Which German exam do I need?
telc, Goethe, ÖSD, DTZ, Einbürgerungstest, TestDaF — the names are confusing and the wrong one costs you a fee and a test date. Pick the reason you need a certificate and see what the authorities actually ask for.
Why do you need a German certificate?
telc vs Goethe vs ÖSD
All three are recognised across Germany and all map to the same CEFR levels. At A1 the Goethe and telc exams are jointly developed and effectively identical (Start Deutsch 1). Higher up, the structures differ in detail, so practise with material for the brand you booked. Goethe has broader international name recognition; telc usually has more test centres inside Germany.
Where the DTZ fits
The Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer is not a separate higher certificate. It is the exam at the end of the integration course, and one sitting reports either A2 or B1. A DTZ graded at B1 is normally accepted wherever a B1 certificate is required.
The Einbürgerungstest is not a language exam
It is 33 multiple-choice questions on German law, history and society, taken in German. Citizenship applicants need it in addition to a B1 language certificate — two separate exams, two separate bookings.
Frequently asked questions
+Is telc or Goethe easier?
Neither is systematically easier — they are calibrated to the same CEFR levels. Task types differ slightly, so the one you have practised for is the easier one on the day.
+Which German certificates do immigration authorities accept?
telc, Goethe-Institut, ÖSD and TestDaF-Institut certificates are the standard recognised options, along with a DTZ result. Always confirm on the page of the specific embassy or authority handling your case.
+Do German certificates expire?
Language certificates generally do not have a formal expiry date, but individual authorities and employers may ask for recent proof if yours is several years old.
+Can I take an exam without attending a course?
Yes. You can register as an external candidate at any test centre without having taken a course.