A1-C2 Checked October 2026
German Language Exams Explained: Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, DSH and DTZ
Whether you need German for a visa, a university place, a job or citizenship, sooner or later someone will ask for a certificate. But which German language exam should you take? Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, DSH and DTZ all test German, yet they’re built for different goals. This guide explains each one in plain English, helps you pick the right exam for your situation, and gives you a preparation plan.
Start readingThe full A1–C2 guideQuick answer
For most visa, job and residence purposes, a Goethe-Zertifikat, telc Deutsch or ÖSD certificate at the required level (often A1 for a spouse visa, B1 for citizenship) is accepted. For studying a German-taught degree, universities usually want TestDaF (TDN 4 in all parts) or DSH-2. The DTZ is the final test of German integration courses. Always confirm what your specific authority or university accepts.
Rules change
Requirements, formats and fees are set by governments, universities and exam providers and can change. We check this page regularly, but always confirm on the official website before you register.
In this guide
Why German certificates matter
A certificate turns “I speak some German” into proof that authorities, universities and employers trust. All the major exams are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 to C2, so a B1 from one recognized provider generally means the same as a B1 from another. What differs is the format, where you can take it, and which institutions specifically ask for it. Not sure what the levels mean? See our CEFR levels overview.
Which exam do you need?
For a visa
- Family reunification (spouse visa): usually basic German at A1, proven with a certificate such as Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, telc Deutsch A1 or ÖSD A1. Some nationalities and situations are exempt.
- Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): under the points system you generally need German at A1 or English at B2. Higher German levels earn extra points (A2, B1 and B2 each add more), according to German missions abroad.
- Work visas and the EU Blue Card: often no German is legally required, but employers may require it, and German speeds up permanent residence.
For university
German-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs typically require C1-level proof: TestDaF with TDN 4 in all four parts, DSH-2, or equivalents such as Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule. Some programs accept lower levels for preparatory courses. Check each university’s admissions page.
For jobs
Many employers ask for B1 or B2. Healthcare is stricter: nurses usually need B1 or B2 depending on the federal state, and doctors usually need B2 plus a specialist language exam (Fachsprachprüfung) at about C1. telc offers profession-specific exams such as telc Deutsch B1-B2 Pflege.
For residence and citizenship
Permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) generally requires B1, and B1 is the standard language requirement for German citizenship. The DTZ, a telc B1 or a Goethe B1 certificate are commonly used. Confirm the details with your local immigration or naturalization office.
Exam comparison table
| Exam | Provider | Levels | Best for | Format notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat | Goethe-Institut | A1-C2 | Visas, jobs, general proof worldwide | Modular from B1 (retake single modules) |
| telc Deutsch | telc gGmbH | A1-C1 | Jobs, residence, citizenship, healthcare | Many specialized versions (Pflege, Medizin, Hochschule) |
| DTZ | telc (for BAMF) | A2-B1 | Integration courses, residence, citizenship | One test, result A2 or B1 depending on score |
| ÖSD | Austrian Language Diploma | A1-C2 | Austria; widely accepted elsewhere | Strong presence in Austria and Eastern Europe |
| TestDaF | g.a.s.t. | B2-C1 (TDN 3-5) | German university admission | Paper and digital; four separately scored skills |
| DSH | Individual universities | DSH-1 to DSH-3 | University admission | Set by each university; DSH-2 is the usual requirement |
Goethe-Zertifikat overview (A1-C2)
The Goethe-Institut is Germany’s cultural institute, with test centers in many countries. Its exams test reading, listening, writing and speaking. The levels have names: Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom. From B1 upwards, the exams are modular, so if you fail one skill you can retake just that module. Goethe certificates don’t formally expire, though some authorities ask for a recent one.
telc and DTZ overview
telc is a non-profit subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association, and its exams are offered at many language schools and Volkshochschulen in Germany. Besides general exams (telc Deutsch A1 to C1), telc has job-focused and academic versions, including telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule for universities.
The DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer) is the final exam of German integration courses. It’s a single “scaled” test: depending on your score you get A2 or B1. It’s widely used for residence and citizenship applications.
ÖSD overview
The Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) is Austria’s state-recognized German exam, from A1 to C2. It’s the natural choice if you’re moving to Austria, and it’s also accepted in Germany and Switzerland for many purposes. ÖSD texts include some Austrian and Swiss vocabulary, but you’re not expected to use regional words.
TestDaF and DSH overview
TestDaF is designed for university admission. It tests reading, listening, writing and speaking separately, and each part is graded TDN 3, 4 or 5 (roughly B2 to C1). Most German universities ask for TDN 4 in all parts. It’s available in paper and digital formats at licensed test centers worldwide.
DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is run by individual universities, usually for applicants already in Germany. Results are DSH-1, DSH-2 or DSH-3; DSH-2 is the usual entry requirement. Because each university writes its own DSH, check whether your target university recognizes another university’s DSH.
Preparation strategy
12-week plan
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Take a mock exam to find your weak skills; learn the exam format and timing |
| 3-6 | Close grammar gaps and build topic vocabulary for your level; daily listening |
| 7-9 | Writing: practice the exact task types (emails, forum posts, essays) with feedback |
| 10-11 | Speaking: rehearse presentations and discussions with a partner or tutor |
| 12 | Two full mock exams under real time limits; review mistakes, rest before exam day |
Mock tests
Every provider publishes free sample papers (Modellsätze or Übungstests) on its website. Use them: knowing the format removes a large part of exam stress.
Skill by skill
- Reading: read the questions first, then scan for keywords and synonyms.
- Listening: preview the questions in the pause before each audio; don’t panic if you miss one, move on.
- Writing: memorize flexible phrases for openings, opinions, reasons and closings, and always answer every bullet point in the task.
- Speaking: examiners reward communication. Ask your partner questions, react, and keep talking even if you make small mistakes.
Exam nerves are normal
Stress narrows attention and blocks recall, which is why familiar formats and timed practice matter so much. The more your exam day feels like a rehearsal you’ve done before, the more working memory you’ll have left for German.
Free: B1 Writing and Speaking Templates
Ready-to-use phrases for emails, forum posts, presentations and discussions. Coming soon on the Learn German PDF page.
Find your level first
Booking an exam that’s too high wastes money and confidence. Read our level guides (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) and do at least one official mock test. If you score comfortably above the pass mark (most exams need 60%), you’re ready.
All exam guides
FAQs
Which German certificate is best?
There’s no single best. Goethe, telc and ÖSD are all widely recognized for general purposes. For university, choose TestDaF or DSH. For integration and citizenship in Germany, the DTZ or a telc/Goethe B1 is common. Pick the one your authority or institution names, then the one most convenient to take.
Is Goethe or telc easier?
Both test the same CEFR levels with similar difficulty. Learners often prefer whichever format they’ve practiced. Look at the free model papers for both and choose the one you feel comfortable with.
Which German level do I need for a visa?
It depends on the visa. Spouse visas usually need A1. The Opportunity Card generally needs German A1 or English B2. Many work visas have no German requirement. Check the German mission in your country.
Do German certificates expire?
Most certificates have no official expiry date, but some authorities and employers ask for a certificate that is no older than a certain period, for example one or two years.
What German level is needed for citizenship?
B1 is the standard requirement for naturalization in Germany. Confirm current rules with your naturalization office.
Can I take a German exam online?
Most recognized exams must be taken at an official test center. Some, like TestDaF, offer a digital version, but it’s still taken at a test center, not at home.
Sources and further reading: Official exam websites: Goethe-Institut, telc, ÖSD and TestDaF.