To make it short: there are no significant differences, as both – Goethe and telc – are recognized testing bodies. Just take the exam that suits you better in terms of testing dates and/or price (telc exams tend to be cheaper than the Goethe ones).
While in the telc test (level B1 and B2) there are only 30 minutes planned for the writing activity, in the Goethe exam the writing task takes up 60 minutes (B1) and 75 minutes (B2). This means that there is more emphasis placed on the writing task and the task will be more complex.
Goethe and TELC are both official certificates and accepted at most of the universities. TELC is tougher compared to other examinations.
Level C is the most advanced level, and is split between C1 (Advanced) and C2 (Proficient (near-native)). Level C2 is recognised by all German universities as the level of language competence required for entrance into German-language courses, although some might accept students with B2 or C1 certificates.
German Language Test for University Admission
The results are given in percentages and thus the graduate is placed in a level range. Of the three different levels DSH-1, DSH-2 and DSH-3, the former is the easiest.
Going Toe-to-toe with the Goethe Zertifikat
If the TestDaF is the academic German level test, then the Goethe Zertifikat is the all-around one. It's by far the most famous test of the German language and is accepted by everybody who needs any kind of proof of German ability.
In Germany TELC certificates are recognized as the official proof of German language competence in order to receive citizenship. In Poland the TELC certificate is recognized as the proof of language competence for civil service applicants.
Goethe-Zertifikats A1 through C2 do not expire. Many institutions and employers, however, expect the certificate to be dated not more than two years ago.
Even for people who are only looking to learn the language without the cultural part, Goethe is still the best choice due to the quality of the courses and the great learning atmosphere.
According to CEFR, B1 level means:
You can handle most situations while traveling in different areas in which language is spoken. You can describe your experiences of different events, meetings, etc. Attaining b1 level German is something that you should be proud of.
German A1 exam pattern is quite simple. As it's a language, there are 4 modules- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It is 60 points exam and you have to score 36 points (60%) to pass the exam.
Your German certificate: telc B2.
The German B2 certificate is also recognised as proof of proficiency in German for the integration course certificate. Eloquia offers preparatory courses and is certified test centre.
The telc B2 Deutsch test is doable with 2-3 months of a solid preparation. Knowing the test format through and through is 20-30% of the success. You have to address your weaknesses, but prepare holistically. It's not as scary as it seems.
Does the certificate/my exam expire? Goethe-Zertifikats A1 through C2 do not expire. Many institutions and employers, however, expect the certificate to be dated not more than two years ago.
Having an acceptance rate of 77%, admissions at Goethe University are moderately selective. Intakes at the university take place twice a year in the Summer and Winter semesters. Goethe University is known for being home to around 8,000 international students from more than 130 countries around the globe.
Next level after A1, where the difficulty level is a bit higher, but it is still easy enough to score. This exam consists of four modules which come under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
Goethe Institut is an expensive option since it is a private school for determined individuals.
The German state-run Goethe Institute uninvited a Palestinian poet and writer from speaking at a conference later this month due to his past comments on Israel, whereupon other participants pulled out in protest.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) is the central figure in the German literary canon. Poet, novelist, playwright, and scientist, he is to the German language what William Shakespeare is to English-speaking cultures, only more so.
When did I pass the exam? In order to pass the telc A1 exam, you must answer at least 60% of the tasks correctly in both parts of the exam, i.e. the written and the oral. In concrete terms, this means that you must achieve a minimum score of 60 points.
The Goethe-examinations- Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom, Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom and Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom are recognized as linguistic proof for one to be allowed to study at a higher learning institution (university) in Germany and exempt one from having ...
If you are going to take the A2 certificate, there is no need to take an A1 certificate at the same time. Why? Because the A2 is of a higher level than A1 and would render your A1 certificate useless.
You will need an official language certificate from a recognised language centre, such as the Goethe-Institut or a telc-certified institute. Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Scoring and passing marks
The TELC has a total score of 300 points. The written test has 225 points, and the oral examination has 75 points. To pass any TELC test, you need at least 60% written and oral. For instance, at least 135 points in writing and 45 points in speaking.