German Language

German Language – Goethe Zertifikat 

The Goethe-Zertifikat is a German language exam with six levels from beginners to advanced. Passing the Goethe-Zertifikat can have real, concrete rewards for your life and your career.

What Does Each Goethe-Zertifikat Level Cover?

The Goethe-Zertifikat proficiency levels are outlined as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It consists of 6 levels:

• A1 and A2 (beginner),
• B1 and B2 (intermediate) and
• C1 and C2 (advanced).

The difficulty increases quite rapidly as you proceed.

• Level A1: Beginner’s Level

This is your first step towards mastering the German language! After completing this level, you will be able to speak and understand a few basic phrases. You will be able to introduce yourself and others, ask questions about personal details, and interact in a very simple way. You can understand German, provided the person communicating is speaking slowly and clearly, and is prepared to help you out.

• Level A2: Basic German Knowledge

Once this level is completed, you can understand and speak in simple sentences about topics such as your background, immediate surroundings, and basic needs. You can communicate simple and routine tasks, understand basic information related to family, shopping, local geography and employment in simple terms.

• Level A2: Basic German Knowledge

Once you have completed this level, you will be able to understand and use clear standard language in a variety of situations, such as at work, school and leisure. You will also have a wide vocabulary and be able to handle situations that are likely to arise when travelling to a German speaking country.

You can now share your thoughts and ideas in an easy way. You can also produce simple text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest, and you can describe your experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions.

• Level B2: Intermediate

You’re now able to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. You can understand and respond to complex texts and discussions in your field of specialization. Your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills have progressed to the point that regular interaction with native speakers will be possible without any difficulties for you or them!

• Level C1: Upper Intermediate

After the completion of this level, you will be able to understand texts of any length, recognise implicit meanings, and express yourself fluently without much difficulty. You have enough knowledge to successfully take on any social, academic, or professional task.

• Level C2: Advanced

When you reach this level, you can easily understand virtually everything and you can summarize information from different sources. You can express yourself fluently and precisely, and differentiate more complicated parts of speech with ease.

Where and How to Take the Test

The Goethe-Institut offers these exams at their centres around the world. You can see a list of the available centres and dates on the official Goethe-Institut website. The dates and prices in local currency vary from test centre to test centre.