidates have acquired advanced language skills and corresponds to the fourth level (B2) of the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Can I learn A2 German in a month? ›German has different levels from A1 to C2. Basic A1 to A2 – Attending an Intensive course takes A1 in around 60 hours and A2 in 120 hours. Intermediate B1 to B2 – B1 takes 200 hours and B2 takes approximately 300 hours.
How difficult is German A2 exam? ›German A2 exam pattern is quite simple. As it's a language, there are 4 modules- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is a 60 points exam and you have to score a minimum 36 points (60%) to pass the exam.
Can I get a job with A2 German? ›If you are an EU citizen with German A2 skills you can directly work in several jobs.
Can I reach B2 German in 3 months? ›B2 also takes around 3 months if you spend around 8 hours a week. P.S.: There are some people who are good at learning languages and remembering stuff who finished it all in 3-4 months. It all depends on how easy this comes to you and how much time you're spending on it.
How long will it take to learn B2 level German? ›| Assess your current level & test your German online! | Intensive course (20 lessons/week) | |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | beginner | 8 weeks |
| A2 | elementary | 8 weeks |
| B1 | intermediate | 8 weeks |
| B2 | upper intermediate | 10 weeks* |
I have taught many students throughout the years. Even though most of them learn relatively fast and achieve B1/B2 level in about 12 months, just a few of them get to B2 level in 4-8 months.
Can I learn German in 3 months? ›
You need more than 3 months to be fluent. But even with such a short time, if you adjust your strategy, you can actually learn German and get really close to being fluent. And I don't mean being able to say, 'I'm doing fine' in German as fast as a native speaker or being able to combine words you learned on Duolingo.
How many hours is B1 German? ›The German B1 level, also known as the intermediate level, It will take you at least 80 hours per week (a total of 4 weeks) to finish your German B1. According to Goeth Institut, you'll take at least 350 and 650 45-minute units of teaching depending on what you have retained from your previous A1 to A2 level.
Can I learn German B2 in 6 months? ›And you can achieve B2 in 6 months time if you do all the homework, if you do at least 2 hours weekly with a Tutor . Can I finish A2, B1 and B2 German each in about 1 month? No. Don't believe anyone who says so, they either have romanticized ideas or something to gain.