What is the Goethe-Zertifikat C1?
The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is a German examination for adults. It confirms a highly advanced language level and corresponds to the fifth level (C1) on the six-level competence scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Who takes the Goethe-Zertifikat C1?
The Goethe-Zertifikat C1 is for adults who wish to confirm their business-fluent German language skills with an official and internationally recognised certificate and who wish to work and live in Switzerland.
People with a Goethe-Zertifikat C1 can:
- understand a wide range of demanding longer texts and also grasp implicit meanings.
- express themselves spontaneously and fluently without having to search for words often.
- use the language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life or in education and study.
- express themselves clearly, in a structured and detailed manner on complex issues.
Format of the Exam
Exam section |
Content | Duration |
---|---|---|
Reading | You read non-fiction texts, commentaries, reviews and/or reports. In the corresponding tasks, you show that you can deal with larger amounts of text by reproducing them in excerpts, among other things. | 70 Minutes |
Writing | You express yourself in more detail on a topic in a well-structured text. You receive information in the form of a graphic. | 80 Minutes |
Listening | You listen to conversations, telephone calls, interviews or radio reports, take notes on them and classify statements. | 40 Minutes |
Speaking | In the first part of the exam, you give your opinion on a short text. Then you talk to your interlocutor in order to make a decision or find a solution together. | 10-15 Minutes |
Distribution of Points
All candidates who have passed all parts of the German exam will receive a certificate. On the back of the certificate there is an explanation of the results.
The score achieved can be interpreted as follows:
Points |
Rating |
100 - 90 | very good |
89.5 - 80 | good |
79.5 - 70 | satisfactory |
69.50 - 60 | sufficient |
59.5 - 0 | failed |
Dates and Prices
All available C1 exam dates and prices can be found in the following overview: