Do I need German for an English taught programme in Germany?

The admission regulations of your programme say which language proof it needs. Check your programme to be sure. For daily life in Germany, basic German helps even when the degree does not ask for it.

What level do I need for a German taught degree?

Your university names the certificates and levels it accepts. The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 counts at every German speaking university, and many universities also accept Goethe C1 or B2. The TestDaF is recognised by all German universities.

What level does a Studienkolleg require?

Each Studienkolleg sets its own admission level, and the DAAD gives no single level. The university names the criteria. Check the official page of the Studienkolleg before you apply.

How long does a Studienkolleg take?

The DAAD gives two semesters as the standard length. Students with very good results can finish in one semester.

How do I find out my current German level?

Take the placement test. It needs no account and no email, and it shows your level from A1 to C2. It is not an official certificate, but it shows how far you are from the level your path asks for.

Studying in Germany

What German level do you need to study in Germany?

For a German taught degree you need a language certificate that your university accepts: the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 counts at every German speaking university, many universities also accept Goethe C1 or B2, and the TestDaF is recognised by all German universities. For an English taught programme, the admission rules of the programme say whether you need German at all.

Updated 25 September 2026, Faust Academy team

The German level you need depends on one question: is your programme taught in English or in German? Each university sets its language rules in its admission regulations.

No general page, this one included, can give you the binding rule for your programme. Check the language requirements page of your target university, or ask its international office, before you book an exam.

This page maps the common paths to the proof they ask for, and shows how to find out where you stand now.

Check your German level, no signup

German requirements by study path

The binding requirement is always set by the university and the programme. The sources are listed below.

Path	What applies
English taught degree	The admission rules of the programme name the language proof. Check whether they ask for German at all.
German taught degree	A German certificate the university accepts. Goethe C2 counts at every German speaking university. Many also accept Goethe C1 or B2. The TestDaF is recognised by all German universities.
Studienkolleg (foundation course)	For school leavers whose certificate does not give direct access. The university names the admission criteria. Most Studienkollegs teach in German, up to level C1.
Mixed language programmes	The admission rules state which language needs which proof.

English taught programmes: you still need German

An English taught programme may admit you without a German certificate. Daily life is another matter: rental contracts, health insurance, part time jobs and most conversations off campus happen in German.

On this path German is an investment, not an admission hurdle. There is no deadline pressure, so steady practice at your own level pays off by the time you arrive.

German taught programmes: which certificate

The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 gives access to study at every German speaking university. Many universities also accept Goethe C1 or B2. Each university decides, so check with your university.

The TestDaF-Institut states that all German universities recognise the TestDaF. It reports results per part as TDN 3, TDN 4 or TDN 5. The admission regulations of your university say which level they ask for.

If your school leaving certificate does not give direct access, the usual route is a Studienkolleg. The DAAD gives two semesters as the standard length, and the course ends with the assessment test, the Feststellungsprüfung.

How to find your starting point

Read the language requirements page of your target university and note the exact certificate and level it names.
Take the placement test to see your current level from A1 to C2, with no account.
Compare the two. The gap between your level and the required one sets your preparation plan.
Practise with full Goethe format papers at your target level, and book the official exam when your practice results sit above the pass mark every time.

Start here

Frequently asked questions

Do I need German for an English taught programme in Germany?: The admission regulations of your programme say which language proof it needs. Check your programme to be sure. For daily life in Germany, basic German helps even when the degree does not ask for it.
What level do I need for a German taught degree?: Your university names the certificates and levels it accepts. The Goethe-Zertifikat C2 counts at every German speaking university, and many universities also accept Goethe C1 or B2. The TestDaF is recognised by all German universities.
What level does a Studienkolleg require?: Each Studienkolleg sets its own admission level, and the DAAD gives no single level. The university names the criteria. Check the official page of the Studienkolleg before you apply.
How long does a Studienkolleg take?: The DAAD gives two semesters as the standard length. Students with very good results can finish in one semester.
How do I find out my current German level?: Take the placement test. It needs no account and no email, and it shows your level from A1 to C2. It is not an official certificate, but it shows how far you are from the level your path asks for.

Ready? Check your German level now.