From your first sentences to mastery close to that of a native speaker. Each card says what you can do at that level, how long it takes and who it is for.
A1 A1 · Beginner You learn to introduce yourself, ask about everyday things, and talk about yourself in simple sentences.
What you can do afterwards Introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer questions about personal details Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases Interact in a simple way provided the other person speaks slowly Fill in a simple form with personal details
Who it is for Anyone starting from scratch — no previous German needed. View level A2 A2 · Elementary You understand sentences on topics of immediate relevance and can act for yourself in simple routine situations.
What you can do afterwards Understand sentences and frequent expressions about shopping, work and local geography Communicate in simple routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information Describe your background, education and immediate environment in simple terms Write short personal letters and notes
Who it is for Anyone who has finished A1 or can already get by in simple exchanges. View level B1 B1 · Independent You deal with most situations that come up while travelling, and can talk about experiences and plans as connected speech.
What you can do afterwards Understand the main points when clear standard language is used Deal with most situations likely to arise in a German-speaking country Produce simple connected text on familiar topics Give reasons for opinions and explain plans
Who it is for Anyone with a solid A2 base who needs German for study, work or living. View level B2 B2 · Upper intermediate You understand the main ideas of complex text and can interact with a degree of fluency that makes normal conversation possible.
What you can do afterwards Understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics Interact with fluency and spontaneity that makes regular conversation possible Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects Explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, weighing advantages and disadvantages
Who it is for Anyone who needs German at work or for study through the language. View level C1 C1 · Advanced You understand demanding, longer texts and express yourself fluently without obviously searching for words.
What you can do afterwards Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning Express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions Use the language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects
Who it is for Anyone heading for a German-speaking university or professional work at a high level. View level C2 C2 · Mastery You understand virtually everything you read and hear, and express yourself effortlessly, precisely and with fine shades of meaning.
What you can do afterwards Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read Summarise information from different spoken and written sources Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely Differentiate finer shades of meaning even in complex situations
Who it is for Anyone who needs German at the highest level — academic, editorial or professional. View level Goethe-Institut, telc and ÖSD are independent examination providers. We prepare you for their exams. We are not an examination centre, we hold no partnership with them, and we issue none of their certificates.