You are learning German, and suddenly these names appear everywhere: telc, Goethe-Zertifikat, TestDaF. They all sound official, they all test your German, but which exam do you really need?
The short answer: it depends on why you need the certificate.
If you want to live, work, or apply for a residence permit in Germany, telc is often a very suitable choice.
Many people choose telc because the exam is strongly focused on everyday life, work, and integration. Exams such as telc Deutsch B1, telc Deutsch B2, and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule are especially well known.
telc is especially suitable for you if you:
need proof of language skills for work,
want to prove your residence or integration,
are looking for a practical exam,
want to use German in everyday life and at work.
Think of telc as a realistic check: Can you communicate in everyday life in Germany? Can you have conversations, understand emails, and express yourself in typical situations?
The Goethe-Zertifikat is very well known worldwide. Many learners choose it because the name Goethe-Institut has a strong international reputation.
This exam is especially interesting if you want a generally recognized certificate of your German language skills. Whether for job applications, personal goals, preparation for university, or international use, the Goethe-Zertifikat often appears very official and high-quality.
Goethe is a good fit for you if you:
want an internationally recognized certificate,
want to prove your German skills in general,
may need proof of your language skills outside Germany,
are looking for an exam with a strong academic and cultural reputation.
In short: Goethe is often the right choice if you want a certificate that is understood almost everywhere.
If your goal is to study at a German university, you should take a closer look at TestDaF.
TestDaF was developed specifically for people who want to study in Germany. That is why it focuses especially on the skills you need in academic life: understanding texts, grasping academic content, following lectures, and writing in a structured way.
TestDaF is ideal for you if you:
want to study at a German university,
need proof of language skills for university admission,
are preparing for academic German,
can work with academic texts and topics.
This exam is less “everyday German” and more “university German.” So you should not only be able to speak well, but also understand complex content and argue clearly.
Many learners make the mistake of simply choosing any German exam. But this can cost time, money, and nerves later on.
So first ask yourself:
What do I need the certificate for?
Do you need German for work or residence? Then telc is often a very practical choice.
Do you want a certificate that is known worldwide? Then Goethe may be ideal.
Do you want to study in Germany? Then TestDaF is often the right direction.
In the end, it is not about which exam is “the best.” It is about which exam is the right one for your next step.
About the Author
AKAZA Education
The telc B2 exam requires a higher level of German than the B1 exam. Success depends not only on language skills but also on structured preparation, effective exam strategies, and regular practice. Learn how to prepare step by step and approach your exam with confidence.