Offered by the Goethe-Instituten in Germany, the Goethe-Zertifikat are tests that certify a candidate’s proficiency in German.
Unlike some other German certificates, the Goethe-Zertifikat is valid for life. According to the Goethe Institute, this certificate is necessary to acquire German citizenship.
What is the test used for?
The Goethe Institute level offers 6 different assessment tests, each of which certifies a level of German language skills aligned with the CEFR scale.
These certificates are intended for anyone whose mother tongue is not German. The tests are a means of assessing German language skills and allow a candidate to prove their level (when applying to a German-speaking university or to join a company at which German is required).
What does the test involve?
The Goethe-Zertifikat assesses a candidate through four modules:
- Reading: assesses a candidate’s ability to read and understand texts in German.
- Listening: assesses a candidate’s ability to understand spoken German.
- Writing: assesses a candidate’s ability to write and express themselves in German.
- Speaking: assesses a candidate’s ability to express themselves verbally on an everyday topic.
How long does the test take?
The tests last between 1 hr 20 min (A1) and 3 hr 15 min (C2):
Level A1 (1 hr 20 min):
- Reading: 25 minutes
- Writing: 20 minutes
- Listening: 20 minutes
- Speaking: 15 minutes
Level A2 (1 hr 45 min):
- Reading: 30 minutes
- Writing: 30 minutes
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Speaking: 15 minutes
Level B1 (2 hr 55 min):
- Reading: 65 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
- Listening: 40 minutes
- Speaking: 15 minutes
Level B2 (3 hr 10 min):
- Reading: 65 minutes
- Writing: 75 minutes
- Listening: 40 minutes
- Speaking: 15 minutes
Level C1 (3 hr / 3 hr 15 min):
- Reading: 70 minutes
- Writing: 80 minutes
- Listening: 40 minutes
- Speaking: 10-15 minutes
Level C2 (3 hr 15 min):
- Reading: 80 minutes
- Writing: 80 minutes
- Listening: 35 minutes
- Speaking: 15 minutes
What levels can the Goethe-Zertifikat assess?
The Goethe-Zertifikat tests are intended for candidates whose German language level is between A1 and C2 on the CEFR scale.
Gymglish is a training organization that offers short, personalized, fun online language lessons. At the end of the training, students receive a personalized learning report with a set of statistics for their level. This report not only includes information on the student’s level in various areas, but also charts progress in terms of learning and revision, participation, training time, lessons covered, etc.
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What grading system does the Goethe-Zertifikat test use?
The Goethe-Zertifikat is graded on 100 points, with a minimum pass score of 60 points. The score obtained correlates to the CEFR scoring system.
How much does the test cost? Where can you take it?
The average cost of the Goethe-Zertifikat varies depending on the level of language assessed and the modules:
| Examination fees | Price of a module | |
| Goethe-Zertifikat A1 | € 119 | / |
| Goethe-Zertifikat A2 | € 139 | / |
| Goethe-Zertifikat B1 | € 229 | € 89 |
| Goethe-Zertifikat B2 | € 259 | € 99 |
| Goethe-Zertifikat C1 | € 289 | / |
| Goethe-Zertifikat C2 | € 319 | € 119 |
The Goethe-Zertifikat can be taken in major cities all over the world.
The Goethe-Zertifikat at a glance
| Publisher | Goethe-Institut | Wunderbla (by Gymglish) |
| Name of diploma | Goethe-Zertifikat | Wunderbla learning report |
| Validity period | No validity period | No validity period |
| Language skills tested | Reading, listening, writing, speaking | Reading, listening, writing |
| Target level(s) | A1 to C2 | All levels, except beginners (A2 to C2) |
| Price | Between € 89 and € 319 | From € 21 /month |
| Duration | Between 1 hr 20 min and 3 hr 15 min | Training for 6, 12, 24 or 36 months |
| Face-to-face / Remote | At a test centre | Remote / online |
Wunderbla (by Gymglish) issues a learning report at the end of the course (minimum 6 months) which includes statistics on the student’s level, progress and participation. This document not only includes information on the student’s level in various areas at the end of the learning period, but also charts progress in terms of learning and revision, participation, training time, lessons covered, etc.
Learn German with Wunderbla 🇩🇪
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