Language certificates from Goethe Institut , TestDaF and DSH are the most widespread and prestigious documents for German language proficiency worldwide. They allow holders to demonstrate a high level of language mastery, apply to prestigious colleges and universities in German-speaking countries, and succeed in their chosen professional fields in Bulgaria and abroad.
Purpose of Goethe Institut , TestDaF and DSH certificates:
– For university applications
– For building a prestigious career in Bulgaria or abroad.
– To demonstrate a high level of language proficiency
Exam format:
The exams consist of four components – reading, listening, writing, speaking, each with a different duration.
Goethe language proficiency certificates
Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Fit in Deutsch 1 is a German language exam for children and youth aged 10 to 16. It certifies basic language skills and corresponds to level A1 of the six-level Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 is a German language exam for adults. It certifies basic language skills and corresponds to level A1 (CEFR).
Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Fit in Deutsch is a German language exam for children and youth aged 12 to 16. It certifies basic language knowledge and skills and corresponds to level A2 (CEFR).
Goethe-Zertifikat A2 is a German language exam for adults. It certifies basic knowledge and skills and corresponds to level A2 (CEFR).
Goethe-Zertifikat B1 is a German language exam for youth and adults. It certifies independent use of the German language and corresponds to level B1 (CEFR).
Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is a German language exam for adults. It certifies advanced language proficiency and corresponds to level B2 (CEFR).
Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a German language exam for adults. It certifies advanced proficiency and corresponds to level C1 (CEFR).
Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) is a German language exam for adults. It certifies very advanced proficiency and corresponds to the highest level C2 (CEFR).
Exams for university admission in Germany:
Test DaF
The TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) exam is for those wishing to obtain a certificate of high-level German proficiency. It is aimed at students who want to continue their studies in Germany and need a document certifying their language skills. TestDaF is a centralized exam; exam materials are prepared, checked, and evaluated at the TestDaF Institute in Germany, and the exam is held in licensed centers in about 80 countries. Proficiency levels are measured, not grades. Possible TestDaF levels:
- TestDaF Level 5 (TDN 5)
- TestDaF Level 4 (TDN 4)
- TestDaF Level 3 (TDN 3)
Exam levels: B2, C1
The exam can be taken in Bulgaria. TestDaF is equivalent to DSH and exempts candidates from taking DSH in Germany. DSH can only be taken at universities in Germany. TestDaF has no expiration date.
DSH
Taking the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang allows application to German universities. Passing the exam is a mandatory requirement. Exam levels: B2, C1, C2.
DSD – Deutsches Sprachdiplom
The German Language Diploma by the Conference of Ministers of Education of Germany (Deutsches Sprachdiplom – DSD) is a German as a foreign or second language exam that can be taken after an optimal number of study hours.
The German Language Diploma can be obtained by students abroad as proof of knowledge at the following levels:
– DSD I – Erster Stufe – German language diploma level 1 (equivalent to B1 CEFR). It serves as proof of German knowledge for foreign applicants to Studienkolleg for language and subject preparation.
– DSD II – Zweiter Stufe – German language diploma level 2 (equivalent to B2–C1 CEFR). It serves as proof, along with other requirements, for admission to universities in Germany.
Exam materials are prepared by the Central Office for Schools Abroad in Germany (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen – ZfA) in Cologne. This office also evaluates exam results. Authorized institutions conduct the exams.
The main difference between the DSD and other language certificates is its connection to the school. The DSD’s purpose is not just obtaining a certificate but systematically building language competence through years of study in the respective German-language high school.
DSD II exam corresponds to level C1 of the CEFR.
Sources: http://www.goethe.de http://www.testdaf.de/dokumente/informationen_bul.pdf https://www.klett.bg/ http://www.elina-av.com
