Find the right German language certificate for your visa, job, university, or citizenship goal in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
Covering all major exam providers: Telc, Goethe-Institut, TestDaF, DSH, ÖSD, and fide
Select your goal to see the German level you need
Required before arrival for spouse reunion (Familiennachzug).
No German needed to obtain the Blue Card itself.
Points-based job-search visa (6 pts minimum). Launched June 2024.
B2 preferred for healthcare and technical fields.
5 certificates accepted by KMK resolution for German-taught programs.
Requirements vary by country and visa type.
The most common long-term immigration goal.
Detailed breakdown for each German-speaking country
No German language requirement to obtain the EU Blue Card. However, German proficiency significantly accelerates the path to permanent residence:
Minimum salary (2025): €50,700 (standard) or €45,934 (shortage occupations including IT, engineering, healthcare).
make-it-in-germany.comPoints-based job search visa launched June 2024. Minimum 6 points required.
Language points:
Allows 1-year job search with part-time work (20 hrs/week). Extendable to 2 additional years.
handbookgermany.deFor professionals with recognized qualifications. The Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act) was expanded in 2023–2024.
A1 certificate required before arrival for spouse reunion.
Exempt from A1 requirement:
B1 is the standard minimum. B2 is preferred or required for healthcare and technical fields.
Certificate must be officially recognized (Goethe, Telc, ÖSD, or TestDaF).
make-it-in-germany.comGerman universities accept exactly 5 language certificates per KMK (Kultusministerkonferenz) resolution:
Note: Goethe B2 or Goethe C1 alone is NOT universally accepted for university admission.
mygermanuniversity.comMandatory for residents with German below B1 level. Structure:
Cost: ~€2.29 per lesson (exemptions available).
BAMF — Integration CourseGeneral requirements:
Blue Card fast-track: A1 → PR in 27 months, B1 → PR in 21 months.
Alternative: Successful completion of an integration course (B1 DTZ result).
migrando.deRequirements for naturalization:
Cost: €255 per person.
BAMF — NaturalizationLanguage levels required for professional recognition (Anerkennung) in Germany
General B2 certificate plus the specialist nursing language exam (60–90 min: patient simulation, colleague conversation, written documentation). Cost: ~€375.
Specialized exam alternatives: telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege, Goethe-Test PRO Pflege.
anerkennung-in-deutschland.deGeneral B2 certificate first, then pass the medical specialist language exam at C1 level for Approbation (full medical license).
anerkennung-in-deutschland.deNo German needed for the EU Blue Card or most tech jobs. ~5–10% of positions are advertised in English. Berlin tech workers without German earn ~€83,000 avg.
German helps with daily life and integration, but is not a career requirement in tech.
findajobingermany.deRegulated profession. A2 minimum to start the recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft), B1–B2 for full recognition depending on the Bundesland.
anerkennung-in-deutschland.deNo legal requirement, but most German companies expect B2+ for management roles. International companies in Berlin/Munich may accept English only.
Regulated profession requiring full Anerkennung. State-dependent but typically C1 minimum, often C2 for public schools.
anerkennung-in-deutschland.deChoose the right exam format based on your goal and country
| Feature | Telc | Goethe-Institut | TestDaF | DSH | ÖSD | fide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levels | A1–C2 | A1–C2 | B2–C1 (scored TDN 3–5) | DSH 1, 2, 3 | A1–C2 | A1–B1 |
| Focus | Practical, real-life | Academic, structured | University academic | University academic | Austrian contexts | Swiss everyday |
| Best for | Jobs, Ausbildung, immigration, nursing | Global recognition, university (C2), prestige | University admission | University (Germany only) | Austria immigration & university | Swiss permits & naturalization |
| Availability | Flexible dates, many centers | ~5 sessions/year per center | Fixed dates worldwide | German universities only | Austria + international | Switzerland only |
| Cost | Generally cheapest | Mid–high range | ~€195 | Varies by university | Mid range | CHF 250 |
| Special variants | telc C1 Hochschule, telc B1·B2 Pflege | Goethe-Test PRO Pflege, Goethe C2 (university) | Digital TestDaF | — | ÖSD B1 (modular) | Oral + written separable |
| Accepted in | DE, AT, CH, worldwide | DE, AT, CH, worldwide | DE, AT (some), worldwide | Germany only | AT, DE, CH | Switzerland only |
Sources: deutsch-pruefung.de, testgerman.de, osd.at, fide-service.ch
This guide reflects immigration and exam rules as of February 2026. Requirements change — especially Austria's citizenship law is being tightened. Always verify with official sources before making decisions.
100 full mock exam sets in Telc format with AI-powered explanations
DeutschExam is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with telc gGmbH, Goethe-Institut e.V., TestDaF, BAMF, ÖSD, or fide. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Immigration requirements may change — always verify with official sources.