German Language Certifications

If you are dreaming of starting a new career in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, then a skill to speak German language offers a host of incentives to advance your career. German Language certification helps to succeed in obtaining VISA, Residence Permit, Citizenships and University admissions.

Let us go through eight globally recognized German language certifications.

FID, ZD (GDS), TestDaF, TestPro, TELC (DTZ/ DSH/Pflege /ZDFB), DSD, ÖSD, ÖIF.

FID: Fit in Deutsch

o   This test is for children and young people aged between 10 and 16 years.

o   It certifies the student having very basic language skills.

o   It corresponds to (A1).

ZD: Zertifikat Deutsch

o   This certificate is for non-native speakers.

o   The examination evaluates four skills i.e., listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

o   This certification will be valid for a lifetime.

• A1-B2 level is for Young (minimum 16 years of age), VISA seekers, employees working in hospitality & childcare sectors.
• C1-C2 (GDS: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom) is for researchers & teachers in Germany.

TestDAF: Deutsch als Fremdsprache

o   This certification for non-native German speakers.

o   The examination evaluates four skills i.e., listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

o   It is designed specifically for graduate students seeking admission in Germany and for scientists.

o   This certification will be valid for a lifetime.

Goethe-Test PRO:

o   This certification is for working professionals

o   It helps to display competencies to current or prospective employers and for career developments.

o   It focuses on listening and reading skills.

TELC: The European Language Certificates

These specialized exams focus on topics such as language in the workplace, language for nurses and carers, medical language and university admission.

This globally recognized certification is accepted in Germany for VISA, residence permit and Citizenship.

To ensure that the TELC test would serve for citizenship & residency, Both Germany and Austria governments designed this test with TELC test designers.

o   This certificate is for non-native speakers.

o   The examination evaluates four skills i.e., listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

• A1-B1 level (DTZ: Deutschtest für Zuwanderer) is for German citizenship. This certification is specifically for immigrants in Germany. It is an integrated course (A2 to B1) designed in accordance with Germany's national migration authority, BAMF (the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge).
• B1-B2 Pflege is for nursing professionals.
• B2-C1 Medizin (DSH: Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is for doctors with privileges at German hospitals.
• C1-C2 level (ZDFB: Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf) for Businessman.

o   This certification will be valid for a lifetime.

DSD: Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz

o   It is designed for foreign students who wish to study in German universities.

o   The examination evaluates four skills i.e., listening, speaking, writing, and reading

• A2 or B1 level designed to attend a public institution for the eligibility that prepares students to join a German university.
• B2 or C1 level defines fluency in German language. It is for studying at a German institution of higher education.

ÖSD: Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch

o   This test approved by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Education, Science, and Cultural Affairs.

o   This certification is accepted in several universities in Germany, Switzerland, and South Tyrol (Italy) and recognized all over Austria.

o   It is designed for foreign students

o   In India, there are two OSD centres in Chandigarh and Bangalore.

ÖIF: Österreichische Integrationsfonds

The Austrian Integration Fund is an associate of the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, and several liable authorities on migration and integration in Austria. ÖIF refunds the German course fees on successful completion of the A2/A3 test.

Goethe-Institut is recognized worldwide as a German Language Certification. Each certification designed according to the guidelines of the CEFR from beginners (A1) to Advance (C2) level, recognized globally.