German Tests: Facts and Myths

German tests can be taken at Goethe, ÖSD, and Telc: Only these three organizations are authorized to issue you an official certificate.
All German tests are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Four skills are assessed by Goethe, Telc, and ÖSD: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
You can take the exams on paper or digitally.
The Goethe exam A1 and the Telc A1 exam are identical.
The Goethe A1 Zertifikat is a basic requirement for family reunification. Attending a course at Goethe or a similar language institute is not sufficient for family reunification.
The Goethe test B1 is the same as the ÖSD B1 exam to get Certificate B1.
If you plan to study at a German university or university of applied sciences, you need the Telc or Goethe Certificate B2. The Telc or Goethe Certificate after a Telc or Goethe test B1 is only sufficient for conditional admission. The requirements vary between German universities, as educational matters are regulated at the state level.
The Telc or Goethe Certificate B1 is a basic requirement for vocational training in Germany.
In the Goethe exam, grammar is only assessed in the speaking and writing sections. Grammar and vocabulary are assessed separately in the speaking and writing sections of the Goethe test B1, Goethe exam B2, and Goethe C1 exam.
In the exam Telc B1 and Telc exam B2, grammar and vocabulary are assessed in the speaking and writing sections, as well as in Sprachbaussteine 1 and 2. These sections carry less weight in the overall assessment.
If you are looking for a job, demonstrating C1 proficiency makes a professional impression.
German tests require individual preparation and repeated practice after completing a German course.
Telc offers specific vocational tests, such as those for vocational training, nursing, and medicine, as well as tests for immigrants.
Both Goethe and Telc offer special tests for children.