Your path to successfully passing your exams
Concisely explained, clearly structured, well prepared.
Assess German language skills objectively, fairly and transparently
We are an independent language testing provider specializing in the assessment of German language proficiency. The tests we design for this purpose are developed, administered, and evaluated in-house. Our German language tests are aligned with the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Quality through process reliability
Quality in aptitude diagnostics doesn't happen by chance, but through a systematically managed life cycle. We work according to the internationally recognized standard ISO 29992, which governs the evaluation of learning outcomes. For the field of German as a foreign language, we have specifically operationalized this standard, ensuring that scientific quality criteria are firmly anchored in our testing procedures.
Valid test design
Each task undergoes a multi-stage development process. Through needs analyses and pilot projects, we ensure that precisely the competencies required in reality are tested.
Objective evaluation
Our assessment procedures eliminate arbitrariness. Through standardized assessment grids, trained assessors, and statistical analyses of the quality of judgments, we guarantee that the result depends solely on the performance of the participants—regardless of who is conducting the assessment.
Fairness & equal opportunities
ISO 29992 obligates us to avoid any discrimination. We systematically review our tasks for cultural biases and ensure, through barrier-free access, that all candidates have the same opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
Certified security
We don't just claim quality, we have it proven. The independent certification body DeuZert monitors our work through regular audits. DeuZert certifies that our processes, documentation, and quality assurance measures fully comply with the requirements of ISO 29992. DeuZert verifies the integrity and compliance of our audits.
With a certificate from our company, you receive more than just a grade: you receive valid proof of language competence.
C1: This is what you need to know for the exam
The C1 German exam tests your language skills at the fifth level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Level C1 represents competent language use. It demonstrates that you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and also grasp implicit meanings.
Passing the C1 exam demonstrates that you can use the language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life, as well as in education and training. You can express yourself spontaneously and fluently without frequently having to search noticeably for words.
The four communication skills are tested:
📖 Read
You can understand long, complex factual and literary texts and perceive stylistic differences. You also understand specialist articles and lengthy technical instructions without difficulty, even if they are not in your direct field of expertise.
🎧 Listen
You can follow longer speeches and lectures, even if they are not clearly structured and connections are not explicitly stated. You understand television programs and feature films without too much difficulty.
✍️ Write
You can express yourself clearly and in a well-structured manner in writing and present your views in detail. You can write about complex issues in letters, essays, or reports, highlighting key aspects and confidently choosing the style appropriate for the intended readers.
🗣️ Speaking
You can express your thoughts and opinions precisely and skillfully connect your own contributions with those of others. You are able to present complex issues in detail, meaningfully link topics, and conclude your speech appropriately.
Exam structure – How the exam is structured
Get an overview of the individual exam sections, the respective task formats, and the available processing times in the online exam.
| Examination | Part | Tested competence | Task type | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | ||||
| the Hörversteh | A | Global Understanding | 6 Questions Survey Matrix | 24 Min |
| B | Understanding details | 10 questions Multiple lists | ||
| C | Selective understanding | 1 question Multiple lists | ||
| the Leseversteh | D | Global Understanding | 1 question Multiple lists | 60 Min |
| E | Understanding details | 10 questions Likert Scale | ||
| F | Text reconstruction | 8 Questions Survey Matrix | ||
| G | Proofreading | 8 Questions Fill in Blanks | ||
| Grammar & Vocabulary | H | Wortschatz | 10 Questions Select a Blank | 30 Min |
| I | Grammar | 10 Questions Select a Blank | ||
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | H | Writing skills | Essay | 60 Min |
| K: 10-minute break | 15 minutes preparation | ||||
| Mündlicher Ausdruck | L1 | give a lecture | Monologue/Dialogue with Examiner | 20 Min |
| L2 | Discussion | |||
| L3 | Summary: Key takeaways about intuitive eating | |||
Question types
Your online exam will contain various question types designed to assess your language skills in different ways. Here's how each question type works. Use this information to prepare effectively for the exam and make the most of your strengths.
True/False
Multiple Choice
Multiple response
Multiple Lists
Screening
Fill in blanks
Knowledge Matrix
Likert Scale
Survey Matrix
hotspot
Spoken Response
Essay
Evaluation and required points
The exams are evaluated centrally by Digital Language Testing UG in a fully digital and secure system. Non-productive sections of the exam—such as multiple-choice questions—are automatically evaluated by our system. Qualified assessors evaluate the productive skills, i.e., the oral and written exam components. To pass the exam, you must achieve at least 60% of the possible points in each section.
| Exam part | Points | percent |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | ||
| Complete in writing | 210 | 60 % |
| the Hörversteh | 60 | 50 % |
| the Leseversteh | 60 | 50 % |
| Grammar & Vocabulary | 30 | 50 % |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck | 60 | 50 % |
| Mündliche Prüfung | ||
| Total Oral | 60 | 60 % |
| Part 1 | 20 | 50 % |
| Part 2 | 20 | 50 % |
| Part 3 | 20 | 50 % |
clef
| percent | minimum points | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 90 % | 270 | very well |
| 80 % | 240 | growing |
| 70 % | 210 | satisfying |
| 60 % | 180 | sufficient |
A maximum of 300 points can be achieved. The grade is calculated as the percentage of points achieved out of the total possible points. Your grade will be calculated based on this percentage according to the grading scale shown.
Our examiners: Experienced. Qualified. Fair.
Experts in testing and evaluation
All examiners are trained in standardized examination procedures and apply the assessment criteria confidently, consistently, and in accordance with regulations. This ensures comprehensible, transparent, and objective results.
Professionally qualified
Our examiners possess academic qualifications in fields such as German as a foreign or second language (GFL/GSL), German studies, or language didactics. They are thoroughly familiar with the language requirements of each CEFR level and can assess performance accordingly.
Competent in the digital examination environment
Our examiners are comprehensively trained in the use of digital examination formats. They reliably employ digital tools and ensure a professional, secure, and technically smooth process, even in online examinations.
How will your written work be assessed?
We place great importance on fair, transparent, and comprehensible assessment. At the C1 level, we expect you to be able to express yourself clearly, in a structured manner, and with stylistic confidence, even on complex and abstract topics. The assessment is based on these four criteria:
Content / Task fulfillment
The focus here is on whether you address the complex task completely and appropriately. You are expected to highlight the key points, explain your viewpoints in detail, and support them with convincing sub-points, examples, or justifications. Significant gaps in content or a lack of critical analysis will negatively impact your grade.
Communicative design and coherence
This criterion assesses how coherently you structure complex ideas. Your text should be logically structured, including a clear introduction and a suitable conclusion. You are expected to use a wide variety of linking devices and structural elements to make your argument flow smoothly and be easy to read.
Linguistic accuracy, vocabulary mastery & spelling
Here you demonstrate that you consistently maintain a high level of grammatical correctness. We check whether syntax, spelling, and punctuation are largely error-free and consistent. Occasional minor slips in very complex sentences are permitted at the C1 level, but errors should generally be rare, barely noticeable, and not impede comprehension in any way.
Spectrum: Linguistic structures & vocabulary
In this section, you will demonstrate your broad linguistic repertoire. It will be viewed favorably if you confidently and effectively use complex sentence structures, a large and nuanced vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions. You should be able to express subtle nuances of meaning and flexibly adapt your style to the specific audience and text type.
How will your oral performance be assessed?
In the C1-level oral exam, you will demonstrate competent and flexible language use. We expect you to be able to express yourself spontaneously, fluently, and precisely, even on complex, abstract, or specialized topics. To ensure fair and objective assessment, our specially trained examiners follow clear, standardized guidelines. Your performance will be evaluated based on the following areas:
Content / Task fulfillment
This assessment evaluates your ability to confidently handle challenging tasks and discussions. At the C1 level, you are expected to present complex issues clearly and in detail, skillfully integrate subordinate topics, and conclude your contributions with an appropriate summary. In discussions, you demonstrate your ability to provide thorough and convincing arguments for your positions, weigh alternative proposals, and respond flexibly and appropriately to complex counterarguments.
Spectrum: Linguistic structures & vocabulary
In this section, we assess your extensive linguistic repertoire. It is viewed favorably if you select appropriate phrases from a large vocabulary to express yourself clearly without limiting what you want to say. At the C1 level, you also demonstrate a good command of idiomatic and colloquial expressions. Obvious searching for words should be very rare at this level.
Fluidity and coherence
This criterion assesses how naturally, effortlessly, and well-structured your speech is. At the C1 level, you can express yourself spontaneously and fluently with almost no effort; the natural flow of speech is only slightly affected when dealing with conceptually very difficult topics. Furthermore, you are expected to structure your contributions logically and skillfully employ a wide variety of organizational and linking devices to clarify the relationships between ideas for your listeners.
Linguistic accuracy and vocabulary mastery
Here we assess whether you consistently maintain a high level of grammatical accuracy. At the C1 level, we expect structural errors to be very rare, barely noticeable, and generally corrected by you. You also demonstrate a high degree of precision in your word choice; minor slips may occur, but major errors in vocabulary that lead to misunderstandings are no longer expected at this level.
Pronunciation and intonation
At this level, we also assess how clear and natural your pronunciation is. It's not about a perfect native accent, but about a confident command of phonology. We pay particular attention to whether you can consciously vary your intonation (sentence melody) and stress to emphasize certain aspects or precisely express subtle nuances of meaning (such as conviction, doubt, or irony).