Almost every route to working in Germany needs a German language certificate. Choosing the right exam at the right level saves you time and money, and a good certificate often speeds up your recognition and visa.
The levels: A1 to C2
German exams follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which has six levels:
- A1 and A2: beginner. You can handle simple everyday situations.
- B1: intermediate. You can manage most daily situations and talk about work and familiar topics.
- B2: upper intermediate. You can work comfortably in German, including with patients and colleagues.
- C1 and C2: advanced. Needed for demanding professional language, such as medical conversations with patients.
Which level you need
- Ausbildung: usually B1. Nursing training often expects B1 to B2.
- Nurses (recognition): usually B2. Some states accept B1 to begin the process.
- Doctors: B2 general German plus the medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung) at C1 level.
- Recognition partnership: at least A2 to enter, with further learning in Germany.
- Opportunity Card: German skills earn extra points (A1 is the minimum if you do not have English at B2).
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Accepted exam providers
- Goethe-Institut: the best-known provider, with exam centres worldwide. Goethe exams can be taken module by module.
- telc: widely accepted, with special exams such as telc Deutsch B1-B2 Pflege for nurses and telc Deutsch B2-C1 Medizin for doctors.
- ÖSD: the Austrian language diploma, accepted in Germany as well.
- TestDaF and DSH: mainly for university admission rather than work.
Before you book, check with your recognition authority or employer which providers they accept. Most accept Goethe, telc and ÖSD, but a quick check avoids paying twice.
What the exam looks like
Most exams have four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking. The speaking part is usually done in pairs with another candidate. The profession-specific exams (such as telc Pflege) use real workplace situations, for example handing over a patient to a colleague.
How long it takes to prepare
It varies a lot from person to person, but as a rough guide, going from no German to B1 takes six to twelve months of intensive study, and B1 to B2 takes several more months. Daily practice and speaking with native speakers make the biggest difference.
Some authorities and employers ask for a certificate that is not too old. If yours is more than a year or two old, check whether it is still accepted before you apply.
How Europe Careers helps
Our consultants tell you which level and exam you need for your route, recommend preparation options, and connect you with employers who support language learning, sometimes including paid courses.