#language certifications

There are several internationally recognised language ability testing systems that are used to rank a persons language proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS. Many students from the U.S. may not be familiar with the A-C language level rankings, as set by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF/CEFR), which assigns a letter (A, B, or C) and number (1, 2) for a given person's language ability, taking into account their listening, spoken, and written language ability into account. Level A1 requires a basic understanding and conversation ability while level C2 stands for a language ability close to a native speaker's. 

Most German universities require certain language proficiency for students applying to undergraduate or graduate degree programs. The two major ways to have your language level certified are to either take a Test of German as a Foreign Language (TestDaF) in your home country prior to moving to Germany, or by taking the German Language University Entrance Examination for Foreign Applicants (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang).  If you are applying to a program taught in German, the requirement will very likely be equivalent to C1 skill level. 

Don’t be intimidated by that though! Many universities offer courses that are taught in English. For example, I was able to apply for my M.Sc. program in Germany without a German language requirement. If you are thinking of applying to a university in Germany, make sure to check these requirements online. 

For student exchanges hosted by partnering universities these strict requirements don’t apply. If you are taking a semester abroad, your German professor at your home college or university may be asked to fill out a form which assesses your language ability, but if you are planning to take courses in German, or are taking a language course as part of your semester abroad, you will more than likely be required to take an language exam when you arrive. Make sure you ask your exchange coordinator about this.

In any case, if you have the opportunity to take a language ability test though an exchange or as part of your studies, take it! A standardised and widely recognised language level certificate will be useful to you in many more situations besides a university application. And of course, your resume will read a lot better if you can list a specific language qualification instead of just “proficient in German”.