Which German exam do I need?
Language exams (Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF, ECL), study tests (TestAS, onSET, dMAT, DSH, telc C1 Hochschule) and exams for doctors and nurses (FSP, PKT, Kenntnisprüfung). The exam you need depends on your goal, not on the name you have heard. Pick your situation below for the answer.
I want to do an Ausbildung
B1 in most cases. Goethe, telc, or ÖSD.
See the answerI want to work as a nurse or carer in Germany
A2 to apply, B2 to get licensed. telc B1·B2 Pflege. Kenntnisprüfung if gaps are found.
See the answerI am a doctor with a degree from abroad
C1 medical German (FSP). Kenntnisprüfung if your degree differs.
See the answerI'm applying to a German university
C1-level for German-taught. TestDaF, DSH, telc C1 Hochschule. TestAS for some bachelor's.
See the answerI'm joining my spouse or family in Germany
A1. Goethe, telc, or ÖSD only.
See the answerI want a skilled-worker job, Opportunity Card, or recognition
No single level. A2-B1+ typical. Chancenkarte: A1 German or B2 English.
See the answerThe five CEFR language exams at a glance
These five are CEFR-aligned and accepted as a class. Which one counts is set by the institution you apply to. Study tests and exams for doctors and nurses are in the goal answers above.
| Exam | Levels | Mainly used for | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Institut | A1 to C2 | All routes; strong for university (C2) and visas | Most exam centers in India |
| telc | A1 to C2 | Ausbildung, nursing (B1·B2 Pflege), jobs | Slots tend to open more often |
| ÖSD | A1 to C2 | All routes; Austria's official exam | Accepted across routes |
| TestDaF | B2 to C1 (TDN 3-5) | University admission | No A1; not for a spouse visa |
| ECL | A2 to C1 | General immigration / jobs | No A1 or C2; rarely used for university |
Final acceptance depends on your specific university, employer, or visa office. Always verify with them.
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