GOETHE-INSTITUT
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is active worldwide, promotes knowledge of the German language abroad and contributes to international cultural cooperation. In addition, the institute promotes a comprehensive view of Germany by providing information on the cultural, social and political life of the nation. The Goethe-Insitut offers a total of five different diplomas.

Start Deutsch 1
Start Deutsch 1 is a language test to identify an elementary knowledge of German. It is aimed at adults and young people from age 16 on.

Start Deutsch 2
Start Deutsch 2 is a language test to identify an elementary knowledge of German and builds on the Sart Deutsch 1 language diploma. It is also aimed at adults and young people from age 16 on.

Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)
In passing the examination for the Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) students demonstrate that they have a solid basic knowledge of conversational German that enables them to deal with the language aspects of all important everyday situations (B1). With ZD they demonstrate that they have mastered the essential grammatical structures and are capable of understanding and participating in a conversation regarding everyday situations. They are also capable of describing simple circumstances orally and in writing and understanding written texts on everyday subjects.

Goethe-Zertifikat B2
The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is a new test that was introduced worldwide in the autumn of 2007. With the Goethe-Zertifikat B2, you demonstrate that you possess good knowledge of everyday standard German. This language knowledge enables you to express yourself correctly, both orally and in writing to some extent and that you understand more difficult texts.

Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf (ZDFB)
Mit diesem Zertifikat weisen Sie nach, dass Sie sich schriftlich und mündlich in berufsalltäglichen Situationen in der deutschen Sprache angemessen verständigen können (B2). D.h. Sie sind imstande, einfache Texte zu verstehen und routinemäßige Schreiben zu verfassen, die sich auf den Firmenalltag beziehen, und in Gesprächen des beruflichen Alltags adäquat zu reagieren.

Goethe-Zertifikat C1
The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a new examination that was also introduced worldwide in the autumn of 2007. As part of the adjustment to the frame of reference, the Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (central middle level examination) was comletely reworked, and is now entitled Goethe-Zertifikat C1 (ZMP). With the Zeugnis Goethe-Zertifikat C1 (ZMP) certificate, you have demonstrated that you understand a broad spectrum of more demanding and longer texts and also implicit meanings. You can make effective, flexible use of the German language in social and business situations, or in education and training. You can express yourself clearly in a structured and detailed manner on complex topics using a variety of means to reiterate the text.

Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch (PWD)
With the business German exam (Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch) you demonstrate that you can communicate orally and in writing on professional and business related topics in advanced German (C1). You are able to understand demanding oral and written information in German and express yourself competently orally and in writing in subjects related to business.

Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)
With the Zentrale Oberstufe Prüfung, you have demonstrated that you have a differentiated knowledge of standard German (C2). This language knowledge allows you to understand more difficult texts, and express yourself both orally and in writing.

Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)
With the Kleinen Deutschen Sprachdiplom you have demonstrated that you have a differentiated mastery of the nationwide standard (C2). You can understand demanding, authentic (primarily literary) texts and express yourself skillfully both orally and in writing. This test corresponds to the difficulty level of the Zentralen Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP),but also indicates that you have an overview over areas of Germany and its culture.

Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)
With the Grossen Deutschen Sprachdiplom you demonstrate that you have virtually achieved the language level of a native speaker. The GDS is the highest qualification exam of German as a foreign language obtained outside a university context or training as an interpreter or translator. It is well known and is sought after worldwide by private and public sector employers.

Preparation for the Goethe-Institut examinations
Test dates, fees and registration procedures vary from place to place. Please check with the examination centre where you intend to take the examination. Exact dates and locations are available on request.