Over the recent years, Germany is becoming a preferred education destination among international students searching for cheaper or free education choices in Europe. Therefore, the importance of German Language exams and certifications required to study in Germany is gaining popularity. To check into a German college or university one requires to meet the German language proficiency standards set out by the specific university. Along with the University admissions, the German language certification would be beneficial for German Student Visa.
There are numerous benefits of learning German and due to this fact, the German language is one of the most popular European languages in the world. Passing any one of the following internationally recognized German language proficiency exams would help you in achieving your dream
- Goethe Zertifikat/ Zertifikat Deutsch
- TestDaF Exam – Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (German Language Exam for university entrance)
- DSH Exam – Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang” (German language exam for university entrance)
- TELC – The European Language Certification, partners with Germany’s Federal Government to test your German skills (Deutsch).
- ÖSD – The German acronym ÖSD stands for “Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch” as well as for “Österreich, Schweiz, Deutschland” (Austria, Switzerland, Germany)
- ÖIF- The Österreichische Integrationsfonds(Austrian Integration Fund)
The German Proficiency Exam in India follows the guidelines of CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Language) and is conducted by the Goethe-Institut network in India. The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide and they promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange.
In case you are planning to study in a German university where the medium of communication is German then you will have to pass either of the two German proficiency exams i.e., TestDaf or DSH.
Here are the details of globally recognized German proficiency exams and certifications.
Goethe Zertifikat/ Zertifikat Deutsch
The Zertifikat Deutsch is an internationally recognized exam to test the German language proficiency of an individual. The exam/certification is recognized by the federal government of Germany. This exam is evaluating the German language skills of each starting from beginner (A1) to expert level (C2). The exam results give an initial idea of how well one can understand written and spoken German, German Grammar and vocabulary.
The Zertifikat Deutsch is the outcome of a joint collaboration between the Goethe Institute, the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD), the Schweizer Erziehungsdirektorenkonferenz (EDK) and WBT Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme gGmbH, later renamed telc GmbH (i.e.The European Language Certificates).
Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom, Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP), Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) and Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) are approved for study at a college/university in Germany, and exempt one from taking the TestDaF exam or any other similar exam.
Examination Centers in India
The Zertifikat Deutsch/ Goethe Zertifikat exam is administered by the Goethe-Institut or Max Mueller Bhavan in India at the following locations:
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
- Pune
The following examination facilities, in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut and accredited to conduct Goethe-Institut examinations, also offer the Zertifikat Deutsch/ Goethe Zertifikat exam
- Ahmedabad
- Chandigarh
- Coimbatore
- Hyderabad
- Trivandrum
Goethe Examination Fees
Below is the Fee structure based on information available on Goethe website
*The above Exam Fee structure is based on the information available in 2021. You can find update information below Goethe Exam Fees
Goethe Examination Types
Below are the various examination levels based on information available on Goethe website
TestDaF Exam – Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (German Language Exam for university entrance)
TestDaF is a standard German language proficiency exam for non-native German speakers who are interested to study in German universities and research institutes. It also aims at researchers and scientists who would like to work in Germany. The exam is conducted by the TestDaF Institute, located in Bochum, Germany.
The TestDaF is a high-level language examination. It covers levels B2 through C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages’ six-level competency scale (CEFR). It assesses three levels of language competence: TDN 3, 4, and 5. TDN 3 and the lower half of TDN 4 belong to CEFR level B2, while TDN 5 and the upper half of TDN 4 correspond to CEFR level C1. The examination focuses on 4 sections namely hearing comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking, and it is accepted as proof of German language ability by all German universities and institutions of higher education.
The TestDaF certificate is valid indefinitely and is recognized by all universities in Germany. One can take the TestDaF exam at over 500 test centres in 100 countries.
Goethe Institut conducts the TestDaF exam in India in the following 5 locations namely
- Goethe Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi
- Goethe Institute / Max Mueller Bhavan, Chennai
- Goethe Institute / Max Mueller Bhavan, Bangalore
- Goethe Institute / Max Mueller Bhavan, Pune
- PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore
The TestDaF examination fee is €90.00 and can be only paid online www.testdaf.de
The certificates you’ll get from TestDaF are valid for an indefinite period.
Furthermore, if you are not pleased with your result, you can retake the exam as many times as you like.
For detailed information about DSH / TELC / ÖSD / ÖIF Exams, we shall write another article soon.