Goethe-Zertifikat C1

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 has been modular since January 2024. Like the B1, B2, and C2 exams, it can be taken either as a full exam or in individual modules.

The objective is to …

• prepare to attend a German-speaking university, for example in Switzerland or Germany;
• certify very advanced language skills for professional purposes;
• prepare for a career in the healthcare field;
• demonstrate that one has achieved the language objectives of level C1;
• obtain a certification recognized worldwide.

By passing the exam, the candidate demonstrate that they are able to …

• understand a wide range of long and demanding texts, grasping also implicit meanings;
• express oneself spontaneously and fluently without frequently searching for the most appropriate words;
• use the language effectively and flexibly in social, professional, educational, and academic contexts;
• deal with complex topics in a clear, structured, and comprehensive way.

Regarding the possible exemption from an additional language exam for university admission as a foreign student, if in possession of the Goethe-Zertifikat C1, it is necessary to obtain information in advance from the university. 

PREPARATION

Here you can find sample exams to practise independently online.

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 consists of the following sections: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression (either a paired or an individual oral exam).

Reading comprehension

The candidate will read specialist texts, commentaries, reviews and/or reports. By completing the related exercises, they will demonstrate the ability to handle even fairly long texts, reformulating extracts from them.

Duration of the test: 65 minutes.

Writing

The candidate will express themselves on a topic and give their opinion on a subject, producing a well-structured and detailed text. For this purpose, they will be provided with information in the form of a chart.

Duration of the test: 75 minutes.

Listening comprehension

The candidate will listen to dialogues, phone calls, interviews or radio broadcasts, take notes, and match statements.

Duration of the test: approximately 40 minutes.

Speaking

In the first part of the exam, the candidate will present their opinion on the content of a short text. They will then discuss with their interlocutor to reach an agreement or find a solution regarding a given situation..

Duration of the test: 20 minutes.

REQUIREMENTS

The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a German language exam aimed at adults.

Goethe-Institut exams are open to all interested candidates and can be taken regardless of minimum age or German citizenship.

• For the Goethe-Zertifikat C1, a minimum age of 16 is recommended.
• The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 requires language skills corresponding to the fourth level (C1) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

To reach this level, depending on prior knowledge and initial learning conditions, 800–1000 teaching units of 45 minutes each are needed.