German certifications
Goethe-Zertifikat: the Goethe-Institut German certificate
The Goethe-Institut's German certificates from A1 to C2, accepted by German embassies for visas.
At a glance
- Body
- Goethe-Institut
- Levels
- A1 to C2
- Duration (B1)
- About 3 hours of written papers + 15 minutes of speaking
- Format
- Modular from B1
- Validity
- No expiry date (some bodies require a recent certificate)
What is it?
The Goethe-Institut is the official cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its exams, the Goethe-Zertifikate, cover all 6 CEFR levels, from A1 (Start Deutsch 1) to C2.
Each exam assesses 4 skills, called modules: Lesen (reading), Hören (listening), Schreiben (writing) and Sprechen (speaking). From B1, you can take the modules together or separately, and retake only the one you failed.
The papers
Lesen (reading)
At B1: 65 minutes.
Hören (listening)
At B1: about 40 minutes.
Schreiben (writing)
At B1: 60 minutes, 3 texts (emails, a forum post).
Sprechen (speaking)
At B1: about 15 minutes, usually in pairs.
Who requires it?
- German embassies and consulates: A1 for spouse family reunification, B1 for a vocational training (Ausbildung) visa.
- German-speaking universities, which generally require B2 to C1.
- Employers and diploma recognition authorities, for example for healthcare professions.
Where to take it?
At the Goethe-Institut Algerien, in Algiers. Dates, fees and registration are on goethe.de/algerien.
Places are limited and go quickly: register as soon as sessions open.
Which level for which plan?
Levels required by the German embassy in Algiers for each type of visa. Each official checklist is linked.
- Ausbildung (vocational training) B1 for qualified training, otherwise at least A2. With a lower level, you can first take a preparatory intensive course. Not needed if the company has already confirmed your level.
- Volunteering (BFD, FSJ, FÖJ) The level needed for the placement, set by the host organisation. Motivation letter in German, French or English.
- Studies (university, Studienkolleg) For the visa: generally B2 in the language of instruction, unless you are admitted to a preparatory language course or the university confirms your level. Universities often ask for C1 for a German-taught degree.
- Au pair At least A1, certified by Goethe, ÖSD, telc or an ECL centre.
- Family reunification (spouse) At least A1. Goethe, telc and ÖSD accepted; ECL from level A2; TestDaF from B2. In Algeria, proof can be obtained at licensed ECL centres.
- Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) At least German A1 or English B2. Extra points for German: 1 point at A2, 2 at B1, 3 at B2 or higher.
Good to know
A certificate alone does not guarantee acceptance: the embassy may check your level at the interview. Checklists change: always reread the current version before applying.
Our preparation
- Know the ÖSD, ECL and Goethe papers
- Work on reading and listening with exam documents
- Write texts that meet examiners' expectations
- Prepare the speaking test with role plays
FAQ
Goethe or ÖSD for a German visa?
Both are accepted by German missions, as is telc. In Algiers, the ECL is also accepted for some procedures (see above). Choose based on your plans and available dates.
Can I retake just one module?
Yes, from B1: you only retake the module you failed.
Information checked in November 2026. Formats, dates and fees can change: always confirm with the official body before registering.
GEEK School is a school registered with the commercial register that helps you prepare for international certifications. It does not issue certifications or diplomas, only a certificate of level or attendance bearing the school's stamp, useful to showcase your level.