CEFR A-306-19 certified institute

German exam online — with a DKH certificate to CEFR

Exam dates for A1 to C1, registration online, result and certificate within a few days — proof for the immigration office, a university or an employer.

190 €one-time exam fee

Real DKH sample certificate AZAV

CEFR A-306-19 certified institute

Certified education provider

Approved under AZAV

12.446exams passed

Exam level

Which German exam suits you?

Choose the level you want to certify.

Exam A1

Beginner

Certifies the first foundations: familiar everyday phrases, simple sentences and short details about yourself.

Next date13.08.2026

Price190 €one-off

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Exam A2

Elementary

Certifies elementary command: familiar topics, simple information and recurring everyday situations.

Next date13.08.2026

Price190 €one-off

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Exam B1

Intermediate

Certifies independent use: speaking at length about daily life, work and your own interests.

Next date13.08.2026

Price190 €one-off

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Exam B2

Upper intermediate

Certifies advanced command: presenting and discussing demanding topics from work and study clearly.

Next date13.08.2026

Price190 €one-off

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Exam C1

Advanced

Certifies proficient use: handling difficult texts and specialist language confidently and flexibly.

Next date13.08.2026

Price190 €one-off

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Placement test

Not sure which level you are at?

The free placement test shows you in about 30 minutes which level fits.

60 questionsapprox. 30 minutesFree

Start the placement test

The certificate

What does the DKH certificate confirm?

Once you pass, your certificate records the result and the level you reached under the framework.

✓The CEFR level reached

✓Reading comprehension

✓Listening comprehension

✓Written expression

✓Oral communication

✓The result of the passed exam

Sample certificate · German A2

Where you can use it

What your DKH certificate is good for

Applications and work

As proof of language skills for applications and at work.

Further education and study

To submit for further training and during your studies.

Documenting your level

As an orderly record of your German level under the framework.

Personal goals

For yourself — to see your own progress in black and white.

Official procedures

In official procedures, where the relevant office recognises the certificate.

Whether a particular authority requires a specific certificate depends on the procedure. If you are unsure, ask them which proof they expect and we will tell you which exam matches it.

Your benefits

Why the DKH German exam?

A certificate is asked for wherever someone needs reliable evidence of how good your German actually is.

Online from anywhere

You sit the exam online and never travel to a test centre for any part of it.

Levels from A1 to C1

You choose exactly the level you want to certify.

Based on the CEFR

Marking follows the levels of the Common European Framework.

Clear exam structure

The exam covers the skills set out for your level, against criteria you can follow.

DKH certificate on passing

Once you pass, you receive a DKH Institut certificate stating the level you reached.

Direct online registration

Choose a level, register online, sit the exam — the process takes only a few steps.

How it works

How your online exam works

Choose a level

Choose the level between A1 and C1 that you want to certify.

Check requirements

Identity and equipment are briefly checked before the exam.

Take the exam

You sit the written and the oral part.

Assessment

Your exam is marked against fixed criteria.

Receive the certificate

Once you pass, you receive your DKH certificate.

As a rule your result is ready within 14 working days of full submission.

Exam sections

Which areas are tested?

Reading

Take in texts and pull out the essential information.

Listening

Understand spoken German and listening passages.

Writing

Express yourself in writing clearly and in order.

Speaking

Communicate orally and speak at length.

Scope and task types differ from level to level.

CEFR levels

The CEFR levels at a glance

The framework sorts language ability into six levels, A1 to C2. We examine A1 through C1.

Basic userA1 – A2

Understands and uses familiar everyday phrases and very simple sentences.

Understands sentences and frequent expressions from the immediate environment and manages simple routine situations.

Independent userB1 – B2

Understands the main points in clear standard speech and talks at length about familiar matters.

Understands more complex texts and communicates spontaneously and fluently across a wide range of topics.

Proficient userC1

Understands demanding texts including implicit meaning and uses the language flexibly.

★

The framework sorts language ability into six levels, A1 to C2. We examine A1 through C1.

Placement test

Free German placement test

60 questions on grammar and vocabulary show your level in about 30 minutes.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the exam

Question not covered? Write to us — or start with the placement test.

Start the placement test

Which exams does the DKH Institut hold? +

We examine every level of the framework from A1 to C1. Which one is right depends on what you need the proof for — the immigration office, a degree course or a job application.

Does the exam run entirely online? +

Yes, the exam runs entirely online. There is no need to come to Cologne in person; you can sit it from home.

What do I need technically? +

A computer, laptop or phone with camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Headphones help.

How do I know which level is right? +

If you are unsure, take the free placement test — it suggests a level between A1 and C1.

What does the exam cost? +

The fee is €190 per level.

What parts does the exam have? +

Reading, listening, writing and speaking. Scope and task types differ from level to level.

When will I get my result? +

After full marking, as a rule within 14 working days.

What if I do not pass? +

Then you register again for a later date — the exam can be retaken.

Can I retake the exam? +

Yes. Simply register again for the level you want.

Where can I use the DKH certificate? +

For applications and work, for further training and study — or simply to have your level in writing.

Is the certificate accepted by every authority? +

Most institutions accept our certificate because it follows the Common European Framework and we are an accredited provider. Some procedures — certain naturalisation cases, for instance — prescribe a particular exam format, so please check with the relevant office beforehand.

How do I receive my certificate? +

Once you pass and marking is complete, you receive your DKH certificate.

Start your DKH German exam

Choose your level and register, or continue an exam you have already booked.