Author: Jadranka Bokan
If you haven’t learned German for a while and would like to check at which level you are before you start learning again, then do this German placement test. If you are already learning diligently, then you should know that there are many German language exams (Zertifikat Deutsch, TestDaF, TELC, DSH etc.).
They differ not only in level (A1 – C2) but also in the institution that is issuing certificates. Make sure that you know which exam exactly you need to take, prepare yourself accordingly and do the sample tests (see below). I have grouped the exams geographicaly (Germany and far below Austria).
“There are many different German language exams”
GERMANY:
There are different German language sertificates that are being issud by German institutions. The best known are certificates from the Goethe Institute. I have listed their exams separately because it’s easier that way. After you navigate to those pages, you can find practice materials for the listening, reading, writing and speaking sections that can help you prepare for the exams. You can choose between practising directly online, downloading sets of sample papers, practice exercises and information as PDF files and ordering practice materials from their online shop:
“Make sure that you know which exam exactly you need to take”
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 – Fit in Deutsch 1
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 – Start Deutsch 1
Goethe-Zertifikat A2 – Fit in Deutsch 2
There are also other language tests that are acknowledged in Germany and in the whole world. Other very popular exams are TestDaf, DSH and TELC. They enable you to study (TestDaf, DSH) or work (TELC) in Germany:
After you navigate to the above site, click on the Lückentest link in the left-hand side menu in order to start the test. This short test (2 texts with 20 + 20 blank spaces) will help you test your German. You have exact 5 minutes for each test. When you are done, click on Weiter zum Ergebnis.
TELC (The European Language Certificates) for German is also very popular among people who want to work in Germany (there are also special tests for doctors):
TELC für Deutsch – sample tests from A1 – C2. After you navigate to this web page, make sure to choose the level that you wish to take.
If you plan to study in Germany, consider taking the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang):
DSH – examples from different German universities
AUSTRIA:
Many people live in Austria and have to take their local exams. If you are one of them, take a look at these sample exams:
ÖSD – sample tests from A1 – C2. There are different levels listed, just choose the test that you need to take.
Fit für Österreich A1, ÖIF test A2, Deutsch-Test für Österreich (DTÖ) A2-B1, B2-ÖIF-Test – By clicking on different tabs you will be able to access the needed German language test.
