Exam preparation courses in Germany
German language Exams and languge levels – preparatory courses for examinations
General German Language Examinations:
Zertifikat Deutsch(ZD) – German language level B1
Goethe-Zertifikat B2 - German language level B2
Goethe-Zertifikat C1 - German language level C1
DSH or Test DaF Examination for university admission - German language level
B1-German language level C1
Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) - German language level C1
Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) - German language level C2
Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) - German language level C2
The preparation for all German language examination we recommend as Power-Intensive courses.
After the placement test, we will tell you how many courses or units you´ll need to pass the required exam.
Contents of the exam preparation courses:
Science of Language Structures (grammar)
Reading comprehension
Listening
Text Production
Oral expression
Authentic exam preparation
Examination Preparation courses in Germany:
Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) – level B1
By passing the Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) examination, you demonstrate solid basic German language level in everyday German.
Zertifikat Deutsch is a worldwide recognized examination also accepted by Germany authorities as proof of language skills required when applying for German citizenship.
Preparation units: Approximately 400 to 600 units (45mins) of intensive study.
This Exam consists of:
Written section lasting 150mins: reading comprehension
written expression
listening comprehension, structures and vocabulary
oral examination
Goethe Zertifikat – B II
The Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is a new exam to be introduced in Autumn 2007. This certificate, recognised worldwide, shows that you have the necessary German skills to cope with everyday lif situations.
Preparation units: Approximately 590-680 lessons (45mins) of intensive study.
Goethe-Zertifikat B2 exam consists of:
reading
writing test
listening
oral exam
Goethe-Zertifikat C1 / TELC C1
The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a new exam which replaces the 'Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP)' from the autumn of 2007.
The Goethe Certificate C1 is recognised worldwide and is accepted by many employers as proof of your good general German skills. This exam shows that holders are able to use German effectively in both social and business contexts.
Preparation units: Approximately 800-1000 lessons (45mins) of intensive study.
The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 consists of:
Written Examination
a)reading comprehension
b) Written expression
c) listening
Oral examnination
TestDaF preparatory coures with Evolanguage
TestDaF Examination – „Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache“
TestDaF is a university language test, offered alternatively to the DSH. The TestDaF Exam primarily applies to foreign university candidates who need for admission to academic studies a proof of their proficiency in German which is recognized by the universities.
The TestDaF comprises four subtests:
reading
Text comprehension
listening
writing and speaking
The TestDaF examination measures several levels of language performance. Each candidate's scores are aggregated to determine the candidate's performance as to one of the following levels:
TestDaF Niveaustufe 5 (TDN 5)
TestDaF Niveaustufe 4 (TDN 4)
TestDaF Niveaustufe 3 (TDN 3)
TestDaF-Niveaustufe 5 (TDN 5) - the highest level. Details regarding the TestDaF can be found under www.testdaf.de.
DSH preparatory coruses with Evolanguage
DSH - „Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber“
For the direct entry to a University the DSH- exam is required in most cases. The DSH test is simply a standardized German exam used to determine your skill level to study at a German university.
The DSH consists of two parts: Written exams and an oral exam. In general the written part lasts 5 hours and emphasizes on the following topics:
Listening comprehension and using the language from a listening text
Reading comprehension and using the language from a reading text
Text production based on given details
Understanding and using structures found in the academic language of study and science
Oral examination
The results of the exam are possible at three levels:
DSH-3 - (100% - 82%, highest level, suitable for any faculty)
DSH-2 - (81% - 67%, generally accepted) or
DSH-1 - (66% - 57%, lowest possible entrance level)
only accepted according to specific university regulations.
Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)
Prepared and administered by the Goethe Institute
Level: Approximately 1200 lessons (@45mins) of intensive study
Candidates must show they have a good command of the regional variations of standard German.
Must be able to understand complex authentic texts and to express themselves accurately both
orally and in writing. Level compares with that of the "Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom" (KDS).
Exam consists of: Written section: text analysis, tasks that test the ability to express oneself,
essay and listening comprehension. Plus oral examination.
Other points: Candidates who pass the ZOP are exempt from the language entrance
examinations to German universities.
KDS - Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom – level C2
KDS is a Minor German Language Diploma that corresponds to the ZOP - Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung.
The examination „Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom“ shows that you can confidently and competently use standard German and that you have an insight into areas of German culture and background studies.
KDS is officially recognised by all German Ministries of Education and gives you proof of language proficiency for study at most universities in Germany.
Preparation units: Approximately 1200 lessons (at 45 minutes per unit).
The KDS exam consists of:
Written section: Text analysis according to content and vocabulary, tasks to test the ability to
express oneself, questions on several set literature books, dictation.
oral examination
Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) - Major German Language Diploma
The GDS examination certifies an excellent command of German approximating that of a native speaker. GDS is the highest qualification in the field of German as a Foreign Language. The GDS is also accepted as proof of your language ability for teachers from within the EU who wish to work in Germany.
GDS Level: (nearly) native-speaker knowledge of German
Exam consists of:
Written section:
Essay
text analysis according to content
style and vocabulary
tasks to test the ability to express oneself
questions on one of the three areas of "German literature"
"Economics" or "Sciences"
questions on background studies
dictation
oral examination
Course Levels:
Our course levels as compared to the European Framework of Reference.
Level description
Level
German language Exams
A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
beginner
Start Deutsch 1 (SD1)
A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Elementary use of language (Breakthrough)
Start Deutsch 2 (SD2)
B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Independent use of language (Threshold)
Zertifikat Deutsch,
Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf (ZdfB)
B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Independent use of language (Vantage)
Geothe Zertifikat B2,
Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP),
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (DSH),
Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test DaF)
C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
use of language (Effective Proficiency) Operational
Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP), Prüfung für Wirtschaftsdeutsch international
C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
