Goethe Test Center
The Goethe-Institut's German language examinations are an internationally recognized standard for accessing and quantifying your German language skills, be it for personal or for professional reasons. These examinations correspond to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; the GAI offers a range of levels from A1 for beginners to C1 for autonomous language ability.
The Germanic-American Institute offers preparatory courses and private tutoring for those seeking extra instruction before taking any of the Goethe Institut tests listed below. Group tests will be conducted once a year in the spring on site at the GAI; prices and dates vary, however, so please contact us if you need to take a test outside the listed testing dates. The times and dates of the exam and seminars will be posted on our website, or contact Language Services for further information.
The GAI currently offers the following examinations:
Examinations for adults (15+ years)
Start Deutsch A1
Completion of the first two levels of GAI language instruction recommended.
If you are planning on moving to Germany to your spouse, together with your spouse or in order to get married to your partner, since October 1, 2007 you are required by German law to provide evidence of basic German language competence. As a resident of the United States or Canada, this means for you that passing the Goethe Exam “Start Deutsch 1” is required. Basic language competence can be demonstrated by conducting basic communication in German, such as introducing yourself, asking for directions, going shopping, etc. For further information, please check out the website of the German Government where brochures in many languages are available.
Citizens of the United States are at this point exempt from this regulation. Please check with your nearest consulate or embassy to retrieve the most current information.
Start Deutsch A2
This exam calls for elementary language skills. To pass this exam, you must be able to do the following: understand the main content of everyday conversations as well as brief radio announcements or phone messages; obtain the most important information from short newspaper articles, everyday advertisements and public notice boards; fill in ordinary forms in shops or at banks or government offices; write messages about your immediate situation; introduce yourself and exchange personal details in a conversation; ask and answer questions in conversations about everyday topics; and agree on something or make arrangements in everyday conversation.
B1 Zertifikat Deutsch
The ZD has significance due to its worldwide acceptance. Highly regarded by employers in both the private and public sectors as proof of basic knowledge of the German language, it is recognized in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland as satisfying the language requirements of a Fachhochschule (technical secondary school) and for the attainment of German citizenship.
Candidates must possess a sound basic knowledge of the language and demonstrate the ability to communicate in both oral and written everyday situations. Examination components consist of reading and listening comprehension, grammatical structures and vocabulary, letter writing, and an oral interview.
Successful completion of the G-series courses at the GAI prepares students to pass the ZD exam.
B2 and C1 (formerly Mittelstufenprüfung)
Wer diese weltweit anerkannten Zertifikate nachweisen kann, hat bei einer Stellensuche in deutschsprachigen Ländern Vorteile. Kandidaten dieser beiden Prüfungen müssen sich in gesprochenem und geschriebenem Standarddeutsch im Zusammenhang mit anspruchsvollen Themen fließend ausdrücken können sowie einen authentischen Text von mittlerem Schwierigkeitsgrad ohne zusätzliche Lernhilfen durcharbeiten können. Die Prüfungen bestehen aus einer Überprüfung des Lese-und Hörverständnisses, sowie geschriebenenen Kurzreferaten und einer kurzen mündlichen Prüfung.
Examinations for young people
(less than 14 years)
Fit A1 & Fit A2
Passing the Fit in Deutsch examination proves that you can make yourself understood in simple German. These examination require a basic knowledge of German and correspond to levels one (A1) and two (A2) on the six-level scale of competence laid down in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Zertifikat B1 für Jugendliche (ZD j)
Passing the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 (ZD j) examination proves that you have a sound basic knowledge of everyday German and that you have the language skills required for dealing with all kinds of different situations encountered every day.