If you are studying German, you should consider the possibility of taking an official exam to certify that knowledge. Whether you are thinking of having an education in Germany or looking for work opportunities, having an official certificate will always be a great choice to make.
Types of German Language Certificates
There are several institutions with different certified exams that you can choose from depending on which one suits your preferences and needs the best. Here are presented the most notable ones:
Goethe-Zertifikat
These exams are organized by the Goethe-Institut, and you can access their exams from beginner to advanced level, or in other words, from A1 to C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). They are a valid certification for those who need to study in Germany, although the exam takes a more general approach and do not focus on being only appropriate for studying in the country. Also, it is important to mention that these certificates does not expire, meaning that you do not need to retake the exam after some years in order to maintain your qualification.
TestDaF
This is another one of the most valued and recognized certificates. One of its differences with the Goethe-Zertifikat exams is that TestDaF does not cover all language levels. It has a more advanced level which goes from upper intermediate to advanced. They offer three exams: TDN 3, (B2.1 on the CEFR), TDN 4 (B2.2 to C1.1 on the CEFR), and TDN 5 (C1.2 on the CEFR). This official certificate is particularly appropriate if you need to study in Germany, as it is often the one required to accredit your German language level.
Telc
Telc or “The European Language Certificates” are a series of certificates that cover all the language levels (beginner to advanced). It even has some specialized exams for children, and it is also possible to access education with it. However, this certificate is less common than the previous two ones.
DSH
DSH or “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang” are also high-valued certifications with focus on an advanced level, similarly to TestDaF. They also offer 3 exams: DSH1 (B2 level on the CEFR), DSH2 (C1 level on the CEFR), and DSH3 (C2 on the CEFR). Another common feature is that it is also one of the required accreditations to study in Germany. Their only difference is that this exam can only be taken once you’ve arrived in Germany.
How to Prepare for an Official Exam?
Some people may prefer to prepare for an official certificate at home. However, there are other ways to be more efficient when doing so. Linguistic immersion is actually one of the most successful ways to prepare you for your exam, and that is where Ynsitu comes into play. They provide a wide variety of experiences for living abroad while studying German courses. This is the easiest and most effective way of learning the language and getting ready for your certification. So, what are you waiting for? Explore all the advantages and possibilities that Ynsitu has to offer.