A prerequisite for their settlement permit is sufficient knowledge of the German language. The easiest way to prove this is with the help of a recognized language certificate of the levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 and C2.
Where they can take which exam, at what price, we explain in this article.
You don’t know what language level you need? You can find your answer in this article: https://migrando.de/deutsch-a1-b1-b2-sprachzertifikat/
1. Goethe Institute
The Goethe Institut offers German exams in all 6 levels. In addition, examinations for young people are offered (only in the levels German A1-B2). The language exam consists of the parts reading, writing, speaking and listening. (You can find more information about the procedure of an exam here: https://migrando.de/deutsch-a1-b1-b2-sprachzertifikat/)
1.1 Where can I acquire the Goethe Certificate?
The certificate can be taken at any Goethe Institute worldwide. There are 12 institutes in Germany: Berlin, Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Freiburg, Hamburg, Munich, Schwäbisch Hall, Bonn, Goettingen and Mannheim. In addition, the exam can be obtained at any adult education center in Germany.
1.2. What are the costs of an audit?
The cost ranges from 119 – 289 euros and varies depending on the level and location of the exam. The principle, German B1 costs 229 euros.
1.3 Exam preparation
The Goethe-Institut offers a preparation course for each language exam. In addition, free practice materials are available on the website. To take an exam is No preparation course necessary, you can also register directly for an exam.
Advice, information and respective 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 preferred exam location. Subsequently, they will see an overview of the possible dates for which they can register.
Note: If they have not previously taken a course, they are considered an external candidate; available seats for external candidates may be full weeks before the registration deadline. Therefore, we recommend that they register early for the exam.
1.5 When will I receive my Goethe Certificate?
Source: https://www.goethe.de/ins/de/de/prf/wan.html#i6351304
2nd TELC Language Diploma
telc-GmbH offers exams in all 6 levels. The language exam consists of the same parts as the Goethe Institute. As a special feature, the institute offers a test for immigrants, in German A1, A2 and B1 levels. You can find an overview of the different exams of the Telc Institute here: https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/sprachpruefungen.html.
2.1 Where can a Telc exam be taken?
It is possible to take the exam at over 3000 exam centers worldwide. Here you can find the examination center near you: https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/pruefungszentrum-finden.html
Depending on the testing location, either language courses or language exams 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 Centren
They can take the Telc exam at Carl Duisburg Centren, for example. Locations are here: Berlin, Cologne, Marburg, Munich, Radolfzell, Saarbrücken. The costs here are 160 euros for German B1, B2 (additional fee possible) and 175 euros for C1. More 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?
Again, the cost varies depending on the level, the location of the exam, and the requirements for obtaining a certificate (example language course more expensive than just taking the exam). So you need to choose an exam location and exam first to see what it costs.
2.4 Exam preparation
On the telc language test website you will find many practice materials, including free downloads to practice: https://www.telc.net/verlagsprogramm/lernende-pruefungsteilnehmende/kostenlose-downloads.html and practice tests to properly prepare for the real exam: https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/pruefungsvorbereitung.html.
2.5 Registration for the examination
You must first find an exam center here https://www.telc.net/pruefungsteilnehmende/pruefungszentrum-finden.html. Once they find a suitable one near you, they register at that center for their desired exam.
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3. the German TestDaF language certificate (good language skills/suitable for prospective students)
The TestDaF is the language exam of the TestDaf-Institute Bochum and measures the level German B2 to German C1. The exam parts are the same as for the Goethe certificates.
The TestDaF tests at a high level and is suitable for prospective students:
“The TestDaF tests whether you can act successfully in language at a high level and whether your language skills are sufficient for you to begin studying in Germany. You demonstrate that you can successfully master typical communicative tasks you encounter at a German university. No specialist or specific prior knowledge is assumed. However, you should have general knowledge, an interest in socio-political topics 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 decides for which study programs you get access.”
3.1 Where can the TestDaF be taken?
The exam can be taken in 450 examination centers worldwide. In Germany, these are adult education centers, colleges and other university institutions. Here you can find test centers near you: https://www.testdaf.de/de/teilnehmende/mein-testdaf/testzentrum-finden/?region=de
3.2 What are the costs of an audit?
The price differs depending on the group of countries. In Germany, the TestDaF costs 195 euros.
3.3 Exam preparation/registration
Here, too, it is possible to take only 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 a next available date: https://www.testdaf.de/de/teilnehmende/mein-testdaf/testdaf-termine-und-anmeldung/
4. note language course
If you still want 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 of the Goethe Institute: https://www.goethe.de/de/m/spr/kup/kur/doln.html
Other German courses:
