What A1–C2 really mean, which exams are recognised, and where each level is typically requested – with official sources only.
This page explains the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in simplified form. Which certificate is accepted is always decided by the university, employer or authority in question. Nothing here is a guarantee of admission or eligibility.
Estimated learning hours (from level 0): 80–200
Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases; introduce yourself; ask and answer simple personal questions when the other person speaks slowly.
First orientation; often the first step in integration courses. Rarely sufficient alone for Ausbildung or work.
Estimated learning hours (from level 0): 180–400
Understand frequently used sentences on everyday topics (shopping, family, work); handle simple routine exchanges; describe your background and immediate needs in simple terms.
Everyday life basics. Some employers accept A2 for entry-level roles with on-the-job language training.
Estimated learning hours (from level 0): 350–650
Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters; deal with most travel situations; produce simple connected text; describe experiences, hopes and plans and give brief reasons.
Common target of integration courses (DTZ). Frequently requested for Ausbildung and for many vocational jobs; also relevant for naturalisation. Requirements vary by employer/authority.
Estimated learning hours (from level 0): 600–900
Understand the main ideas of complex texts, including technical discussions in your field; interact fluently and spontaneously with native speakers; write clear, detailed text and explain a viewpoint with pros and cons.
Frequently required for regulated healthcare professions (e.g. nursing recognition), many skilled jobs and some study programs. Check the exact requirement of the authority or university.
Estimated learning hours (from level 0): 800–1200
Understand demanding, longer texts and implicit meaning; express yourself fluently without obvious searching for words; use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes; produce well-structured, detailed text.
Typical entry level for German-taught university programs (proved via TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1/C2, telc C1 Hochschule) and for physicians' specialist language exams. Each university sets its own accepted certificates.
Estimated learning hours (from level 0): 1000+
Understand virtually everything heard or read; summarise information from different sources; express yourself very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in complex situations.
Rarely required; relevant for language-intensive academic or professional roles.
Estimates published by course providers – actual time varies strongly with your first language, intensity and prior knowledge.
Fees, dates and locations change – please check them on the official pages. We do not store prices or exam dates.
Goethe-Zertifikat (A1–C2)
Goethe-Institut
telc Deutsch (A1–C2, incl. B1·B2 Pflege, C1 Hochschule)
telc gGmbH
TestDaF (university admission, TDN 3–5)
g.a.s.t. / TestDaF-Institut
DSH – Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang
offered by German universities
ÖSD Zertifikat (A1–C2)
ÖSD (Austria; recognised in Germany)
DTZ – Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (A2/B1, integration courses)
BAMF
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