Learning a new language will always open doors to a world of opportunities. Whether you are thinking of furthering your studies, starting a career, or simply exploring new horizons, mastering German can be an excellent decision for your future!
We're here to guide you through preparing for German language proficiency exams and reaching your language goals. Discover the whole new universe of German and become a language expert with Superprof!
What is the German proficiency test in Canada?
A German language proficiency test assesses an individual's ability to understand, speak, read, and write in German. It assigns a specific level of language proficiency, such as beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc. They are often a prerequisite for studying abroad, accessing specific job competitions, and applying for scholarships and visas. How does German Language Proficiency Open Doors?
The German proficiency examinations in Canada are:
ZD or Zertifikat Deutsch (Certificate German level B1)
It is equivalent to the Goethe Certificate B1 and is an internationally recognized German language proficiency test. This certificate is used to obtain German citizenship, immigration, employment, and university admission. Usually, the ZD is taken after finishing a German course provided by the Goethe Institute (GI) in Germany or abroad.
- Structure: The exam is split into four parts, covering the four skills of listening, reading, reading, and writing.
- Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- Registration and Fees: You can register at the Goethe Institute-approved examination centers. The fee depends on the location.
- Score: You must pass 60% of the written and oral examinations. This is equivalent to a minimum of 135 out of 225 points in the written exam and a minimum of 45 out of 75 possible points in the oral examination. 270-300: Very good; 240-269,5: Good; 210-239,5: Satisfactory; 180 - 209,5: Fair.
- Expiration: Goethe-Zertifikats do not expire. Many institutions and employers, however, expect it to be dated up to two years ago.
Goethe-Institute language tests
Goethe-Institut examinations correspond to the levels set out in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and range from A1 for beginners to C2 for native-level speakers. Each Goethe-Institut examination consists of writing, reading, listening, and speaking modules. The Goethe-Institute offers test for children and teens (between 10 and 16 years old) and adults.
- Structure: The exam comprises reading, listening, writing, and speaking modules.
- Duration: Between 1 hr 20 min and 3 hr 15 min.
- Registration and Fees: The fee depends on the level and type of exam, weather group, or individual and can range from $230 to $450. You must create an account on the official Goethe Institute site to register.
- Score: A 100% can be attained in each module. A module is deemed passed if at least 60 points or 60% are achieved. 100-90: Very good; 89-80: Good; 79-70: Satisfactory; 69-60: Pass; 59-0: Fail. This score may depend on the level of the test.
- Expiration: Goethe-Zertifikats A1 through C2 do not expire.
TestDaF Language Test
The Deutsch als Fremdsprache test (German as a foreign language) allows international students to be admitted to the German higher education system or demonstrate their proficiency in German in their country.
- Structure: Consists of written, oral, reading, and listening examinations.
- Duration: The TestDaF lasts 3 hours.
- Registration and Fees: You can register in the TestDaF-Institutes or visit the TestDaF-Institute website. The fee depends on the exam level, type, weather group, or individual, ranging from $100 to $450.
- Score: The exam is scored on a scale of TDN 3 to TDN 5, with TDN 5 being the highest level of proficiency. To get a TDN 3, you must achieve 70-80% of the test (B2); for a TDN 4, you must complete 80-90% of the test (B2/C1); and for a TDN 5, you must achieve 90-100% (C1).
- Expiration: The TestDaF Certificate does not expire.
DSH Test (Deutschen Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
It is a German language test for admission to a German university and an alternative to the TestDaF. It comprises a written test that evaluates listening comprehension, written comprehension, and text production, and an oral module that evaluates linguistic correctness and pronunciation.
- Structure: The test comprises comprehension, speaking, and writing.
- Duration: The written examination takes a maximum of four hours.
- Registration and Fees: Register for the DSH examination online. The cost may vary. However, the exam fee is around €160.
- Score: DSH-1 (57% or higher): elementary language proficiency; DSH-2 (67% or higher) refers to good language proficiency; DSH-3 (82% or higher) refers to an "extraordinary" language proficiency. A score below 57% means a test failure.
- Expiration: The DSH certificate is valid only for two years.
TELC Language Test
TELC language tests are an alternative to Goethe's. It is another recognized German test consisting of reading, writing, listening, and speaking modules. The Telc test is valid officially in German universities; however, not all accept this certificate for admission.
- Structure: Consists of written, oral, reading, and listening examinations.
- Duration: The examination could last three hours.
- Registration and Fees: The fee depends on the exam level, ranging from $129 to $199.
- Score: The total score for TELC is 300 points. The written examination consists of 225 points, and the oral of 75 points.
- Expiration: If you have passed both parts of the exam, your language certificate has no expiration date. If you have only passed the written or oral module, your result is valid for 12 months from the issue date.
Be aware that the test you must take may depend on your goals and the requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to. We recommend you visit the official websites or contact the relevant admissions office for up-to-date information. And discover effective strategies to ace German Language Exams!
Can I take the German proficiency test online?
Yes, you can take German proficiency tests in their digital formats. Online German proficiency tests are conducted digitally on a computer or laptop under the supervision of the examination center since they provide secured examination software. Online tests allow flexibility in taking the oral module, as they can be conducted via videoconference or on-site at the testing center. Discover the German Language Proficiency Exams availability in Canada. Let's find out a bit more about the digital formats for the German tests we discussed above:
- Goethe-Institute language tests: These tests are offered in digital format, and are carried out in the exam center on laptops provided by the institute.
- TestDaF: The digital TestDaF could also be conducted online at an established test center.
- DSH Test: The DSH exam is usually offered at German universities. However, taking the digital DSH Test at examination centers in Canada may also be available.
- TELC Examination: The digital TELC examinations is also conducted on a computer under supervision in an examination center.
Before registering for an online German proficiency test, we recommend you check the specific requirements, application dates, fees, and availability of testing centers. This digital formats are as valid, reliable, and objective as the paper-based exams and have the same content and assessment criteria. No worries, here you will learn how to overcome German test stress!
Five study tips for the German language exam!
You will need more than just practicing the language to achieve the desired proficiency score. Your success will also depend on your knowledge of the test structure and ability to manage your timing and anxiety. Let's find out some valuable tips to succeed in any language proficiency test:
- Improve your grammar and vocabulary. An extensive vocabulary and a solid grammatical foundation are essential for passing any language proficiency test. We recommend that you practice regularly through vocabulary exercises and read German literature.
- Let's practice that oral expression. Since you need strong listening and speaking skills to succeed in any language proficiency test, we recommend practicing through German language speaking tests with a native speaker or a tutor to prepare you for the speaking module better. This can help you improve your German-speaking fluency and confidence.
- Understand the structure of the exam. Knowing the structure of the exams and the time established to answer each module will be crucial for your success. Generally, language proficiency tests involve four modules: listening comprehension, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing, and in most cases, you must achieve 60% in all four sections to pass the exam.
- Test your German with digitally simulated tests. Practicing with digital simulated tests will help you become familiar with the format and style of this type of exam. By practicing these language tests, you will feel more comfortable retaking them under pressure. You can find supporting resources on the official Goethe Institute site.
- Look for online resources. The truth is that the Internet provides us with many online resources with which you can familiarize yourself better with the German language tests and even find people who give personal tips to pass these tests successfully. Check out YouTube and online student forums through social networks, as you can find very effective study resources.
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