German tests, how do you analyze the test results?

German tests – whether Goethe, ÖSD, or Telc – seem complicated and impossible to some candidates, but they forget that these exams are scientifically developed and tested. They are only used after being tested multiple times. Mistakes are unacceptable in and after this lengthy process. For this reason, the results of these German tests reflect your language profile and clearly show your strengths and weaknesses as a German learner.

 How do you analyze your test results?
The test results of the German tests highlight your four competencies: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Reading and listening test your receptive skills. Writing and speaking assess your oral and written production skills. The following indicators will help you interpret your results:

1. All your competencies are below the passing grade. This means you have failed the test. This essentially means that you have only been able to develop your language skills much and that you have gaps at this level.


2. All your skills are above the passing grade. This means you passed the test. This clearly indicates that you have developed your language skills at this level. Here you need to distinguish between two cases. In the first case, your grades are 80% or higher, which means you have acquired the necessary structures and vocabulary at this level, raised your understanding and skills to a higher level, and are able to move on to the next level. In the second case, your grades are between 60% and 80%. This means that although you passed the test, your skills have gaps that need to be addressed, otherwise you could jeopardize your success in the next stage.

 How can I identify my gaps or weaknesses?
After all German tests, you will receive a certificate. Your certificate also includes grades for the four different competencies and demonstrates not only your strengths but also your weaknesses. If all your competencies are equally low, then you have a weak performance profile and need to work on all weaknesses in the four skills. If only one competency is low, then you only need to focus on that one competency.

 Why do course participants fail the exam?
Of course, it’s disappointing when you fail an exam. However, you should view this difficult experience positively. But why do German learners fail the exam?

1. Some German learners fail the exam because they are unable to acquire the necessary knowledge during the course, and this could have various reasons.


2. Many course participants do not prepare adequately for the exam and underestimate it. They are unfamiliar with the exam format or have not practiced enough with practice tests.


3. Many make a huge mistake: they take several consecutive courses without ever having taken the corresponding exam. This means you lack the experience to take an exam under specific conditions. Furthermore, there is vertical similarity between the German tests. This means that each level exam directly prepares you for the next. For example, the Goethe A2 exam, due to this vertical similarity, prepares you for the Goethe Test B1.

 What should you do if you fail the exam?
It is quite possible for a candidate to fail the exam. While this increases the pressure on them, it’s important to learn from it. We recommend the following steps after you have attributed your low score to one of the reasons mentioned above:

Identify your weaknesses! If you failed due to a low score in a single skill, we recommend that you work intensively on that skill individually to improve your level. If you scored too low in several skills, you should consider repeating the course.

You must not give up on your language goals. You must always keep in mind that people need different amounts of time to achieve their language goals.

 How can you increase your chances of success?
Regular attendance at the German course is the foundation for exam success. Learning content that you miss due to absences requires twice your time and hinders progress. Reduce your absences from class!

If you complete your homework regularly and learn from your mistakes, you will improve gradually. This is extremely important for developing your skills. At this stage, you should allocate more time to essay assignments. Don’t use AI for this. It will make you less effective. Do your homework and don’t rely on AI!

German tests are generally created towards everyday usage, so it makes sense to study in everyday situations, especially if you live in Germany, because the learning process doesn’t only happen in the classroom. Listen to the radio, read the newspaper, watch television, and pay attention to posters and advertisements. This makes all the difference. Practice outside of class time! If you don’t live in Germany, our german practice tests can replace real-life practice.

The sooner you know your competency profile, the sooner you can choose an exam format. This gives you time to familiarize yourself with the format and practice with more practice tests. Decide on an exam format early!

Once you’ve chosen an exam format, use other formats to practice alongside your course. For example, if you find the Goethe A2 exam suitable for obtaining the Goethe Certificate A2, then start working on Telc A2 sample tests alongside your course. These will enhance your skills in the course. After completing the course, begin preparing for the Goethe A2 exam by gradually working through Goethe A2 practice tests. Prepare for the test continuously! Take several german practice tests and identify your weaknesses so you can dedicate more time and focus to specific tasks that you find difficult. This will enable you to pass the actual test and receive the corresponding certificate, such as the Goethe Certificate A2.