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Understanding the Levels of the German Language: A Guide for Learners

Updated: Nov 11

The German language, like many others, has a structured learning path to help students progressively acquire proficiency. Understanding these levels can give you a clear roadmap of what to expect as you master German. These levels are internationally standardized by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which divides language proficiency into six levels. Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance, understanding these levels can help guide your studies effectively.



Levels of German language as per CEFR
Levels of German language as per CEFR

Levels of German :

A1: Beginner Level

At the A1 level, you're just beginning to explore the German language. The focus is on the basics, such as introducing yourself, asking simple questions, and understanding everyday expressions.

What you'll learn:

  • Introductions, greetings, and common phrases.

  • Basic vocabulary related to family, work, and travel.

  • Simple sentence structures (e.g., “Ich bin [Name].” – I am [name]).

  • Basic grammar, including present tense verbs and personal pronouns.

What you can do:

A2: Elementary Level

At the A2 level, you’ll deepen your understanding of the language and become more confident in daily situations. You will learn to describe your environment and talk about your routines.

What you'll learn:

  • Expressing likes, dislikes, and preferences.

  • More complex sentence structures and connecting ideas.

  • Vocabulary for shopping, dining, and discussing hobbies or pastimes.

  • Introduction to past tenses (Perfekt) and how to describe past events.

What you can do:

  • Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to immediate personal relevance.

  • Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple exchange of information.

  • Use basic grammatical structures in both writing and speaking.


    Download Abyaas' Syllabus for A2


B1: Intermediate Level

At the B1 level, you’re becoming a more independent speaker of German. You can handle most situations you’ll encounter while traveling and communicating with native speakers, and can express opinions on familiar topics.

What you'll learn:

  • How to talk about past, present, and future events in more detail.

  • Expanded vocabulary for topics like health, travel, and work.

  • Introduction to the future tense and conditional sentences.

  • Subordinating conjunctions and relative clauses.

What you can do:

  • Understand texts on familiar topics (e.g., articles, advertisements).

  • Produce simple connected text on familiar or personal topics.

  • Discuss personal experiences, opinions, and plans in detail.


    Download Abyaas' Syllabus for B1


B2: Upper-Intermediate Level

At the B2 level, you’ll be able to participate in discussions on a wide range of topics, express detailed arguments, and understand more complex texts and media.

What you'll learn:

  • Advanced grammar like passive voice, subjunctive mood, and indirect speech.

  • Vocabulary expansion to cover more specialized fields (business, current events).

  • Improved listening comprehension, including understanding fast or more formal speech.

What you can do:

  • Understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics.

  • Engage in discussions about technical subjects related to your field of interest.

  • Write clear, detailed texts on a range of subjects connected to your interests.


C1: Advanced Level

At the C1 level, you will have a high degree of fluency and will be able to express yourself spontaneously and fluently. This is the level where you begin to sound more like a native speaker.

What you'll learn:

  • Mastery of more subtle nuances in meaning, idiomatic expressions, and phrasal verbs.

  • Ability to express yourself in more complex ways, including emotional nuance and persuasion.

  • Understanding of a wide range of authentic materials, including films, novels, and academic texts.

What you can do:

  • Understand a wide range of demanding texts and express yourself fluently without much searching for expressions.

  • Write clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects.

  • Understand and produce more idiomatic and culturally appropriate language.


C2: Proficient Level

C2 is the highest level of proficiency. At this stage, you can communicate in almost any situation and understand virtually everything you hear or read in German. You’re able to express yourself spontaneously, accurately, and fluently.

What you'll learn:

  • Complex grammatical structures used in specialized and academic contexts.

  • Advanced vocabulary, including metaphors and subtleties of tone.

  • Nuances in humor, sarcasm, and regional variations of the language.

What you can do:

  • Understand everything read or heard with ease.

  • Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, even in complex situations.

  • Use the language effectively for social, academic, or professional purposes.


The journey from A1 to C2 in German is exciting and rewarding. It’s important to remember that each level builds on the previous one, so taking the time to master each stage will ensure a strong foundation. Whether you’re learning German for travel, business, or study, these levels provide a clear structure and achievable goals along the way.

At Abyaas Institute, we support learners at all stages, whether you’re just starting out or aiming for fluency. With our expert instructors and structured courses, you’ll progress through these levels with confidence, mastering the skills necessary for both casual and professional use of the German language.


German Certification Details:

  1. TELC (The European Language Certificates):TELC is one of the most widely recognized certification systems for German language proficiency. Offering exams from A1 to C2, TELC certificates are accepted by educational institutions, universities, and employers globally. This certification system is valued in both professional and academic contexts, especially for those seeking employment or higher education in German-speaking countries. TELC exams assess practical language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, ensuring learners can effectively use the language in real-world situations.


  2. Goethe-Institut:The Goethe-Institut is a globally recognized leader in German language education and certification. Offering certificates for all levels from A1 to C2, the Goethe exams are highly esteemed by academic institutions and employers worldwide. Known for their rigorous testing and comprehensive evaluation of language skills, the Goethe-Institut exams assess the ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations, making them an ideal choice for learners who wish to prove their language proficiency for academic, professional, or personal reasons.


  3. TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache):TestDaF is primarily designed for students planning to study at German universities. The exam is recognized by all German universities and is required for admission to academic programs, particularly for non-native speakers of German. The levels range from B2 to C1, and the TestDaF evaluates your proficiency in the academic language used in university settings, with a focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking in academic contexts. Achieving a high score in TestDaF demonstrates the ability to succeed in a German university environment.


  4. ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch):The ÖSD is an Austrian certification system for the German language, offering exams from A1 to C2. Recognized by Austrian institutions, universities, and employers, the ÖSD exams provide official certification for learners who wish to prove their language proficiency, particularly for those pursuing opportunities in Austria. Like other certification systems, ÖSD evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, ensuring learners are equipped to navigate various social, academic, and professional situations in German-speaking environments.


Why Choose the Goethe-Zertifikat?

The Goethe-Zertifikat is recognized by universities, employers, and governments worldwide, making it an invaluable credential. Whether you are planning to study in a German-speaking country, work in a German-speaking environment, or apply for a visa, having a Goethe-Zertifikat can open doors. The exam is designed to assess practical language skills, ensuring that you are ready for real-life situations in both personal and professional settings.


Understanding the Four Modules in Detail


For the A1, A2,B1, B2, C1, and C2 levels, the exams consist of four modules that evaluate your proficiency in different areas of the language. These modules test whether you can effectively communicate in both everyday and specialized contexts. Here's a breakdown of each module:

  1. Reading Comprehension:In this module, you’ll read various types of texts—such as articles, brochures, or emails—and answer questions that test your understanding of the content.

  2. Listening Comprehension:This module evaluates your ability to understand spoken German in real-life scenarios. You will listen to conversations, interviews, or announcements, and answer questions based on what you hear.

  3. Writing:You’ll be asked to write texts such as essays, letters, or reports based on given prompts. This tests your ability to express ideas clearly and structure your writing logically.

  4. Speaking:In the speaking module, you’ll participate in a conversation with an examiner, discussing various topics or responding to prompts. This tests your ability to speak fluently and coherently.

Each of these modules plays a crucial role in assessing your overall language proficiency. To pass the exam, you must demonstrate competency in all four modules.


Exam Fees :

  • A1: Start Deutsch 1

    • External Fee: ₹9,400

    • Modules: 1

  • A2: Start Deutsch 2

    • External Fee: ₹10,600

    • Modules: 1

  • B1: Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for Adults

    • External Fee: ₹18,800

    • External Fee: ₹4,700 (per module)

    • Modules: 4

  • B2: Goethe-Zertifikat B2 for Adults

    • External Fee: ₹21,200

    • External Fee: ₹5,300 (per module)

    • Modules: 4

  • C1: Goethe-Zertifikat C1

    • External Fee: ₹24,000

    • External Fee: ₹6,000 (per module)

    • Modules: 4

  • C2: Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (per Module)

    • External Fee: ₹26,000

    • External Fee: ₹6,500 (per module)

    • Modules: 4

Fee details as on November 2024


If you're interested in taking any of these exams, it’s recommended to check the official websites of the respective certification bodies (TELC, Goethe-Institut, TestDaF, and ÖSD) for the latest information on exam dates, registration procedures, and centers in India.


At Abyaas Institute of Foreign Languages, we are committed to helping you achieve your language goals, whether you're preparing for German certification exams like TELC, Goethe-Zertifikat, TestDaF, or ÖSD, or simply looking to improve your proficiency in the German language. Our expert faculty, structured course plans, and personalized attention ensure that you receive the best learning experience.

With flexible schedules, both offline and online options, and a supportive environment, we cater to students at all levels – from beginners (A1) to upper intermediate level (B2). Our unique blend of interactive teaching methods, hands-on practice, and mock tests will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in official exams and real-world situations.


Join Abyaas Institute today and start your journey toward mastering the German language. Whether you're learning for personal enrichment, academic success, or career advancement, we provide the guidance, resources, and motivation you need to succeed. Let's unlock the world of opportunities together!





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