What level of proficiency should you have to study or work in Germany?

All of us have our own wish list. One wish that would most likely feature in that list is a visit to a foreign country. When you explore a place as a tourist, you may be accompanied by people who speak your language, in addition, the purpose is purely entertainment. Such fun trips could be planned impulsively and at the drop of a hat.

 When the purpose is more thoughtful such as academic or commercial, this trip turns into a voyage. Your journey would be studded with a barrage  of challenges from the cultural, emotional and social fronts, the duration of stay is comparatively a longer one. Mastery over the German language is an invaluable skill that can be a constant companion and panacea for all the problems which you may face.

A language is an ocean and mastery over any language is a perennial journey, however time and money as resources with constraints hence need to be used judiciously. The yardsticks of proficiency level  set by the authorities concerned in the academics, corporate, research and Government  are different. It’s always a good idea to start with an end in mind in terms of pace and level of proficiency required to accomplish your goal

To participate in a Bachelor study programme in Germany taught in German language, you must have  skills in such language of minimum A2 level.

German language requirements for taking up a Doctoral study course in Germany are autonomously regulated by admission regulations of the respective educational provider. A B2 or C1 level is generally recommended for such programmes or DSH II.

In case of employment in Germany, the proficiency levels are decided by the Council of Europe. The level of proficiency in jobs depends on the nature of the job. If you are a part of the sales and management team , then the level of proficiency is higher than merely managing simple conversation. Your profession would demand understanding of sales and management terms. If the job requires minimal customer interaction or success on the job is based on a specialized hard skill then you can manage with a lower level of proficiency. A minimum level of B1 would serve you well for any kind of employment. 

The following five German language tests and certificates must be recognized by all German universities:

1. TestDaF (TDN 3, 4 or 5) (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache),
2. DSH II or III (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang),
3. Goethe-Zertifikat C2,
4. telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule (The European Language Certificate),
5. DSD II (Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe II),

In a Resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) in Germany, all five of them were defined as equally valid when it comes to applying to German universities.

Your goal is the best guide to help you decide on the required proficiency level. You decide the level and we help you acquire it