Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, DTZ: German has a lot of certificates, and picking the wrong one can cost you months. This guide compares the main German language exams side by side and tells you which one fits your goal: a visa, citizenship, nursing recognition, university or simply proving your level.
Quick decision guide
| Your goal | Usually considered | Typical level |
|---|---|---|
| General proof of German (work, visa, CV) | Goethe-Zertifikat, telc Deutsch, ÖSD Zertifikat | A1–C2 |
| Spouse/family reunification visa | A1 certificate, e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, telc Deutsch A1, ÖSD A1 | A1 |
| Integration course and German citizenship | Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ), or another accepted B1 certificate | A2/B1 |
| Nursing and healthcare recognition | telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege, or a general B1/B2 certificate where accepted | B1–B2 |
| Studying at a German university | TestDaF, DSH, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, Goethe-Zertifikat C2 and others | B2–C1+ |
| Studying or working in Austria | ÖSD Zertifikat (also widely accepted elsewhere) | A1–C2 |
Side-by-side comparison
| Goethe-Zertifikat | telc Deutsch | ÖSD | TestDaF | DTZ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider | Goethe-Institut | telc gGmbH | Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch | g.a.s.t. / TestDaF-Institut | Commissioned by BAMF |
| Levels | A1–C2 | A1–C2, plus vocational and university exams | A1–C2 | TDN 3–5 (≈ B2–C1) | A2 and B1 in one test |
| Skills tested | Reading, listening, writing, speaking | Reading, listening, writing, speaking (plus language elements in many exams) | Reading, listening, writing, speaking | Reading, listening, writing, speaking | Reading, listening, writing, speaking |
| Modular? | Yes, from B1 to C2 | Depends on the exam | Depends on the exam | Results reported per skill | No |
| Best known for | Worldwide availability, general proof of level | Integration, job and nursing exams in Germany | Austrian standard; pluricentric German | University admission | Completing the integration course |
| Official info | goethe.de ↗ | telc.net ↗ | osd.at ↗ | testdaf.de ↗ | bamf.de ↗ |
Goethe-Zertifikat
The Goethe-Institut offers exams from A1 to C2 at centres around the world. Its adult exams include Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, Goethe-Zertifikat A2, and Goethe-Zertifikat B1, B2, C1 and C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom. According to the Goethe-Institut, the B1, B2, C1 and C2 exams are modular: you can take the listening, reading, writing and speaking modules together or separately, and repeat individual modules. Selected centres also offer digital exams on Goethe-Institut laptops, with the speaking part held in person.
Choose it if you live outside Germany, want a widely recognised general certificate, or like the option of retaking a single module.
telc Deutsch
telc offers general German exams from A1 to C2 and a range of special-purpose exams. Two matter especially for professionals: telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege, built around nursing situations, and telc Deutsch B1·B2 Beruf, for the workplace. telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule is designed for university admission.
Choose it if you’re heading for nursing recognition or a job in Germany, or your employer or authority specifically names telc.
ÖSD Zertifikat
The Austrian Sprachdiplom Deutsch offers exams from A1 to C2. ÖSD treats German as a pluricentric language, so its exams can include Austrian and Swiss as well as German varieties. ÖSD publishes practice materials on its downloads page.
Choose it if you plan to live, study or work in Austria, or an ÖSD centre is the most convenient one near you. Check acceptance if you’re applying in Germany.
TestDaF
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is designed for people who want to study at a German university. Results are reported separately for reading, listening, writing and speaking as TDN 3, 4 or 5, which corresponds roughly to CEFR B2 to C1. Universities set their own minimum TDN scores, often TDN 4 in all four parts. TestDaF is available in digital and paper-based formats.
Choose it if you’re applying to a German university and want to take the exam in your home country before you arrive.
DSH
The DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is run by individual German universities rather than one central provider. It’s usually taken in Germany, often at the end of a university preparatory German course. Results are given as DSH-1, DSH-2 or DSH-3, and most degree programmes ask for DSH-2.
DTZ: Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer
The DTZ is the final language test of the integration course in Germany. It’s a single test that places you at A2 or B1 depending on your performance. A B1 result is commonly used as proof of language skills, for example in citizenship applications. Check the current requirements with your local authority or on the BAMF website.
How to prepare for any of these exams
- Confirm the exact exam. Ask your authority, employer or university in writing which certificates and minimum levels they accept.
- Read the official specification. Each provider publishes the parts, timing and task types. Download the official model test (Modellsatz) from the provider.
- Practise task formats, not just German. Time pressure and unfamiliar formats cost points. Use our exam simulator for timed practice with original questions.
- Train your weakest skill. In modular exams one weak module can hold you back. Many learners underestimate writing and speaking.
- Plan backwards from the exam date. Our German learning timeline calculator shows how many weeks you need. Our 12-week study plan turns that into a weekly routine.
Frequently asked questions
Is Goethe or telc easier?
Neither is officially “easier”. Both test against the same CEFR levels, but the task formats differ. Choose the one your institution accepts, then practise that exam’s format.
How long is a German certificate valid?
Most general certificates don’t carry an expiry date, but many institutions only accept certificates issued within a recent period, often one to two years. The institution decides, not the provider.
Can I use a B2 certificate for a B1 requirement?
Usually yes, because a higher level normally satisfies a lower requirement. Still confirm this with the institution.
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