Goethe vs telc vs TestDaF vs ÖSD: Which German Exam Should You Take?

Short answer: Goethe-Zertifikat, telc Deutsch and ÖSD are general German exams that certify CEFR levels from A1 to C2, while TestDaF is an academic exam for university admission. For a visa or job, take whichever of Goethe, telc or ÖSD the German mission, employer or recognition authority accepts and you can book in time. For a German-taught degree, check whether your university asks for TestDaF, DSH or a C1 certificate.

Goethe vs telc vs TestDaF vs ÖSD at a glance

Exam	Run by	Levels	Typically used for
Goethe-Zertifikat	Goethe-Institut	A1–C2	Visas, work, study, general proof of German
telc Deutsch	telc gGmbH	A1–C2, plus special exams such as telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege, B2·C1 Medizin and C1 Hochschule	Visas, work, healthcare professions, university entrance (C1 Hochschule)
ÖSD	Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (Austria)	A1–C2	Visas, work and study in German-speaking countries
TestDaF	TestDaF-Institut	Results reported as TDN 3–5 (around B2–C1)	Admission to degree programmes taught in German

Why does the exam you pick matter?

If you are learning German in Pakistan for a visa, a job or a university place, you will meet four exam names: Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, ÖSD and TestDaF. They test similar skills but are run by different organisations, and the institution asking for proof decides which certificates it accepts. Checking this before you book saves time and exam fees.

Goethe-Zertifikat

The Goethe-Zertifikat is issued by the Goethe-Institut, Germany's cultural institute, and covers every level from A1 to C2. It is one of the most widely used certificates for visas, work and study. In Pakistan, Goethe exams are booked through the Goethe-Institut and its exam partners, so check the current dates and fees on its website.

telc Deutsch

telc offers general German exams from A1 to C2, and many exams also include a Sprachbausteine (language elements) section. It also runs special exams: telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege for nursing, telc Deutsch B2·C1 Medizin for doctors (accepted in some German federal states), and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule for university entrance. Read our telc B2 Medizin guide for the medical route.

ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch)

ÖSD is the Austrian German exam system, with certificates from A1 to C2. Its B1 exam (ZB1) was developed together with the Goethe-Institut and the University of Fribourg. ÖSD modules can often be taken separately. Exam centres in Pakistan are limited, so check the exam-centre search on the ÖSD website.

TestDaF

TestDaF is an academic German exam for applicants to degree programmes taught in German. Results are given for reading, listening, writing and speaking, and TDN 4 in all four is the usual requirement for direct admission to many universities. Some universities accept a DSH or a C1 certificate instead, so follow your programme's admission rules.

So which one should you take?

• Visa, work or Opportunity Card: Goethe, telc or ÖSD at the level your route requires. See German language requirements for Germany.
• Nursing or medicine: check your federal state's recognition authority; telc Pflege or Medizin exams may apply.
• University (German-taught degree): TestDaF, DSH or a C1 certificate, as your university specifies.

Whichever exam you choose, the preparation overlaps heavily. Our live online A1–B2 German courses cover all four skills, and our free practice tests help you check your level before you book.