You need to show your German language proficiency to your employer, you are looking for a job in a German-speaking country or you wish to enter a University in Germany, Austria or Switzerland ? Then you must start your preparation for the Goethe-Zertifikat exam.
What are the language levels of a Goethe-Zertifikat ?
First of all, Goethe-Zertifikat is a diploma well-known and admitted in the entire world. However, it will especially be useful in Germany. This certificate is valid all your life. You can validate your German language skill from A1 to C2.
A1 would be a good start if you plan to apply for a visa on family purpose.
A2 makes sure that you achieved the beginner level and are ready for intermediate German learning.
B1 is necessary to live and work in Germany. B1 will also be requested to attend a preparatory course in order to enter University in Germany.
B2 validates an advanced level of German abilities and would be a better way of getting a job or starting your higher education in Germany.
C1 show your very advanced German skills and is an introduction to C2 level, which is the highest on the CEFR.
C2 also gives you the Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS), so that you can conduct research and teach German at school in Germany.
Who can take the Goethe-Zertifikat exam ?
Firstly, Goethe-Zertifikat can be taken by students aged 12 to 16 in secondary school or high school for level A1-A2-B1-B2.
Additionally, everyone older than 16 years old can also take the Goethe-Zertifikat for level C1 and C2.
Finally, adults can take the Goethe-Zertifikat exam for all levels of CEFR : A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2.
How to prepare for the Goethe-Zertifikat exam ?
Obviously, the German teacher at French courses Aurélia can prepare you to the Goethe-Zertifikat exam with one-on-one online courses and specific exercises so that you are ready to pass this proficiency test of German language. The day of the exam, you will have to perform oral understanding (45 minutes), written understanding (65 minutes), oral production (15 minutes) and written production (60 minutes). That’s why we will basically work on real exam subjects from the previous years.
Where to take the Goethe-Zertifikat exam ?
After your preparation for the Goethe-Zertifikat, you can take the exam of your level from A1 to C2 in any exam center worldwide. Goethe-Zertifikat is also known as ÖSD-Zertifikat which is the same exam as they were developed jointly.
How much does it cost to take the exam ?
On the whole, the rates depend on your level but also on the city and exam center where you will take your test. Concerning the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 to B2, the rates span from about 145 euros to 289 euros. Concerning the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2, the approximate price to expect is about 350 euros.
What are the differences with ÖSD exams ?
If the ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) provides German learners with the ÖSD-Zertifikat similar to the Goethe-Zertifikat, it also offers a specific test called ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 towards immigrants to Austria aged 16 and above. This ÖSD Zertifikat Deutsch Österreich B1 focus on communicative competence encountered in daily life in Austria.
Additionally, ÖSD Zertifikat B2 / Pflege und medizinische Berufe (ZB2 / PMB) is designed for adults above 16 intending to work in nursing or medical professions. The written and oral exam content are based on typical professional situations in nursing and elderly care, and in hospitals in the German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, South Tyrol).
ÖSD exams can be taken in Austria or in one of the 200 centres worldwide.
What are the differences with TestDaF ?
The TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is specially designed for advanced German speakers as it certifies levels B2-C1 and allows you to enter University or academic professions in Germany.
The TestDaF can be taken in one of the 500 centers spread over 100 countries.
What are the differences with the TELC exam ?
TELC (The European Language Certificate) exam is a member of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and therefore is recognized as a German language proficiency test admitted by immigration services for residence permits as well as visa procedures. TELC focuses on daily life vocabulary and communication skills more than academic documents.
The TELC Deutsch C1 Hochschule is also a valid certificate to enter University in Germany.