Goethe, TestDaF or telc: which German exam should you take?
Three names come up again and again when people need proof of German: Goethe, TestDaF and telc. They are built for different purposes, and the purpose usually makes the decision for you.
Updated · 5 min read
Side by side
| Exam | Levels | Results | Format | Often used for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat | A1–C2 | A certificate at each level | See your centre | Visas, work, study, citizenship |
| TestDaF | B2–C1 | TDN 3 to TDN 5, does not expire | Computer or paper | Study |
| telc Deutsch | A1–C2 | A certificate for each exam | Paper or computer | Work, study, visas |
Facts are from the official sites of the Goethe-Institut, TestDaF and telc.
Choose by purpose
- Studying at a German-speaking university: TestDaF is built for you, though your university may accept others. See our TestDaF guide.
- A visa or residence file: check the list your authority publishes. The Goethe-Zertifikat and telc are both often used.
- Work: telc offers work-focused exams such as B1 Beruf, and the Goethe-Zertifikat is widely used too.
- Citizenship: the official Goethe information lists citizenship among its uses. Confirm with your authority.
Consider where you live
Practical matters count. Which exam can you take within the next few months, and within reach of your home? Check the Goethe-Institut locations, the TestDaF centres and the telc centres. A good exam that you cannot book does not help you.
Look at the papers
Open the official material for Goethe, TestDaF and telc. Take a free German level test as well, and you will have what you need to decide.
Prepare German for any of them
Words, sentences and dialogues at your level, in a path built around your goal.
See also language exams for studying abroad and language exams for citizenship.
Keep exploring
Every exam below has its own preparation page on 16Word.
The other language exams
- Sproochentest (Luxembourgish)
- Inburgeringsexamen (Dutch)
- Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch)
- TOEFL iBT (English)
- IELTS (English)
- Cambridge English (English)
- PTE Academic (English)
- DELF (French)
- DALF (French)
- TCF (French)
- TEF (French)
- Goethe-Zertifikat (German)
- TestDaF (German)
- telc Deutsch (German)
- DELE (Spanish)
- CILS (Italian)
- CAPLE (Portuguese)
- HSK (Chinese)
- JLPT (Japanese)
- TOPIK (Korean)
- YKI (Finnish)
- Ellinomatheia (Greek)
- Certyfikat polski (Polish)
More guides on language exams
- IELTS explained: the 0–9 band, test options and how to prepare
- TOEFL iBT explained: the 1–6 score scale and how to prepare
- Cambridge English exams: from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency
- PTE Academic explained: the 10–90 score and how to prepare
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge: which English exam should you take?
- DELF explained: levels A1 to B2, pass mark and preparation
- DALF C1 and C2: what the advanced French diplomas require
- The TCF French test: five skills, levels and validity
- The TEF French test: the 0–699 score, uses and preparation
- DELF, TCF or TEF: which French exam do you need?
- Goethe-Zertifikat explained: levels A1 to C2 and how to prepare
- TestDaF explained: TDN 3 to 5 and studying in Germany
- telc Deutsch explained: exams, skills and how to prepare
- The DELE Spanish diplomas: levels and how to get ready
- CILS Italian certificate: levels, skills and how to pass
- CAPLE Portuguese exams: levels A1 to C2 and who needs them
- HSK explained: levels 1 to 9 and the five skills tested
- How to prepare for the JLPT: a plan from N5 to N1
- How to prepare for TOPIK: a study plan for levels 1 to 6
- The YKI Finnish test: levels 1 to 6 and how to prepare
- How to prepare for the Greek Certificate of Attainment
- How to pass the Polish language certificate exam
- Staatsexamen NT2: how scoring works and how to prepare
- Language exams for studying abroad: which certificate to take
- Language exams for work and visas: which certificate you need
- Language exams for citizenship: which certificates are used
- Do language certificates expire? Validity of the main exams
- Language exams you can take at home: what to check first
- Free official sample papers for 17 language exams
Related guides and free level tests
- The Dutch inburgering exam in 2026: routes, parts, fees and FAQ
- Sproochentest speaking (A2): topics, picture description and how to prepare
- Sproochentest listening (B1): the three recordings and how to practise
- A 60-day Sproochentest preparation plan, week by week
- Luxembourgish levels A1 to B2: what each CEFR level means in practice
- What level of Luxembourgish do you need for citizenship?
- The inburgering reading exam (A2 and B1): format, question types and tips
- The inburgering listening exam (A2 and B1): what to expect and how to train
- The inburgering writing exam (A2 and B1): tasks, model messages and mistakes
- The inburgering speaking exam (A2 and B1): format and model answers
- The KNM exam (Knowledge of Dutch Society): format, themes and how to prepare
- Staatsexamen NT2: programme I (B1) or programme II (B2)?
- A2 or B1 Dutch: which level do you need for inburgering, nationality or study?
- Inburgering exemptions and dispensation: when you take fewer or no exams
- What inburgering costs: exam fees, free attempts and the DUO loan
- The 3-year inburgering deadline: letters, fines and extra time
- How to register for the inburgering exams and the Staatsexamen NT2
- Dutch citizenship: the A2 language requirement and the naturalisation test
- Belgian nationality: the A2 language requirement and the Flemish Dutch test
- Inburgering in Flanders: the integration pathway and A2 Dutch
- The three inburgering routes: B1, education and Z route explained
- A 12-week plan to prepare for the inburgering exams
- Spanish nationality: the DELE A2 and CCSE requirement explained
- Italian citizenship: the B1 Italian language requirement
- Portuguese nationality: the A2 requirement and the CIPLE exam
- Finnish citizenship: the language requirement and the YKI test
- The Czech A2 exam for permanent residence: format, points and fee
- JLPT levels N5 to N1: sections, times and pass marks
- Polish citizenship: the B1 Polish certificate and how to get it
- The Greek Certificate of Attainment: levels, dates and fees
Choosing a German exam: frequently asked questions
Which German exam is best for university?
TestDaF is built for study. Your university may accept others, so check its admissions page.
Which German exams cover A1?
The Goethe-Zertifikat and telc Deutsch both begin at A1. TestDaF starts at B2.
Does TestDaF expire?
No.
Is Goethe or telc better for work?
Both are often used. Ask your employer which it accepts.
Can 16Word replace these exams?
No. 16Word prepares you up to B2, but only official exams count for universities and authorities.
Was this guide useful?
Official sources
Keep going
- /certifications/goethe
- /certifications/testdaf
- /certifications/telc
- Goethe-Zertifikat explained: levels A1 to C2 and how to prepare
- TestDaF explained: TDN 3 to 5 and studying in Germany
- telc Deutsch explained: exams, skills and how to prepare
- The DELE Spanish diplomas: levels and how to get ready
- CILS Italian certificate: levels, skills and how to pass
- CAPLE Portuguese exams: levels A1 to C2 and who needs them
- HSK explained: levels 1 to 9 and the five skills tested
- How to prepare for the JLPT: a plan from N5 to N1
- All guides