Online German test preparation courses for Goethe, telc and TestDaF

Almost every German exam maps its result to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the European scale from A1 to C2. The exams differ mainly in purpose.

A two-level exam such as telc Deutsch A2/B1 covers two levels, and the result shows which one you reached. The DTZ, the German test for immigrants, is the final exam of Germany's state integration courses. The TestDaF rates each part with a TestDaF level (TDN), and the DSH is the German language exam for university entrance that each university sets itself.

The right exam follows from the body that asks for proof. The table lists typical requirements in Germany, and the answer of that body is always binding.

For the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), a residence permit for job seekers, the minimum is German at A1 or English at B2, and better German earns extra points. The EU Blue Card does not generally require German, but B1 German shortens the path to a permanent settlement permit from 27 to 21 months.

The three main providers score differently, and that shapes your preparation.

1 Goethe-Zertifikat

From B1 the exam is modular. A module is one part you can book on its own, meaning reading, listening, writing or speaking, and you pass each with 60 out of 100 points. If you fail one module, you retake only that one.

2 telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule

You need 60 percent in both the written and the oral part. A strong written part does not make up for a weak oral exam.

3 TestDaF

Each of the four parts is converted to 0 to 20 points, and TDN 4 starts at 10 points. For university you need TDN 4 in every part. Since 12 May 2026 you can order a combined certificate for 29 euros that shows your best result per part from several digital tests taken within six months.

Goethe-Instituts in Germany state fees for 2026 between 155 and 359 euros for a complete exam for adults, depending on the level, location and format (paper or digital). The Goethe-Zertifikat B1, for example, costs 259 euros for all four modules or 104 euros per module, and candidates who took a Goethe-Institut course within the last six months get a 20 percent discount. The TestDaF costs about 210 euros in Germany. At telc, each exam centre sets its own fee, and centres register every exam with telc at least 14 days before the date, so your own registration deadline falls much earlier. Abroad, all providers charge local prices.

Waiting times for results differ too. The digital TestDaF reports results after about three weeks, telc states four to six weeks, and Goethe-Instituts state two to six weeks depending on the location.

The Goethe-Zertifikat, telc certificates and the TestDaF have no expiry date. Many employers and institutions still ask for a certificate no older than two years, so avoid taking the exam long before you apply.

Each exam has its own task types, and a preparation course should train exactly those.

• The Goethe-Institut publishes a model test for every exam, a complete sample exam with answers. From A2 to C1 you speak with a second candidate in the exam, so you practise negotiating and asking back.
• Many telc exams include Sprachbausteine, gap-fill texts in which you insert the right words or forms, often fixed phrases and prepositions.
• You take the digital TestDaF on a computer. You type your texts, record spoken answers and cannot go back to earlier tasks.

Exam training comes on top of study time. A language course brings you to a level, while exam training gets you used to task types, time pressure and the answer sheet. Plan several weeks and at least two full practice tests under exam conditions. If your placement test shows you a whole CEFR level short of the target, take a regular language course first.

You take most German exams in person. The TestDaF always takes place at a test centre, including the digital version, and the DSH usually at the university.

Some Goethe-Instituts offer an online exam at home under remote supervision in certain cases. Remote supervision means a proctor watches you through your webcam. A technical check is mandatory before you register, and minors cannot take part.