German exams and levels
Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF — and which level you need.
10 minutes · A free lesson from Start here · Roman and Urdu pronunciation guides and English meanings are shown under each phrase
German is measured on the CEFR levels: A1 and A2 (beginner), B1 and B2 (independent), C1 and C2 (advanced). The most common exams are the Goethe-Zertifikat (A1–C2), telc Deutsch and ÖSD; for university study, TestDaF or the DSH.
| Goethe-Zertifikat | Say goetuhtsehrteefeekaat | گَتَتسےرتیفیکات | Means: Goethe Certificate (an exam) |
| telc Deutsch | Say tehlk doych | تےلک دوئچ | Means: telc German (an exam) |
Typical requirements — always check the official rules for your case:
- Family reunification visa for Germany: usually basic German, A1.
- Settlement and citizenship: usually B1.
- Many jobs: B1–B2; for healthcare professions often B2 (sometimes with a specialist language exam).
- University in German: usually C1 (for example TestDaF or DSH).
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which level does a family reunification visa for Germany usually ask for?
- B1
- A1
- C1
Show the answer
B: A1 — Basic German, A1, is usually enough. Always check the official rules for your case.
Quick check: Which level do settlement and citizenship usually ask for?
- A2
- C2
- B1
Show the answer
C: B1 — Settlement and citizenship usually ask for B1.
Quick check: Which exams are used for university study in German?
- TestDaF or the DSH
- The Goethe-Zertifikat A1
- A family visa test
Show the answer
A: TestDaF or the DSH — Universities usually ask for C1, shown with TestDaF or the DSH.
Quick check: Which levels does this course cover?
- B2 to C2
- Only A1
- A1 to B1
Show the answer
C: A1 to B1 — The course goes from your first words to B1, the level for settlement and many jobs.