What is the C1 certificate?
The C1 certificate is an important proof of your German language skills at an advanced level. It is particularly valuable for those who want to live, work or study in Germany.
The C1 level in the CEFR
According to the German Academic Exchange Service(DAAD), the C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) confirms that you have a very high level of proficiency in the German language.
With a C1 certificate, you can communicate effortlessly on complex topics, understand longer and demanding texts and communicate precisely and fluently. It shows that you can use standard German confidently and express your personal interests adequately in private, public and professional life.
Comparison with the DSH2 level
Although the C1 level and the DSH2 level are identical, there is an important difference between these two exams.
The DSH2 certificate is specifically required for some students who wish to study flexibly at any German university. While the C1 certificate proves your advanced language skills, it does not fulfill the requirement for university admission in Germany at all universities.
In Germany, a total of 168 universities, universities of applied sciences and universities of music and arts recognize the C1 certificate. That is just under 40 percent of all German universities.
So if you are planning to study in Germany, you will have to take the DSH2 exam in about 60 percent of cases, even though the level of the exams is identical.
Advantages of the C1 certificate
The C1 certificate offers you numerous advantages that will benefit you in academic, professional and legal fields. It is valuable proof of your language skills and can open new doors for you in many areas of life.
Academic advantages
A C1 certificate is a significant advantage for anyone wishing to progress academically. Although it cannot be used for admission to German universities in all cases, it shows that you have an advanced knowledge of German, which can be very helpful in an academic environment.
- Better access to specialist literature: You can read and understand complex, academic texts.
- Participation in international programs: Many international study programs in Germany require a high level of German language skills.
- Communication in the university environment: Facilitates participation in lectures, seminars and discussions.
Professional advantages
The C1 certificate can significantly improve your job prospects, as it is a clear sign that you have a high level of proficiency in the German language.
- Enhanced job opportunities: Many employers in Germany prefer applicants with advanced German language skills.
- Better communication: Facilitates daily communication in the workplace.
- Professional development: Enables participation in further education and training in German.
Legal advantages
A significant legal advantage of the C1 certificate is the possibility of acquiring German citizenship more quickly. With the changes to the Citizenship Act through the StARModG, you can apply for Naturalization after just three years of residence in Germany if you have the C1 certificate.
- Faster Naturalization: Shortens the required period of residence from eight to three years.
- Proof of special integration achievements: The C1 certificate shows that you have dealt intensively with the German language and culture, but is not sufficient on its own. You must also demonstrate good integration achievements, for example through voluntary work or a completed integration test.
- Improved legal security: At Naturalization you enjoy all the rights and benefits of a German citizen.
Here is a summary of the advantages for you in a table:
Advantage | Academic advantages | Professional advantages | Legal advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
Main advantage | Access to specialist literature and international programs | Expanded job opportunities and better communication | Faster Naturalization after three years |
Additional benefits | Participation in lectures and seminars | Participation in further education and training | Proof of special integration achievements |
Long-term advantages | Facilitates academic development | Promotion of professional careers | Legal security and all the benefits of citizenship |
Naturalization with the C1 certificate
The new Naturalization Act will come into force on 27 June 2024, leading to significant changes in the requirements under Section 10 StAG. One of the main changes is the shortening of the legal period of residence for Naturalization. Through special integration achievements, such as the acquisition of the C1 certificate, you can now even apply for German citizenship after just three years.
New Naturalization Act (StARModG)
The new Citizenship Act (StARModG) brings considerable relief for those seeking German citizenship:
- Shortened naturalization period: The requirement for legal residence is shortened from eight years to five years. B1 knowledge is also sufficient for Naturalization after 5 years.
- Naturalization after 3 years: If you can prove special integration achievements, such as the acquisition of the C1 certificate, Naturalization is possible after just three years.
- Dual citizenship: With the new naturalization law, dual citizenship is allowed and you no longer have to give up the citizenship of your home country to become German.
C1 certificate as a special integration achievement
The German C1 certificate is considered to be one of the most important integration achievements that you can show for an accelerated Naturalization :
- Proof of language skills: Obtaining the C1 certificate shows that you have a high level of proficiency in the German language. This is a clear indicator of your successful integration into German society.
Further integration services
In addition to the C1 certificate, there are other special integration achievements that can improve your chances of naturalization:
- Educational and professional achievements: Special school achievements or professional qualifications can also help to shorten the naturalization period.
- Civic engagement: Proof of voluntary work and social commitment shows that you are actively involved and integrated in German society.
Exam structure and requirements
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the C1 certificate consists of various written and oral examination sections and requires thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the German language in reading, listening, writing and speaking.
The exams are demanding and test your skills in various areas. The two most common exams leading to the C1 certificate are the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 and the TELC C1 exam.
Goethe-Zertifikat C1
The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a widely used exam that confirms your advanced knowledge of German. According to the Goethe-Institut website, the exam consists of several parts that cover different language skills.
Written part:
- Reading: 70 minutes
- Listening: 40 minutes
- Writing: 80 minutes
Oral part:
- Pair test: 15 minutes or individual test: 10 minutes
- Maximum total score: 100 points
- Pass mark: 60 points (at least 45 points in the written part and 15 points in the oral part).
- Division: One part lecture (12.5 points) and one part discussion (12.5 points).
Summary of the parts of the Goethe C1 exam:
Examination part | Duration | Points distribution |
|---|---|---|
Read | 70 minutes | 25 |
Listen | 40 minutes | 25 |
Writing | 80 minutes | 25 |
Oral | 15/10 minutes | 25 |
Total | 190 minutes | 100 points |
Passing limit | 190 minutes | 60 points |
TELC C1 exam
The TELC C1 exam is another recognized exam that tests your German language skills at C1 level. According to the TELC website, it also consists of various parts that comprehensively test your language skills.
Written part:
- Reading: 90 minutes (3 parts) and language modules: 1 part
- Listening: 40 minutes (3 parts)
- Writing: 70 minutes (1 part)
Oral part:
- Usually with 2 participants, 2 parts and approx. 16 minutes
Summary of the TELC exam parts:
Examination part | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Read | 90 minutes | 3 parts + language modules |
Listen | 40 minutes | 3 parts |
Writing | 70 minutes | 1 part |
Oral | 16 minutes | 2 participants, 2 parts |
Comparison of the tests
Both exams are designed to comprehensively test your language skills. While the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 has a slightly longer written section, the TELC C1 exam offers a detailed breakdown of the reading sections and language modules. Both exams consist of an oral exam, which is taken either individually or in pairs.
Important differences are shown in the table:
Aspects | Goethe-Zertifikat C1 | TELC C1 exam |
|---|---|---|
Written part | 190 minutes | 200 minutes |
Oral part | 15/10 minutes | 16 minutes |
Examination parts | Reading, listening, writing, speaking | Reading, listening, writing, speaking |
Pair or individual testing | Pair test or individual test | Usually pair testing |
Preparation for the C1 exam
Preparing for the C1 exam requires discipline, good planning and the use of suitable learning materials. With the right strategies and resources, you can significantly increase your chances of success.
Tips for preparation
Successful preparation starts with a structured approach. Here are some tried and tested tips that can help you:
Effective learning strategies:
- Daily practice: Set yourself daily learning goals and practise continuously. Regularity is the key to success.
- Vocabulary training: systematically expand your vocabulary. Use flashcards or apps to learn and repeat new words.
- Practice speaking: Find language partners or take part in conversation groups to improve your oral skills.
- Reading comprehension: Read challenging texts, such as newspaper articles or scientific essays, to sharpen your reading comprehension.
Time management:
- Create a learning plan: Create a detailed study plan that covers all relevant topics and parts of the exam. Plan regular breaks to avoid overwork.
- Set priorities: Focus on your weaknesses first. Identify the areas where you need to improve the most and work hard on them.
- Mock tests: Simulate the exam situation with mock tests. This will help you to get a feel for time management and the exam process.
Recommendations for exercise materials and courses
Choosing the right practice materials and courses can make a big difference in your preparation. Here are some recommendations:
Exercise books:
- Invest in high-quality practice books that are specifically tailored to the C1 level. Books such as "Goethe-Zertifikat C1: Übungsbuch" or "TELC Deutsch C1: Übungsmaterial" offer structured exercises and model tests.
Language courses and practice tests:
- Intensive courses: Take part in intensive courses that prepare you for level C1. These courses often offer a combination of lessons, exercises and mock tests.
- Language schools: Register with a reputable language school that offers special preparation courses for the Goethe-Zertifikat or the TELC exam.
Online resources:
- Websites and apps: Use online platforms such as Deutsche Welle, Goethe-Institut or TELC for free practice materials and interactive exercises as exam training.
- Online courses: Sign up for online courses that allow for flexible preparation. Platforms such as Babbel, Lingoda or Coursera offer comprehensive C1 courses.
- YouTube channels: Watch videos from experienced teachers on YouTube who share tips and tricks for the C1 exam. Channels such as "Learn German with Anja" or "Deutsch mit Marija" offer valuable content.
We have compiled a table of all the preparation options for you here:
Resource | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Exercise books | Structured exercises and model tests | "Goethe-Zertifikat C1: Exercise book", "TELC Deutsch C1: Exercise material" |
Intensive courses | Combination of lessons, exercises and mock tests | Language schools, adult education centers |
Language schools | Special preparation courses for the C1 certificate | Goethe-Institut, Berlitz |
Websites and apps | Free exercise materials and interactive exercises | Deutsche Welle, Goethe-Institut, TELC |
Online courses | Flexible preparation with a comprehensive range of courses | Babbel, Lingoda, Coursera |
YouTube channels | Videos with tips and tricks for the C1 exam | "Learn German with Anja", "German with Marija" |
Costs and registration
The costs for the C1 exam can vary depending on the provider and exam location. Here you will find an overview of the costs for the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 and the TELC C1 exam as well as important information on registration and retake costs.
Costs for the Goethe-Zertifikat C1
The prices for the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 vary depending on the examination location and whether you are registered at a partner school:
- Regular: € 290
- Partner school: € 210
Repetition costs for the Goethe-Zertifikat C1:
- Regular: € 85 per part of the exam
- Partner school: € 65 per part of the exam
Costs for the TELC C1 exam
The TELC C1 exam, as offered by Inlingua Duisburg, for example, has the following cost structure:
- Complete examination: € 250
- Partial test: € 200
Registration for the C1 exam
Registering for the C1 exam requires a few steps, which may vary depending on the provider. Here is some general information and recommendations on how to register:
General registration information
- Required documents: Identity card or passport, proof of partner school if applicable.
- Registration deadlines: Make sure you register early, as places may be limited and registration deadlines vary.
- Registration procedure: Registration usually takes place online via the examination provider's website or in person on site.
Recommendations for registration
- Early planning: Register early to ensure that you get a place on the exam you want.
- Check the examination venues: Find out about the different exam venues and choose the one that is most convenient for you.
- Partial examination options: If you fail one part of the exam, check the possibility of repeating only this part to save costs.
Sample application explained in a table:
Step | Description |
|---|---|
Registration | Online registration on the exam provider's website. |
Document template | Submission of identity card or passport and, if applicable, proof of the partner school. |
Payment | Payment of the examination fee depending on the chosen tariff. |
Confirmation | Receipt of a confirmation of registration with examination details. |
Naturalization with C1 certificate?
Conclusion and outlook for Naturalization with C1 certificate
Obtaining the C1 certificate not only offers you linguistic advantages, but also opens up numerous opportunities in the areas of education, employment and Naturalization. With the new naturalization law, you can obtain German citizenship much faster with the C1 certificate.
Summary of the most important points
- Language skills: The C1 certificate attests to your advanced knowledge of German and improves your communication skills in academic, professional and everyday situations.
- Education and career: The C1 certificate gives you access to challenging academic programs and significantly expands your career opportunities.
- NaturalizationThe new Naturalization Act (StARModG) allows you to Naturalization after just three years if you can provide proof of a C1 certificate and other integration achievements.
Outlook and recommendations
- Plan early: Start preparing for the C1 exam in good time. Use all available resources and learning materials to improve your language skills.
- Take advantage of integration offers: Take part in integration courses and volunteer activities to increase your chances of getting a faster Naturalization .
- Find out about the new regulations: Stay informed about current developments and changes to the Citizenship Act in order to meet all the requirements for Naturalization .
Recommended steps:
- Preparation: Register for a preparation course for the C1 certificate and use the practice materials.
- take the exam: Choose a suitable exam provider and take the C1 exam.
- Apply for naturalization: Gather all the necessary evidence and submit your naturalization application.
The requirements for Naturalization are very important. In this article, we explain which requirements are important and why these conditions are crucial.
FAQ - The most frequently asked questions and answers about the C1 certificate
A C1 Zertifikat Deutsch is proof of your advanced German language skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It shows that you can use the German language confidently and fluently in complex situations.
The costs for the C1 Zertifikat Deutsch vary depending on the provider:
Goethe-Zertifikat C1:
- Regular: € 290
- Partner school: € 210
TELC C1 exam:
- Complete: € 250
- Partial test: € 200
The German C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) indicates an advanced level of language proficiency. People at C1 level can understand demanding texts, express themselves fluently and spontaneously and use the language effectively in social, professional and academic life.
With a C1 German certificate you can:
- Improve your chances on the job market
- Gain access to higher education programs in Germany
- Provide proof of your advanced language skills for the Naturalization after 3 years
- Express yourself confidently and competently in complex and demanding situations
Yes, you can retake the C1 exam. The retake costs vary:
Goethe-Zertifikat C1:
- Regular: € 85 per part of the exam
- Partner school: € 65 per part of the exam
TELC C1 exam:
- Partial test: € 200
