German language courses
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The Laboratory of Modern Languages, the USI language center
Laboratory of Modern Languages
German language courses reserved for members of the USI academic community
Courses for external candidates
Why a certificate from the Goethe-Institut examination center?
The Goethe-Institut has been the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany for over 70 years. It operates worldwide with the aim of promoting knowledge of the German language and international cultural cooperation. The institute is named after the 19th-century German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, to whom it is dedicated.
In the Canton of Ticino, the Goethe-Institut examination center operates at USI.
For further information about the Goethe-Institut, please visit www.goethe.de/germania.
Goethe-Institut Examination Center of Italian-speaking Switzerland
Laboratory of Modern Languages LLM
Università della Svizzera italiana
Via Giuseppe Buffi 13
CH-6900 Lugano
[email protected]
Head of the Goethe-Institut Examination Center in Italian-speaking Switzerland and Examinations Manager: Claudia Moor
Goethe-Institut certificates guarantee the level of language proficiency both in education and in one's professional career.
Exams vary according to language proficiency level. In the list below, they are arranged from lowest to highest level. By clicking the links below, you can find information about each exam and choose the one best suited to your needs.
February 2026 exam session
Exam date: February 28, 2026
Registration deadline: January 28, 2026
Starting March 1, 2026, registration is only possible for the May 2026 exam session.
May 2026 exam session
Exam date: May 23, 2026
Registration deadline: April 23, 2026
Starting May 24, 2026, registration is only possible for the October 2026 exam session.
October 2026 exam session
Exam date: October 24, 2026
Registration deadline: September 24, 2026
Starting September 25, registration is only possible for the February 2027 exam session.
Session progress:
Exams and prices
|
Examination |
Costs |
Costs for USI students |
|
Goethe-Zertifikat B1 e B1 J |
Full Exam: CHF 280.- Each individual module: CHF 110.- |
Full Exam: CHF 260.- Each individual module: CHF 90.- |
|
Goethe-Zertifikat B2 e B2 J |
Full Exam: CHF 320.- Each individual module: CHF 120.- |
Full Exam: CHF 290.- Each individual module: CHF 100.- |
|
Goethe-Zertifikat C1 |
Full Exam: CHF 360.- Each individual module: 130.- |
Full Exam: CHF 250.- Each individual module: 110.- |
|
Goethe-Zertifikat C2 GDS |
Full Exam: CHF 440.- Each individual module: 160.- |
Full Exam: CHF 410.- Each individual module: CHF 140.-
|
Online registration and payment
Withdrawals and Refunds
In case of withdrawal from the exam before the registration deadline:
In In case of withdrawal from the exam after the registration deadline:
Notifications regarding withdrawal, or any changes to the registration, must be sent promptly to [email protected].
In case of absence from the exam without a justification, no refund will be issued.
Results and Certificates
The exam reesult will be communicated by email within three weeks after the exam has been taken.
Certificate will subsequently be sent by registered mail.
Note: In case of a prolonged absence from your place of residence, candidates are advised to inform the examination centre, as uncollected registered mail will be returned to the sender and subject to a fee, which will be charged to the candidate.
Candidates who do not pass the exam will receive by post a certificate of partecipation, indicating the results achieved.
Preparation for the Exams
To find materials to download or order, as well as to view the Examination Regulations (Prüfungsordnung), the Implementation Regulations (Durchführungsbestimmungen), and other informational materials, please consult >>> this link.