Adults
You need a certificate for work or university, or you want a clear goal to learn towards. We plan the preparation around the exam you have chosen.
Online German Exam Preparation: Goethe, telc and More
One-to-one preparation for Goethe, telc and ÖSD German exams at every level from A1 to C2, for adults and younger learners.
- PhD-qualified, experienced teacher
- Full-time tutor since 2018
- Based in Edinburgh · Online worldwide
Book a free 15-minute consultation
Enhanced DBS checkedCertificate available to view on request
A1–C2 exam preparation
Who it’s for
German exam preparation for different goals
Every programme is built around the exam, your level and your timetable.
Before studying at Heidelberg, I took the DSH exam myself (see below) and passed it within four months, starting from A1. I therefore know what it means to learn German at a very fast pace. As a university lecturer in Vienna and Heidelberg, I also prepared students for academic exams in a range of demanding subjects. I have experience from both sides.
Younger learners
Goethe, telc and ÖSD all offer versions of their exams for young people. I prepare younger candidates for these as well. Check the age band for each exam on the provider’s website.
Not sure which exam to take?
If you have German but have never sat a timed exam, or you are unsure whether Goethe or telc suits you better, we can work it out together.
Looking for GCSE, A-Level, National 5, Higher or IB support? See German exam tuition.
The exams
The main German exams at a glance
I prepare candidates for all of these, at every level the exam offers.
| Exam | Who it’s for | Levels | In lessons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat | Run by the Goethe-Institut at its own and partner centres worldwide. Versions for adults and young people. | A1 to C2 | Preparation at every level |
| telc Deutsch | Run by telc through examination centres. Standard exams, plus versions for school, professional, medical and university use. | A1 to C2, including some two-level exams such as A2·B1 | Preparation at every level |
| ÖSD | Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch. General certificates for adults, plus exams for children and younger learners. | A1 to C2 | Preparation at every level |
| TestDaF | For university study in Germany. Taken at licensed centres around the world. | Upper levels (B2 to C1) | Preparation |
| DSH | A university language exam for applicants to German universities. Administered by universities and Studienkollegs. | Upper levels (entry requirements vary by university) | Preparation |
TestDaF and DSH are exams for university entry, so they cover the upper levels only. Exams change, so check the provider’s website for the current version of each one. Exam details last checked .
Goethe or telc?
How the two main exams differ
Both are well known and both cover every level from A1 to C2. They are organised differently, and the format can suit one candidate better than another.
| Feature | Goethe-Zertifikat | telc Deutsch |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | The Goethe-Institut, at its own centres and at partner centres. | telc, which is based in Bad Homburg, through partner examination centres. |
| Versions | Versions for adults and young people from A1 to B2. Goethe-Test PRO is a separate computer-based test of reading and listening for professional settings. | Standard exams, plus versions for school, junior, professional, medical, nursing and university use. |
| Two levels in one sitting | Each level has its own exam. | Some exams cover two levels in one sitting, for example A2·B1. The result can be either level, depending on your score and provided you meet the relevant pass requirements. |
| How the exam is built | A1 and A2 test the four skills together. From B1 the exams are modular, so skills can be taken separately. | A written part and an oral part, often taken with another candidate. In exams such as telc Deutsch B1, the written part includes a grammar and vocabulary section called Language Elements. |
| Format | On paper and digitally at selected centres. | Paper, computer or hybrid, depending on the exam. |
| Fees | Published by the Goethe-Institut where you book. | Set by each examination centre. |
The right exam depends on where the certificate will be used, so first check which exam and level your university or employer asks for.
The levels
What each level involves
All these levels are tested in reading, listening, writing and speaking. Here is what each one asks of the candidate and how lessons help.
A1
Basic everyday German: introducing yourself, filling in a simple form, understanding short messages and asking and answering simple questions.
Who takes it: beginners who want a first certificate, including younger learners.
In lessons: core sentence patterns and vocabulary, followed by practice with the types of tasks set in the exam.
A2
Routine situations in everyday life and at work: short texts, simple descriptions and short messages about familiar things.
Who takes it: learners who can manage simple conversations and want to show it.
In lessons: building sentences with more variety, listening practice at exam speed and short guided writing.
B1
Independent use of German: understanding the main points of clear speech and texts on familiar topics, describing experiences and plans, and writing short connected texts.
Who takes it: learners who need a solid working level, or who are working towards the higher level their intended university course requires.
In lessons: grammar and vocabulary in context, timed writing and speaking practice. Goethe and telc build B1 differently, so we prepare for the format you will sit.
B2
Clear, detailed German on a broad range of topics: following longer texts and discussions, explaining a point of view and writing structured arguments.
Who takes it: candidates who need German for study or professional work.
In lessons: argument and structure, accuracy under time pressure and speaking at length.
C1
Flexible, fluent German for complex academic and professional content, with well-organised writing and natural speaking.
Who takes it: candidates for university study and demanding professional roles.
In lessons: academic reading, lecture listening, precise written expression and discussion.
C2
The highest level: precise, nuanced German in complex situations. Goethe’s version is the Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom, for adults.
Who takes it: advanced candidates who want to document a very high level.
In lessons: style, register and the finer points of grammar and vocabulary.
For TestDaF and DSH, lessons concentrate on academic reading and listening, structured writing and speaking in academic discussion.
How lessons run
We begin with the exam you have chosen, your current level and your exam date. From there, we decide what to work on first. Lessons take place online, one to one.
Each skill is practised with the timing of the exam. You work on timed practice papers and mock exams, and after each one you get detailed feedback on the mistakes that keep coming back and how to fix them. The practice material includes both my own newly written exercises and official published examination material.
Before you book an exam
- Check which exam and level your university or employer asks for.
- Find an examination centre and dates on the exam provider’s website.
- Leave enough time to prepare before the date.
- Book a consultation so we can plan the preparation together.
Frequently asked questions
German exam preparation questions
Goethe or telc: which exam should I take?
The right exam depends on where the certificate will be used, so first check which exam and level your university or employer asks for. If they accept both, the format, the nearest centre and the dates usually decide.
How do I know which level I am at?
The free 15-minute consultation is the place to start. We talk through your German, and I suggest a level and an exam to aim for.
Can I prepare for the exam with online lessons?
Yes. Lessons take place online via Zoom, one to one, so you can practise reading, listening, writing and speaking with the timing of your exam.
How long does preparation take?
It depends on your starting level and on the exam date. Earlier preparation leaves more time to strengthen the German itself, but a shorter, well-planned programme can still target urgent weaknesses.
Can I take the exam online?
Exams are normally taken at an approved examination centre, not at home. Some exams are taken on a computer at the centre. Check the exam provider’s website for the current options.
Where can I take the exam in the UK?
Each exam provider lists its examination centres and dates on its own website. Check the Goethe-Institut, telc or ÖSD site for the centre nearest to you. I do not run the exams or register candidates.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons start at £45 for a 60-minute session. The first 15-minute consultation is free.
Do you run the exams or register me for them?
No. Each exam provider runs its own exams, and registration arrangements depend on the exam. Follow the provider’s instructions for booking, which may be through its online portal or an approved centre. I prepare you for the exam, but I do not run it or register candidates.
Can you guarantee a result?
No, unfortunately, I cannot guarantee a particular result. Tuition provides teaching, practice and feedback; the result also depends on your starting point, your work between lessons and how you perform on the day.
Official sources
External links
Each exam provider publishes the official details of its exams. Exam details last checked October 2026. Exams change, so check the provider’s website before you book.
Next step
Book a free consultation
Tell me which exam you are preparing for, your level and the date, and I’ll help you plan your preparation.