Goethe, telc and ÖSD certificates are all officially recognised and follow the same CEFR levels (A1–C2). For most visas, jobs and residence permits any of them is accepted. The differences are in exam format, scoring, price, where you can take them and small regional focus: Goethe is the most widely available worldwide, telc is very common inside Germany (and used for integration courses), and ÖSD is Austrian and includes Austrian and Swiss variants of German.
At a glance
| Goethe-Zertifikat | telc Deutsch | ÖSD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organisation | Goethe-Institut (Germany) | telc gGmbH (Germany) | Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (Austria) |
| Levels | A1–C2 | A1–C2 (+ special exams like DTZ, telc Hochschule) | A1–C2 |
| Where | Goethe-Institutes and partners worldwide | Adult education centres (VHS) and schools, mostly in Europe | Exam centres in Austria and many other countries |
| Scoring | B1–C2 in separate modules, 60% each | Written total + oral total | Written + oral, depending on level |
| Modules | Can be taken separately (B1–C2) | Usually complete exam | Modular options at some levels |
| Regional focus | Germany | Germany | Austria, Germany, Switzerland |
| Price | Often the most expensive | Varies by centre | Often cheaper |
Rules and prices change; check the official website of the provider and your exam centre before booking.
Which is best for your goal?
| Goal | Good choice |
|---|---|
| Visa (spouse, work, study) | Any of the three – check the embassy list |
| Integration course / citizenship in Germany | telc or DTZ (often the default in courses), Goethe also accepted |
| Living in Austria | ÖSD, but Goethe and telc are usually accepted too |
| University (C1) | Goethe C1, telc C1 Hochschule, TestDaF or DSH |
| Only one module failed | Goethe (modular) makes retakes cheaper |
Is one easier than the others?
Officially no – all test the same CEFR level. Learners often find telc B1 slightly more forgiving because points from reading, listening and writing are added together, while Goethe requires 60% in each module. Exam formats differ, so practise with the model tests of the exact exam you will take. More in is B1 German hard to pass.
Frequently asked questions
Is ÖSD accepted in Germany?
Yes, ÖSD certificates are generally accepted in Germany for visas, jobs and residence, like Goethe and telc.
Which German certificate is best?
There is no single best: choose the one accepted by your institution, available near you and in a format you like.
Is telc cheaper than Goethe?
Often, but prices are set locally. Compare your nearest centres.
Practice and go deeper
- German levels explained
- How hard is the Goethe B2 exam?
- Is the A1 exam easy?
