An important prerequisite for Settlement permit is sufficient knowledge of the German language. The easiest way to prove this is with a recognized language certificate at levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 and C2.
In this article, we explain where you can take which exam and at what price.
Don't know exactly what language level you need? You can find your answer here.
1st Goethe-Institut
The Goethe-Institut offers German exams at all 6 levels. In addition, exams are offered for young people (only in the levels German A1-B2). The language test consists of reading, writing, speaking and listening. (You can find more information about the exam procedure here).
1.1 Where can I obtain the Goethe-Zertifikat?
The certificate can be taken at any Goethe-Institut worldwide. There are 12 institutes in Germany: Berlin, Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Hamburg, Munich, Schwäbisch Hall, Bonn, Göttingen and Mannheim. In addition, the exam can be taken at any adult education center in Germany.
1.2 What are the costs of an audit?
The costs range from 119 - 289 euros and vary depending on the language level and location of the exam. The basic German B1 course costs 229 euros.
1.3 Exam preparation
The Goethe-Institut offers a preparation course for each language exam. In addition, free practice material is available on the website. To take an exam no preparation course You can also register directly for an exam.
Advice, information and relevant exercise material can be found here: https://www.goethe.de/de/spr/kup/prf.html
1.4 Registration for the examination
You can register for the exam here: https://www.goethe.de/ins/de/de/prf.html
Simply select your exam level and your preferred exam location. You will then see an overview of the possible dates for which you can register.
Please note: If you have not previously completed a course, you are considered an external candidate; the places available for external candidates may be fully booked weeks before the registration deadline. We therefore recommend that you register for the exam early.
1.5 When will I receive my Goethe certificate?
2nd TELC Language Diploma
telc-GmbH offers examinations at all 6 levels. The language test consists of the same parts as those of the Goethe-Institut. As a special feature, the institute offers a test for immigrants at the German A1, A2 and B1 levels. You can find an overview of the various Telc Institute exams here: https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/sprachpruefungen.html
2.1 Where can a Telc exam be taken?
The exam can be taken at over 3000 examination centers worldwide. You can find the examination center near you here: https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/pruefungszentrum-finden.html
Depending on the examination location, either language courses or language examinations are offered. A language course means German lessons over a certain period of time, so it takes considerably longer and is also much more expensive.
2.2 Carl Duisburg Centers
You can take the Telc exam at the Carl Duisburg Centren, for example. Locations are here: Berlin, Cologne, Marburg, Munich, Radolfzell, Saarbrücken. The costs for German B1, B2 are 160 euros (additional fee possible) and for C1 175 euros. Further information and the registration option can be found here: https://www.carl-duisberg-deutschkurse.de/index.php?id=30
2.3 What are the costs of an audit?
The costs here also vary depending on the level, exam location and requirements for obtaining a certificate (e.g. language course more expensive than just taking the exam). You must therefore first select an examination location and an examination in order to see how much the entire process will cost you in the end.
2.4 Exam preparation
On the telc language test website you will find lots of practice materials, including free downloads for practising: https://www.telc.net/verlagsprogramm/lernende-pruefungsteilnehmende/kostenlose-downloads.html and practice tests to help you prepare for the real exam: https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/pruefungsvorbereitung.html
2.5 Registration for the examination
You must first find an examination center here https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/pruefungszentrum-finden.html. Once you have found a suitable one in your area, register for your desired exam at the relevant center.
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3. the German TestDaF language certificate (good language skills/suitable for prospective students)
The TestDaF is the language test of the TestDaf Institute Bochum and measures the level German B2 to German C1. The parts of the exam are the same as for the Goethe-Zertifikate.
The TestDaF tests at a high level and is suitable for prospective students:
The TestDaF tests whether you can communicate successfully at a high level and whether your language skills are sufficient to start studying in Germany. You show that you can successfully master typical communicative tasks that you will encounter at a German university. No specialist or specific prior knowledge is required. However, you should have general knowledge, an interest in socio-political issues and current discussions in Europe as well as in the university context in Germany.
The three TestDaF levels (TDN) 3, 4 and 5 are at levels B2 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The TestDaF level determines which degree programs you are admitted to."
3.1 Where can the TestDaF be taken?
The exam can be taken at 450 examination centers worldwide. In Germany, these are adult education centers, colleges and other university institutions. You can find test centers near you here: https://www.testdaf.de/de/teilnehmende/mein-testdaf/testzentrum-finden/?region=de
3.2 What are the costs of an audit?
The price varies depending on the country group. In Germany, the TestDaF costs 195 euros.
3.3 Exam preparation/registration
Here too, it is possible to take just the exam. It is not necessary to attend a course.
To register, either first select a test center and look for available dates: https://www.testdaf.de/de/teilnehmende/mein-testdaf/testzentrum-finden/?region=de, or first select the next possible date: https://www.testdaf.de/de/teilnehmende/mein-testdaf/testdaf-termine-und-anmeldung/
4. note language course
If you would still like to learn German, all German certificates can also be obtained with a language course. Some language courses are also available online. One example is Deutsch Lernen Online from the Goethe Institute: https://www.goethe.de/de/m/spr/kup/kur/doln.html
Further German courses:
