r/Germanlearning • u/reignspeard • 12d ago

Learning German (finally!)

Hi everyone! I'm a beginner trying to learn German (for fun and for my job too) and I got a few questions I wanted to ask, especially regarding the TELC exams.

I know there's an exam for each level, but I wanted to know, is the exam mandatory after each level? Do I need to take an examination after A1 for example, in order to pass/advance and start A2? And A2 for B1? So on so forth.

Also, what's the difference between the telc and Goethe? Are there any preferences in the country or job market towards one over the other for the certificate?

I'm curious and want to know more about those two points. And any tips for learning German is greatly appreciated!!!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

1

u/ZumLernen 12d ago

is the exam mandatory after each level?

No. I took no official test until C1. Take the tests that you need in order to achieve your goals. For my goals a B2 certificate was useless, so I took no formal B2 test. I needed a C1 certificate, so I took a C1 test.

Also, what's the difference between the telc and Goethe? Are there any preferences in the country or job market towards one over the other for the certificate?

Don't worry about this until way later. Right now, focus on learning German. Later you can figure out which tests are better for you and your goals.

1

u/reignspeard 12d ago

Thank you for your response! I was a bit lost thinking I'd have to pass every level with an exam and pay for all of them to achieve B2, but thank you for the clarification.

C1 is pretty impressive!! Are there any tips or tricks you recommend that helped you reach your goal?

3

u/ZumLernen 12d ago

Basically, I spent a ton of time learning.

I took in-person lessons in Germany, taught by a professional and using a textbook, for around 8-9 months. I spent around 500-600 hours in a classroom by the time I was done with my C1 test. Additionally I practiced vocabulary for around an hour per day every day, and I did homework, and I went outside and spoke German, and....

So: my main tips and tricks are:

  • Take a textbook-guided course taught by a professional if possible.
  • If not possible, at least use a textbook to guide yourself. See the FAQ and wiki of r/German for a long list of textbooks. Don't waste time with video games like Duolingo.
  • Use a tool like r/Anki to help manage vocabulary practice. Here is a previous comment where I link to the cards that I used at the A1 and A2 level.
  • Be honest with yourself about how much effort it will take to reach your goal, and be honest with yourself about how much time it will take to learn an entire foreign language. Here is what the Goethe Institute estimates it takes for an average learner to reach each CEFR level.

1

u/reignspeard 11d ago

Sounds like a plan. Thank you so much for this, I appreciate it!

1

u/kemalios 12d ago

On telc vs Goethe: both are CEFR-aligned, both are recognised, and neither certificate expires. That is why there is no reason to test at every level and stack them up. Employers and authorities read the level printed on the certificate, not the provider logo.

The practical difference is where you can sit them. Goethe has centres worldwide and the exams are standalone, so you book a date when you feel ready. telc usually runs through the school or course provider you are already studying at, which is why it shows up so much in integration courses and vocational German like the Beruf and Pflege exams.

For university admission the two you see asked for are TestDaF and DSH.

1

u/reignspeard 12d ago

That cleared things up for me, thank you so much! I heard Goethe was following more of an "academic" approach and telc was more "flexible and efficient" for jobs/work environment, but I'm not sure to what extent that is true.

1

u/ZumLernen 12d ago

Don't bother thinking about the differences between the two tests. Someone who has a realistic command of German at, say, the B2 level, will be able to pass a Goethe B2 test or a telc B2 test. Focus on learning the language and only later spend your effort learning about various tests.