Six levels, one framework
Our exams follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from first steps (A1) to near-native mastery (C2). Each level page has the exam format, upcoming dates and a free PDF study pack.
Beginner
Your first milestone: introduce yourself, use everyday phrases and ask simple questions about people and places.
- Introduce yourself and others.
- Ask and answer simple questions about yourself, where you live and your family.
- Understand numbers, prices and times.
Elementary
Handle routine situations – shopping, appointments, work and family – in short, simple sentences.
- Talk about your family, work and free time.
- Go shopping, make an appointment and ask for directions.
- Understand short messages, adverts and announcements.
Intermediate
Get by independently: follow the gist on familiar topics, travel with confidence and explain your opinion.
- Follow the gist of conversations and texts on familiar topics.
- Cope with most situations while travelling.
- Briefly explain experiences, plans and opinions.
Upper intermediate
Discuss abstract topics, join longer conversations with ease and argue a point in writing.
- Understand the essentials of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics.
- Take an active part in longer discussions without much effort.
- Present a point of view and weigh up pros and cons.
Advanced
Use German flexibly at university and at work, understand implicit meaning and write well-structured texts.
- Understand demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning.
- Express yourself fluently without often having to search for words.
- Use the language effectively and flexibly at university and at work.
Proficiency
Near-native command: understand virtually anything and express fine shades of meaning precisely.
- Understand even difficult texts outside your field without effort.
- Express fine shades of meaning precisely.
- Combine content from several sources and present it convincingly.