German Proficiency Tests - Listed alphabetically
Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS, "Intermediate German Language Diploma")
Organization: Goethe Institute
Description: The KDS was established by the Goethe Institute in cooperation with the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich. The KDS is a German language proficiency test taken at an advanced level. The written test involves the understanding of texts, vocabulary, composition, understanding instructions, as well as exercises/questions pertaining to specifically chosen texts. There are also general questions on geography and German culture, plus an oral exam. The KDS satisfies university language entrance requirements.
Where/When: The GDS can be taken at Goethe Institutes and other testing centers in Germany and other countries. Tests are held in May and November.
OSD Grundstufe Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch - Grundstufe (Austrian German Diploma - Basic Level)
Organization: ÖSD-Prüfungszentrale
Description: The OSD was developed in cooperation with the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science and Transport, the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs. The OSD is a German language proficiency exam which tests general language skills. Grundstufe 1 is the first of three levels and is based on the Council of Europe's Waystage Level specification. Candidates should be capable of communicating in a limited number of everyday situations. The exam comprises both written and oral elements.
Where/When: At language schools in Austria. Contact the ÖSD-Prüfungszentrale for more information.
OSD Mittelstufe Austrian German Diploma - Intermediate
Organization: ÖSD-Prüfungszentrale
Description: Candidates must be able to handle a level of German beyond everyday situations, including intercultural skills. See the listing above for more about the OSD.
Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch International (PWD, "International Test for Business German")
Organization: Goethe Institute
Description: The PWD was established by the Goethe Institute in cooperation with Carl Duisberg Centers (CDC) and Deutscher Industrie-und Handelstag (DIHT). It is a German business proficiency test taken at an intermediate/advanced level. Students attempting this examination should have completed 600-800 hours of instruction in German business and economics. Students are tested on subject terminology, comprehension, business letter standards and proper public relations. The examination has both written and oral components. Students attempting the PWD should have completed a course in intermediate business German and preferably an advanced language course.
Where/When: The PWD can be taken at Goethe Institutes and other testing centers in Germany and other countries.
TestDaF - Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache ("Test (of) German as a Foreign Language")
Organization: TestDaF Institute
Description: The TestDaF is a German language proficiency test recognized by the German government. The TestDaF is most commonly taken by people who want to study at the university level in Germany.
Where/When: Contact the Goethe Institute, other language schools, or a German university for more information.
Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP, "Central Intermediate Test")
Organization: Goethe Institute
Description: Accepted by some German universities as proof of German proficiency. The ZMP was established by the Goethe-Institut and can be attempted after 800-1000 hours of advanced German language instruction. The minimum age is 16. The examination tests reading comprehension, listening, writing skills, and verbal communication at an advanced/intermediate level.
Where/When: The ZMP can be taken at Goethe Institutes and other testing centers in Germany and other countries. Contact the Goethe Institute for more information.
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