German is one of the most studied languages, which is, alongside English, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin, also one of the most influential, globally recognized languages. It is often described as clear and precise, but also as quite discordant and grating on the ear. Still, how true is this really?

For centuries, the German language has served as inspiration to both poets and renowned composers. Its unusual melodiousness only becomes apparent once you really delve into learning it. It is therefore recommended for those with patience, dedication, and, above all, ambition. It is estimated that German is predominantly studied by successful business people, or those on the road to achieving success.

Germany is a destination of choice for students, workers, and experts. German is a good choice as it is spoken in several other countries in addition to Germany, where it is the official language:

Austria,

Switzerland,

Belgium,

Luxembourg,

Lichtenstein, and

the province of South Tyrol in Italy.

The Hi5 online platform offers language learning, and here you can find all the relevant information you might need if you decide to learn German online.

Should you decide you want to study or work in Germany, you will need to learn German very well. A majority of universities offer study programs in the native language. Only some subjects can be taken in English. There are faculties which enable you to spend a year in the country to learn the language before enrolling in your program, after which you are deemed ready to start taking exams in the same way as any native speaking student does. Furthermore, studying German at the beginner or advanced level is very important if you plan to find employment on German territory. Learn more about the benefits of learning German in our blog on this topic.

If you decide on a German language course, Hi5 educational center’s reputable teachers will facilitate your learning process. Lessons are provided in agreement with the student, and can be taken from anywhere in the world. We will also provide you with all the materials required for attending the course.

We offer assistance during preparation for taking international examinations. We are also at your disposal when it comes to preparing for qualifying exams. If you want to take a German language course, it is important that we work together to clearly delineate your field of interest in advance, in order to arrive at the optimal study model for you.

Our German language courses can also be taken in English. For all further details, feel free to get in touch with us or check out our offer here.

Learning German is very worthwhile, as there are numerous internationally recognized certificates serving to attest to your language proficiency, which can be acquired at venues throughout Europe. Whichever German language course you select, if you want to work and study in Germany, you will need to provide official proof of language proficiency, issued by one of the following institutions:

Gete

The Goethe Institut is an international language center which offers testing for all ages and all levels of the internationally recognized language proficiency framework. The Goethe certificate can be “small” or “big”. The big certificate can only be acquired by language learners over sixteen with a C2 level of proficiency (Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom). However, in order to enroll in undergraduate studies, for example, a B2 level will also suffice.

ZD

Zertifikat Deutsch – this examination is directed at learners over sixteen years of age, and covers levels A1 to B2. The first, elementary, level is a requirement in order to get married in Germany, while only the B2 level is considered as attesting to an advanced level of knowledge, for which you receive a Zertifikat Deutsch plus.

DaF

The DaF Test (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) enables you to obtain a certificate of knowledge of the language from level B2 to C1. As with the other kinds of tests, special rules apply to this one as well. On the whole, the exam takes around three hours, and is divided into four segments.

ÖSD – Österreichisches Sprachdiplom

This is an Austrian language certificate recognized in other German-speaking countries. The exam is oriented towards the general knowledge of the German language and its varieties. However, the ÖSD certificate enables you to study, or obtain a work or residential permit for the territory of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

The European Language Certificates (TELC)

This is a leading international language center for standardized language testing, available in 25 countries. It offers testing for all ages, from level A1 to level C2. There are dedicated examinations for children, for universities, for employment, as well as for healthcare providers.

There are numerous anecdotes about German, such as the much-quoted one about the visit to Germany of the United States President John F. Kennedy. Wishing to express his fondness of the German people, he uttered the sentence: “Ich bin ein Berliner”. While this might seem to a layperson as if the President was saying he feels like a person from Berlin, those better-versed in the German language would also translate this as “I am a doughnut,” in reference to the Berliner Pfannkuchendessert.

Online placement test is the quickest way to determine which German language course corresponds best to your current proficiency level.

Once you complete the test, both your result and the solutions are immediately accessible. In this way, you get a clear point of reference for language learning, enabling you to assess the progress you have made at any moment.

The test can be taken multiple times. However, please bear in mind that the accuracy of the test result is the most meaningful to you, and that success in the placement test is not relevant for obtaining any certificates.