Internationally recognized exams that assess German language skills at levels A1 to C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Exam Details
- Owner/Creator
- Goethe-Institut
- Provider/Administrator
- Goethe-Institut and licensed partner centers
- Official Website(s)
- https://www.goethe.de/en/
- Exam Types
- • A1: Start Deutsch 1
• A2: Start Deutsch 2
• B1: Goethe-Zertifikat B1
• B2: Goethe-Zertifikat B2
• C1: Goethe-Zertifikat C1
• C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom - Structure
- • Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking (with examiner) - Format
- Paper-based or computer-based (varies by center and level)
• In-person spoken component - Results Time
- • 1 to 3 weeks, depending on level and test center
• Some CBTs return faster - Scoring System
- CEFR-based scores (A1 to C2); Pass/Fail thresholds vary by level
- Certificate Format
- • Printed certificate
• Shows CEFR level and section scores
• Issued by test center - Certificate Validity
- Indefinite, but institutions may require recent results (usually under 2 years)
- How to Verify Certificate
- https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/prf/gzz.html
- Certificate Authenticity Features
- Secure printing with serial numbers and center info
- Academic Use
- YES – required by German universities and some EU institutions
- Immigration Use
- YES – accepted for visas (e.g., family reunification), citizenship, and residence applications in Germany
- Available in Ukraine
- YES?
- Available in Gulf Countries
- YES – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain
- Can Be a Test Center
- YES
- Center Requirements
- https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/sta/koo/pfz/par.html
- Docs & Photos Needed
- • Layout of facilities
• Staff credentials
• Photos of rooms
• Security policy - Application Process
- Apply to regional Goethe-Institut office (or email?) with facility and staff documentation, then undergo approval and training
- Contact Info for Setup
- https://www.goethe.de/en/kon.html
- General Emails
- info@goethe.de - general
info-ukraine@goethe.de - Goethe-Institut Ukraine
info-dubai@goethe.de - Goethe-Institut Gulf Region Dubai
info-abudhabi@goethe.de - Abu Dhabi
info-muscat@goethe.de - Oman
info-riad@goethe.de - Saudi Arabia
language-gulfregion@goethe.de - for GULF countries
