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Which German Exam do you need to work in Germany
If you’re planning to move to Germany for work, having the right German language certificate is often just as important as your professional qualifications.
The exact exam and level you need depend on your profession, employer requirements, and visa type. Choosing the wrong one can delay your plans by months – or even prevent you from taking the job.
1. Why a German Certificate Matters
German employers and government authorities want proof that you can communicate effectively in the workplace. This is especially important in jobs where misunderstanding could lead to mistakes, safety issues, or poor customer service.
The most widely recognised certificates are Goethe-Zertifikat and telc Deutsch, which follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means your level is measured by a European standard from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native).
📎 More about the CEFR: Council of Europe – CEFR Levels
2. General Employment (Non-regulated Professions)
These are jobs that do not require official recognition of your qualifications. Examples:
- Office administration
- IT and tech support
- Sales and retail
- Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, tourism)
- Logistics and warehouse work
Typical requirement:
B1 for basic roles with limited customer interaction.
B2 for jobs that require regular communication in German, presentations, or client contact.
Accepted exams:
Goethe-Zertifikat B1/B2
telc Deutsch B1/B2
3. Regulated Professions (Recognition Required)
Some careers in Germany are regulated by law. You can only work in them if your foreign qualification is officially recognised (Anerkennung).
Examples and requirements:
Healthcare: nurses, doctors, pharmacists → telc B2 or telc B2–C1 Medizin + Fachsprachprüfung.
Education: teachers, early childhood educators → often C1 or higher, depending on the state (Bundesland).
Legal sector: lawyers, legal advisors → C1–C2, due to complex and precise legal language.
Engineering: certain roles require recognition of your degree and at least B2 German.
📎 Official portal for recognition: Anerkennung in Deutschland
4. Trades and Technical Professions
Germany has a strong demand for skilled tradespeople (Handwerksberufe), such as:
- Electricians
- Mechanics
- Welders
- Plumbers
- Construction workers
Typical requirement:
B1 for supervised roles.
B2 if the position involves client interaction, safety instructions, or project management.
5. Freelancers and Self-employed Workers
If you plan to work as a freelancer in Germany, language requirements depend on your business type and visa process.
Creative professions (designers, artists): no formal language certificate required for the visa, but B1–B2 is highly recommended for bureaucracy and client relations.
Consultants or trainers: often need at least B2 to attract local clients.
6. Common Mistakes
Assuming “any German exam” will be accepted – Some employers or authorities require a specific exam provider (Goethe, telc, TestDaF).
Underestimating the level needed – B1 may be enough for a warehouse job, but not for a sales role with customer negotiations.
Skipping the specialised version – In professions like medicine or law, a general B2 may not be enough; you need the sector-specific exam.
7. How to Choose the Right Exam
Step 1: Check your employer’s or authority’s requirements in writing.
Step 2: Identify your CEFR level with a placement test (Take our free placement test).
Step 3: Choose the provider and level that match your goal (Goethe, telc, TestDaF, etc.).
Step 4: Allow enough preparation time – moving from B1 to B2 can take 3–6 months of regular study.
8. Examples of Professions and Typical Requirements
Nurse: telc B2 or telc B2–C1 Medizin + Fachsprachprüfung.
Engineer: Goethe B2 or telc B2, sometimes C1 for project management roles.
Hotel receptionist: Goethe or telc B2.
Warehouse worker: Goethe or telc B1.
Teacher: Goethe or telc C1, often C2 for higher education.
IT specialist: B1–B2 depending on team/client language.
