Free German Placement Test
Find out your German level in about 10 minutes. The test asks grammar, vocabulary and reading questions: you get 6 questions from each level, A1 to C1, and at the end you see your estimated level together with an explanation for every question.
- Up to 30 questions
- About 10 minutes
- No sign-up or email
- A1 to C1
The result is an estimate, not a certificate or an official document. Listening, writing and speaking are not measured. Level Exams is not affiliated with telc gGmbH, the ÖSD or the Goethe-Institut.
Ready to find your level?
- Up to 30 questions, about 10 minutes
- No sign-up, email or card details needed
- Right and wrong are not shown during the test; if you struggle a lot at one level, the test ends there
- At the end you see your estimated level and an explanation for every question
What does this test measure, and what does it not?
A placement test is a short first assessment: it helps you decide which level to start from. It does not replace a real language exam.
What it measures
Grammar
Can you use rules such as verb forms, articles, cases, sentence structure, prepositions and conjunctions correctly?
Vocabulary
Can you pick the right word or phrase, from everyday expressions to abstract and formal usage?
Reading
From short messages to longer, denser texts: do you understand correctly what the text says?
What it does not measure
Listening
There is no audio, so your listening skills may be lower or higher than the result suggests.
Writing
You do not write free text, so your writing skills do not affect the result.
Speaking
Pronunciation and fluency are not measured. For these skills you need a mock exam in the real exam format.
How the test works
- 1
Start the test
No sign-up or email needed. Press the start button and the first question appears.
- 2
One question per screen
When you tap an answer, the next question appears. Right and wrong are not shown during the test, and you cannot go back.
- 3
It gets harder level by level
Questions get harder from A1 to C1. If you struggle a lot at one level, the test ends there, so you do not tire yourself for nothing.
- 4
See your result and the explanations
You see your estimated level, your correct answers per level and an explanation for every question you answered.
Scoring: you get 6 questions from each level, and you need at least 4 correct to pass a level. Your estimated level is the highest level you pass in a row, starting from A1. If you get 2 or fewer correct at one level, the test ends there.
What do the levels mean?
The result is given in the level names of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Each level page explains the exam structure, the pass rule and has free sample questions.
- A1
You understand familiar everyday expressions and very simple sentences, and can introduce yourself and your surroundings in simple terms.
A1 exam page → - A2
You understand sentences on frequent topics such as shopping, family and work, and can communicate in simple, routine situations.
A2 exam page → - B1
You understand the main points of clear texts on familiar topics such as work, school and leisure, and can describe experiences and plans.
B1 exam page → - B2
You understand the main ideas of complex texts, follow talks in your own field and can speak fluently and naturally.
B2 exam page → - C1
You understand long, demanding texts, express your ideas fluently and in detail, and use the language flexibly for work and study.
C1 exam page →
C2 is not measured by this test. If you found the C1 questions easy, have a look at the C2 page as well. C2 exam page →
Frequently asked questions
›Is the placement test really free, and do I need to register?
Yes, it is completely free and asks for no registration, email address or credit card. Your answers are not saved to an account or a server; your last result is kept only in this browser, and you can restart the test as often as you like.
›How many questions are there and how long does it take?
There are at most 30 questions: 6 from each of the levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. It takes about 10 minutes. If you get 2 or fewer correct at one level, the test ends there and takes less time.
›Is the result my official level, and how reliable is it?
No, the result is only an estimate. The test is short, does not measure listening, writing or speaking, and does not replace an official certificate or exam. For a more solid picture, take a mock exam in the real format at that level.
›Is this test part of a telc, ÖSD or Goethe exam?
No. The questions were written originally by Level Exams and are aimed at the levels A1–C1. Level Exams is an independent preparation service and has no affiliation, partnership or endorsement with telc gGmbH, the ÖSD or the Goethe-Institut.
›What should I do after I get my result?
The result screen links to the page of your estimated level, where you see the exam structure, the pass rule and sample questions. You can then open a free account to take the free mock exam at that level, and see in which sections you lose points under real timing and section order.
Know your level? Now try it in the real exam format
Open a free account and take a mock exam at your level with real timing and locked section order; see your score section by section.
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