German Language Test for University Admission The results are given in percentages and thus the graduate is placed in a level range. Of the three different levels DSH-1, DSH-2 and DSH-3, the former is the easiest.
While in the telc test (level B1 and B2) there are only 30 minutes planned for the writing activity, in the Goethe exam the writing task takes up 60 minutes (B1) and 75 minutes (B2). This means that there is more emphasis placed on the writing task and the task will be more complex.
The most widely recognized German exams are the DSH, the TestDaF and the Goethe Institut examinations, which cover all CEFR levels, from A1 to C2.
To make it short: there are no significant differences, as both – Goethe and telc – are recognized testing bodies. Just take the exam that suits you better in terms of testing dates and/or price (telc exams tend to be cheaper than the Goethe ones).
Going Toe-to-toe with the Goethe Zertifikat
If the TestDaF is the academic German level test, then the Goethe Zertifikat is the all-around one. It's by far the most famous test of the German language and is accepted by everybody who needs any kind of proof of German ability.
German A2 exam pattern is quite simple. As it's a language, there are 4 modules- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
The Level C1 in German requires a very high language level and is therefore correspondingly difficult. For many students, the C1 level in German is a great challenge. However, there are also many resources to prepare for the exam. With the right motivation and the will to pass the exam, anyone can pass the C1 level!
The Goethe-Institut certificate (Zertifikat) is recognised worldwide as a German language certification, and can be used in Germany for visa, residence permit and citizenship applications, as well as for university entrance requirements.
The certificate TELC Deutsch C1 Hochschule is officially recognised and accepted by the members of the German Rectors' and Cultural Ministers' Conference as proof of language skills for admission to German universities.
The Telc tests are internationally-recognized certifications and are widely accepted in Germany for citizenship, residence permit, and visa applications.
The B1 level is the most difficult because of the lot of grammar and vocabulary knowledge that you need to grasp. No matter, how difficult or lengthy it looks, learn things slowly and reinforce all you have done as you may go through.
German A1 exam pattern is quite simple. As it's a language, there are 4 modules- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is 60 points exam and you have to score 36 points (60%) to pass the exam.
Levels A1 and A2: These levels provide you with basic knowledge of the German language. If you have no previous knowledge, attending an A1 course is highly recommended. Levels B1 and B2: Here is where you will learn German at an advanced level.
When did I pass the exam? In order to pass the telc A1 exam, you must answer at least 60% of the tasks correctly in both parts of the exam, i.e. the written and the oral. In concrete terms, this means that you must achieve a minimum score of 60 points.
The telc B2 Deutsch test is doable with 2-3 months of a solid preparation. Knowing the test format through and through is 20-30% of the success. You have to address your weaknesses, but prepare holistically. It's not as scary as it seems.
Your aim should be B2. For finance and accounting positions, having a good knowledge of German is often preferred, but when working in Germany, English can also be used as the working language in some cases. The same applies as for IT though.
Commonly accepted English language certificates as a proof of your proficiency in English language for academic studies in Germany are: Educational Certificate of an English-Speaking School. You must have completed at least 5 (B1) /6 (B2) schooling years in a school whose main language of instruction was English.
After completing your studies abroad, your academic achievements (including your grades) are transferred by the ECTS and can then be recognised in Australia.
Working in Germany
If you´d like to work in Germany you´ll get by if your German is on level B1/B2 (online test). The certificate issued by GLS is recognized by many employers and even some universities in Germany.
It will take around 350 hours of study to reach an intermediate level of German. If you practice your German for 15 hours a week, you'll be able to reach it within six months.
4 hours a day which amounts to 8 hours a week and finished A2 in 4 months. Later, continued B1 in a similar fashion for 2.5 months. B2 also takes around 3 months if you spend around 8 hours a week.
At the C1 German CEFR level, a student can: Understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and also recognize implied meaning in German. Express thoughts and ideas fluently without much obvious thinking about it or searching for expressions.