Goethe-Institut Examinations in German
The language certificates offered by the Goethe-Institute are an internationally recognised language qualification that evidences your German language skills. The Modern Languages Teaching Centre offers these exams twice a year in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut London.
Goethe examinations are offered at all six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Our next examination date is Friday, 17 January 2025, and exams at levels A1, B1 and C1 will be offered.
How to Register
In order to register for a Goethe examination, please visit the examination section of the website of the Goethe-Institut London. Once you have selected the level for your examinations, you can find all upcoming exam dates and booking links.
If you wish to register your interest in taking an exam at a specific level here in Sheffield, please fill out this expression of interest form.
Who can take the Goethe Examination?
Anyone wishing to demonstrate their knowledge of German as a second and/or foreign language can take the exam. There are no restrictions as far as nationality is concerned, but the Goethe Institute recommends a minimum age of 16 years for their exams for adults. There are lower age recommendations for young learners’ exams, which can be found in the frequently asked questions section of the Goethe-Institut London website.
Why take a German exam?
There are many good reasons for gaining an internationally recognised language qualification in German.
- Demonstrate your language learning achievements
- Emphasise your language skills, for example on your CV or when meeting potential employers
- Satisfy official language requirements, for example for living, studying or working in a German speaking country
- Meeting visa requirements
- Measuring your learning against international standards
- Gaining confidence and pride in your German skills
- Reassurance that you are taking an exam that meets the highest standards of reliability, validity and objectivity
How much does the exam cost?
Costs vary depending on the level of the exam and whether all four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) or individual skills are being assessed. Please refer to the pricing on the Goethe-Institut London website by selecting your desired level.
What does a Goethe examination look like?
This varies according to the level of the exam, but all exams assess the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Listening, reading and writing skills are assessed in the form of invigilated written exams that all test takers sit together. Speaking skills are assessed separately in small groups (Start Deutsch 1) or pairs (A2-C1) or alone (C2). Two assessors will be present and guide you through the speaking exam.
Where can I find additional resources?
You can find sample exams on the website of the Goethe-Institut London. We highly recommend you familiarise yourself thoroughly with the format of the test, e.g. question types, timings and marking criteria for the writing and speaking sections of the exams in order to be well prepared. You can find these by visiting the examination overview on the website of the Goethe-Institute London. You will find practice materials linked in the preparation section.
Where can I find more information?
Many additional questions are covered in the frequently asked questions section on the website of the Goethe-Institut London. Please follow this link to the FAQs.
If you have more questions, for example about specific examination dates at the Modern Languages Teaching Centre in Sheffield or general enquiries about the exam in Sheffield, please contact us via email: goethe@sheffield.ac.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.
Are the examinations accessible?
We make every effort to accommodate additional accessibility needs and there are adjustments available to accommodate test takers with additional needs, such as but not limited to chronic illness, motor disabilities, speech disorders, impaired vision and/or hearing, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additional information is available here. Please note that the reason(s) for exam adjustments must be disclosed upon registering for the exam and be confirmed by a doctor’s attestation. The testing location is obligated to maintain strict confidentiality.