German test online: what is your German level?
The Deutschniveau placement test places your German on a level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 to C2. You answer 50 questions on grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening in 60 minutes or less. You receive your level and a certificate with a verification ID after purchase.
Start testYou receive your result and certificate after purchase (from €14.99). Taking the test costs nothing.
- 50 questions
- A1 to C2
- about 60 min
Structure, procedure and scoring in detail: German placement test online
How the test works
- Test. You start straight away with the first of 50 questions, without signing up. The questions begin at A1 and get harder up to C2.
- Your details. At the end you enter your name and email address. The name appears on the certificate.
- Purchase. You choose a package (from €14.99) and pay by card via Stripe.
- Result and certificate. You see your level and receive the certificate as a PDF with a verification ID and QR code.
What the test measures
Of the 50 questions, 20 are on grammar, 14 on vocabulary, 8 on reading short texts and 8 on listening to recordings. Writing and speaking are not tested, so your result can differ from an exam that covers all four skills. How a level counts as reached is explained in the methodology (German).
| Skill | Questions |
|---|---|
| Grammar | 20 |
| Vocabulary | 14 |
| Reading | 8 |
| Listening | 8 |
| Writing and speaking | not tested |
| Level | Questions |
|---|---|
| A1 Beginner | 8 |
| A2 Elementary | 9 |
| B1 Intermediate | 10 |
| B2 Upper intermediate | 9 |
| C1 Advanced | 8 |
| C2 Proficiency | 6 |
Try a sample question
Ich kann heute nicht zum Kurs kommen, ______ ich bis 19 Uhr arbeiten muss.
- weil
- obwohl
- damit
- deshalb
Show answer
A „weil“: the clause gives the reason and the verb goes to the end („arbeiten muss“). „Obwohl“ would mean the opposite, „deshalb“ needs the verb in second position.
This question is not part of the test; the real questions stay unpublished.
What you get after purchase
Your level from A1 to C2, a certificate as a PDF in German and English, and an ID that anyone can check on the verification page. The certificate is shown below with sample data. Details are on German test with certificate.
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | €14.99 | Level, certificate as PDF (German and English), verification page with ID and QR code, verifiable online for 1 year |
| Certificate + report | €19.99 | Additionally the report: result per level and skill, your answers |
| Optional: 1 more year online | + €3.99 | The verification page confirms the certificate for 2 years in total |
| Optional: no end date | + €6.99 | The verification page stays active without an end date |
The levels A1 to C2
Each level page explains what you can do at that level and which official exams exist for it.
Further reading: the German levels A1 to C2, B1 or B2? and common grammar mistakes at B1.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I only see my result after purchase?
Your level and certificate are what you pay for (from €14.99). Every certificate comes with a verification page that we keep running, so employers can check it. You see the full price before you pay.
What happens if I stop in the middle of the test?
Your answers are saved as you go. If you close the page, you can continue in the same browser while the 60 minutes are running. When the time is up, the test is scored with the questions you have answered.
Can I take the test again?
Yes. Every new test is scored separately and gets its own certificate. Waiting a few weeks between tests shows real progress more clearly.
Will my employer accept the certificate?
That is up to the employer. The certificate is a self-assessment with a verifiable ID, not an official exam. Many employers find it helpful in an application; authorities and universities require an official exam.
How can someone check that the certificate is genuine?
With the ID at the top right of the certificate or the QR code. The verification page shows name, level and date of issue.
What if my level is between two levels?
Your level depends on the share of correct answers across the whole test: under 30 percent A1, from 30 percent A2, from 45 B1, from 60 B2, from 75 C1, from 90 C2. The report shows how close you are to the next level.
Does the certificate replace an official exam?
No. For a visa, citizenship, family reunification or university you need an exam from an independent testing body such as Goethe-Institut, telc or ÖSD.
Sources
- Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (Council of Europe)
- Sprachnachweise und Zertifikate (language certificates) (BAMF)
- Deutschprüfungen (German exams) (Goethe-Institut)
- telc German exams (telc gGmbH)
- Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD)
Last checked: 17.10.2026 · Written by the Deutschniveau editorial team · Editorial policy (German)