Are you looking to study, work, or live in Germany? If so, you’ll most likely be required to take some kind of test to prove your German language proficiency.
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But which test should you take? Each exam is designed for different requirements and purposes, so choose wisely.
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To help you decide, we’ll give you an overview of these exams, with links to detailed posts for each.

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‍Goethe Exam
‍The Goethe exam by the Goethe-Institut is widely accessible and recognized, making it viable to be used for different purposes and requirements. There is an exam for each CEFR level, from A1 to C2.
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‍TELC (The European Language Certificates)
‍The telc exam also covers levels A1 to C2 and focuses on real-world application of the German language. This is also a great choice for those looking to stay or work in Germany.
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‍DTZ (Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer)
‍The DTZ is the final part of German integration courses often required of immigrants looking for residency and citizenship in Germany but have little to no German abilities. It tests the lower levels of A2-B1 and helps immigrants live independently in the country.
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‍TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
‍Most German universities require taking the TestDaF if you’re an international student. It focuses on academic applications of the German language.
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‍TestAS (Test for Academic Studies)
While NOT a language course, I’ve included the TestAS as it is also commonly required of international students by German universities. It does NOT test your German language proficiency, but rather your academic abilities in different academic disciplines. Because of this, the test can be taken in either English or German.
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Beyond their intended purpose, each test also has pros and cons. We’ve listed them down below, along with a link to detailed guides about them, to help you choose.
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Each of these exams serves a unique purpose, so it's important to choose the one that best aligns with your goals. Explore the detailed guides for each exam below to learn more about formats, levels, and tips for success.