Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Goethe exam
All information at a glance

General information

What are Goethe exams?

Goethe exams are standardized language tests for German as a foreign language developed and conducted by the Goethe-Institut. They test language skills in the four skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking and are recognized worldwide. The exams are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and certify German language skills at various levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near native speaker).

The Goethe-Institut offers certificates for all six levels of the CEFR:

  • A1: Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 (for adults) and Fit in Deutsch 1 (for teenagers)
  • A2: Goethe-Zertifikat A2 and Fit in Deutsch 2
  • B1: Goethe-Zertifikat B1
  • B2: Goethe-Zertifikat B2
  • C1: Goethe-Zertifikat C1
  • C2: Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Grosses Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)

There are also special exams for specific professional fields, such as the Goethe-Test PRO for the professional context or the Goethe-Zertifikat B2/C1 Medizin for medical professionals.

The "Zertifikat Deutsch" corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It has now been replaced by the Goethe-Zertifikat B1. At this level, learners can cope with the most important everyday situations and express themselves simply and coherently on familiar topics. The B1 level is often a minimum requirement for naturalization or for certain courses of study in Germany.

The Goethe C1 exam consists of four modules:

  1. Reading (70 minutes): Processing of three reading texts with different types of tasks
  2. Listening (40 minutes): Understanding various listening texts and answering questions
  3. Writing (80 minutes): Writing a longer text on a given topic
  4. Speak (15 minutes): Oral examination, which is usually taken with a partner and consists of three parts:
    • Presentation and discussion
    • Presentation of a topic
    • Discussion

The total duration of the exam is approximately 3.5 hours (without breaks). The modules can be taken on different days. To pass, at least 60% of the total number of points must be achieved, whereby a minimum number of points is required in each module.

A Goethe-Zertifikat offers numerous advantages:

  • International recognition: Goethe certificates are recognized worldwide by employers, educational institutions and authorities
  • Unlimited validity: The certificates have no time limit
  • Access to education: They enable access to German universities (B2/C1 for most degree programs)
  • Career opportunities: you improve your chances on the international job market
  • Immigration: You meet the language requirements for visas, residence permits or naturalization in Germany
  • Quality standard: You guarantee a globally uniform audit standard through strict quality assurance

The three most important providers of German exams differ in several aspects:

Goethe-Institut:

  • Developed and implemented by the German Cultural Institute
  • Highest recognition and distribution worldwide
  • Focus on cultural and everyday language aspects
  • Unlimited validity of the certificates
  • Tends to be somewhat more demanding in terms of evaluation

TELC (The European Language Certificates):

  • Developed by the Frankfurter Weiterbildungs-Gesellschaft
  • Also internationally recognized
  • Stronger focus on communicative skills
  • Widely used in Germany, especially for integration courses

ÖSD (Austrian German Language Diploma):

  • Recognized by the Austrian Ministry of Education
  • Also takes Austrian language variants into account
  • Particularly widespread in Austria and Eastern Europe
  • Similar structure to the other exams

All three examination systems are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and are equally recognized for most purposes (study, residence, work), whereby the Goethe-Zertifikat is often regarded as the "gold standard".

Costs and Registration

According to the official website of the Goethe-Institut (as of 2025), the following prices apply for the different exam levels:

Exams for young people:

  • Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1: 135 €
  • Goethe-Zertifikat A2 Fit in Deutsch: 155 €
  • Goethe-Zertifikat B1: 255 € (module price: 99 €)

Examinations for adults:

  • Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Start Deutsch 1): 135 €
  • Goethe-Zertifikat A2: 155 €
  • Goethe-Zertifikat B1: 255 € (module price: 99 €)
  • Goethe-Zertifikat B2: 285 € (module price: 109 €)
  • TestDaF: 215 €
  • Goethe-Zertifikat C1: 335 € (module price: 109 €)
  • Goethe-Zertifikat C2: GDS: 355 € (module price: 135 €)

Examinations for business customers:

  • Goethe-Test PRO: German for the job: 75 €
  • Goethe-Test PRO Pflege: German for nursing professions: 159 €

Important: Goethe-Institut course participants receive a 20 percent discount on the examination fees (except TestDaF and Goethe-Test PRO). Course participants are persons who have attended a course at a Goethe-Institut no more than 6 months before the examination date.

A Goethe-Zertifikat B1 currently (2025) costs €255 for the entire exam. If you only want to take individual modules, the price per module is €99.

Goethe-Institut course participants receive a 20% discount, which reduces the total price to €204. This discount applies to people who have taken a course at the Goethe-Institut within the last 6 months before the exam date.

Yes, the Goethe-Institut now also offers digital exam formats:

  • Goethe-Test PRO: An adaptive online test for job-related language skills that is conducted entirely digitally
  • Digital exams: For certain levels (especially A1-B1), digital exams are offered at many locations, which are taken on the computer in the examination center
  • Remote exams: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote exams with proctoring via video conferencing systems were made possible in some cases

However, the oral parts of the exam still usually take place in person, either on site or via video conference with examiners. It is important to note that not all levels and not all examination centers offer online options. The availability of digital examination formats should be checked with the desired examination center.

There are various ways to Registration for Goethe exams:

  • Goethe-Instituts: Directly at one of over 150 Goethe-Instituts worldwide
  • Licensed examination centers: At one of the approximately 1,000 licensed examination centers worldwide
  • Registration registration: Via the website of the respective Goethe-Institut or examination center
  • In person on site: At the registration office of the examination center
  • By e-mail or telephone: Contact the examination center to clarify the registration procedure

The exact registration modalities and deadlines vary depending on the examination center. There is a search function for examination centers on the official website of the Goethe-Institut(www.goethe.de), which you can use to find your nearest center and obtain its contact details. It is advisable to register early, as popular exam dates are often booked up quickly.

Yes, the Goethe-Institut offers a special discount for course participants:

  • 20% discount on exam fees for people who have taken a course at the Goethe-Institut within the last 6 months before the exam date
  • This discount applies to all exams except TestDaF and Goethe-Test PRO

Specific discounts for pupils or students only are not explicitly mentioned on the official price list. However, individual examination centers may offer additional local discounts.

It is advisable to inquire directly at the desired examination center about possible further discounts and the required proof.

Duration and results

How long does the Goethe exam take?

The duration of a Goethe exam varies depending on the level (A1-C2) and typically takes 2-3 hours. It consists of several parts: Reading, listening, writing and speaking. At ILS-Zürich (International Language School), all parts of the exam are usually completed in one day.

After the exam, it usually takes 2-4 weeks until you receive your Goethe-Zertifikat. The exact waiting time may vary depending on the examination center. ILS-Zürich endeavors to process the results as quickly as possible.

Goethe certificates have no official expiry date and are valid indefinitely. However, some institutions (universities, employers) only accept certificates that are not older than 1-2 years. It is advisable to check with the respective institution.

Difficulty level and preparation

How difficult is the Goethe C1 exam?

The Goethe C1 exam is considered demanding as it requires advanced language skills. It requires extensive vocabulary, a sound knowledge of grammar and the ability to understand and produce complex texts. Written expression and listening comprehension with academic and job-related topics are particularly challenging.

For self-learners, the telc B1 certificate is often more accessible than the Goethe exam, as the task formats are more standardized. The Goethe exam tends to have more open-ended tasks, which can mean more flexibility but also more uncertainty. ILS-Zürich offers advice on choosing the right exam.

Effective preparation includes:

  • Regular practice of all parts of the exam (reading, listening, writing, speaking)
  • Targeted expansion of vocabulary on various topics
  • Consolidation of grammar skills at B2 level
  • Solving exercises and model tests
  • Speaking German regularly in everyday life

  • Official exercise books from the Goethe-Institut (e.g. "Mit Erfolg zum Goethe-Zertifikat")
  • Exam preparation books from Klett, Hueber or Cornelsen
  • Online exercise materials on the Goethe-Institut website
  • Model tests and practice sets from previous exams
  • Learning platforms such as Deutsch-Perfekt or DeutschAkademie

Yes, there are special preparation courses for Goethe exams. ILS-Zürich (International Language School) offers specific Goethe preparation courses for all levels. These courses focus on exam strategies, typical task formats and common sources of error.

  • Lack of time due to incorrect time management
  • Non-compliance with the task
  • Too short or unstructured answers in the written part
  • Use of language structures that are too simple for the target level
  • Lack of practice in speaking freely
  • Neglecting certain parts of the exam in preparation
  • Nervousness that leads to avoidable mistakes