If you are planning to immigrate to amazing Germany, there are language certificates that you need to obtain if you want to study, work or spend time in Germany. The best part of obtaining these language certificates is that you will be fluent in German, which can have a significant impact on your goals.
The various language exams offer you the opportunity to demonstrate your language skills and have tangible proof of them. From the TELC exams to the TestDaF, it is important to understand the different exams in order to make the right choice.
Stay tuned to this blog to find out which one you should choose.
TELC language test
TELC stands for “The European Language Certificate”. It started with German certificates and now offers exams in nine other languages. TELC is very popular in Europe.
The tests are similar to those of the Goethe Institutes and cover levels from A1 for beginners to C2 for native speakers. The certificate is recognized as proof of language skills for applications for German citizenship, visas and more.
details
Here are the details of the TELC exam:
- The exam can last up to 3 hours depending on the level and is divided into written, oral, reading and listening exams.
- The total score for TELC is 300 points.
- The written part of the exam consists of 225 points.
- The oral part comprises 75 points.
Candidates must pass all four sections to receive the certificate. Fees depend on the exam level and the exam center and range from $129 to $199. Candidates can take the TELC exam at TELC GmbH, authorized language schools, universities or the Goethe Institute. You only have to pass this exam once and it has no expiration date.
TestDaF
The TestDaF, “German as a Foreign Language”, is an advanced level language test administered and supervised by the TestDaF Institute. There is no expiration date for the TestDaF certificate.
The TestDaF is offered in 96 countries worldwide, and the number of registrations increases every year. It has levels B2 to C1 on the six-level scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
details
Here are the details of the TestDaF exam:
- The exam lasts 3 hours and 10 minutes.
- It consists of four sections: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression.
- Reading comprehension: 30 questions lasting 60 minutes.
- Listening comprehension: 25 questions lasting 40 minutes.
- Written expression: 1 question with 60 minutes.
- Oral expression/speaking: 7 questions with 30 minutes.
Each section is graded separately. The results are divided into three grade levels: 3, 4 and 5. The exam tests your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
If the result is below grade 3, the test is considered “failed”. Applicants who have achieved at least a grade of 4 in each section of the exam can be accepted into German universities. A grade of 5 means that you have an excellent command of German.
Goethe exam
The Goethe exam is a highly respected German language test that determines your language proficiency. You can take this exam at all levels (A1 – C2). You need the certificate as official proof for anything that requires a certain level of German language skills, for example:
- integration and residence permits (A1, A2, B1)
- work permits (A1, A2, B1-B2)
- Swiss passport (B1)
- university admission (C1)
- Recognition of foreign diplomas (B2 / C1)
The Goethe exam is officially recognized in all German-speaking countries (Switzerland, Germany, Austria). Most companies, authorities, schools and universities prefer people who have acquired this certificate.
details
Here are the details of the Goethe exam:
- Depending on the level, the exam lasts between 1 hour and 20 minutes and 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- It is divided into four modules: reading, listening, speaking and writing.
- For levels B1 to C2 you must achieve 60% in a module to pass.
- For levels A2 to C1, candidates must achieve a total of 45% in the three written exams (listening, reading, writing) and at least 15% in the speaking exam.
- For level A1, candidates must achieve at least 35% in the three written exams before moving on to the oral module.
Which German Exam Should You Take?
Even after reading about the German language tests, it can be difficult to decide which exam to take. The ideal way to decide which exam to take is to base your decision on the motive for your German learning journey. Here is the context in which you should choose each exam:
- Choose the Goethe Institute exam if you need to prove your German language skills outside of Germany.
- If you are applying for a visa, applying for citizenship and need proof of your German language skills in Germany and Europe, you should choose the TELC exam route.
- You can use the TestDaF if you are an international student or a German student who wants to apply to several universities in Germany.
Conclusion
Choosing between TELC, TestDaF or Goethe exam ultimately depends on your personal goals and circumstances. Each certification has different purposes, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Obtaining one of these language certificates will greatly improve your opportunities to live, study and work in Germany.
If you are considering a TELC certificate, it will be a valuable asset on your path to language mastery. Plus, if you need a driver’s license, you can get it legally through Leichtgeld . Visit our website today to explore our services and make sure you have all the necessary documents for your time in Germany!
