Practise Goethe-Zertifikat C2.
210 minutes, four modules, pass mark 60 per cent. The first practice exam is free.
Structure and length
Proof of near-native competence, for teaching, translation or a doctorate, for example.
In the Goethe-Zertifikat every module counts on its own. Pass three and fail one, and you repeat only that one. That makes the exam dearer per module, and much cheaper when something goes wrong.
- Lesen (Reading)80 minAnswer key, instant
- Hören (Listening)35 minIn preparation here
- Schreiben (Writing)80 minMarked against the board's criteria, with a margin
- Sprechen (Speaking)15 minIn preparation here
- Total210 minPass mark 60 %
Structure by part
How the modules of Goethe-Zertifikat C2 are divided, following the board's published format. Knowing the parts means losing no exam time to the instructions.
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Commentary | A commentary, ten four-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 10 tasks |
| Teil 2Matching statements | Six sections, eight statements: which belongs where? Two fit nowhere. (Matching) | 6 tasks |
| Teil 3Feature | A feature with six removed sections; one does not fit. (Inserting text parts) | 6 tasks |
| Teil 4Adverts | Four job adverts, match eight statements. (Matching) | 8 tasks |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Radio excerpts | Five excerpts, three statements each: agrees with the text or not. (Yes or no) | 15 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 2Conversation | Two speakers: said by speaker 1, speaker 2 or both? (Matching) | 5 tasksplayed once |
| Teil 3Interview | An interview, ten three-option tasks. (Multiple choice) | 10 tasksplayed twice |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Revising a short paper | Rewrite marked passages of a short paper using the given words. (Rewriting) | 10 tasks |
| Teil 2Writing a text | A letter to the editor or a review on one of four topics, about 350 words. (Free writing) | 1 task |
| Part | What to do | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Teil 1Talk | A talk on one of two topics. (Oral) | – |
| Teil 2Conversation | A conversation on one of two topics. (Oral) | – |
Figures follow the board's published format. Your test centre's exam regulations are always what counts.
What happens if you do not pass
Each module counts on its own. A failed module can be repeated alone. Your test centre sets the fee, and it differs from place to place.
What level C2 demands
The written part takes 195 minutes in total; the longest single module is Lesen (Reading) at 80 minutes. Because the Goethe-Zertifikat is modular, you can spread the four modules over different dates and, after a fail, repeat only the module concerned.
- Lesen (Reading)
- Read practically any kind of written text with ease, including abstract or linguistically complex specialist texts.
- Hören (Listening)
- Understand spoken language without effort, even at speed and with an unfamiliar accent.
- Schreiben (Writing)
- Write demanding texts in an appropriate style and present complex matters so that readers see the important points.
- Sprechen (Speaking)
- Express yourself effortlessly and precisely, and make finer shades of meaning clear even on complex topics.
Where C2 is usually lost
At C2 correct German is no longer enough. What is marked is whether you hit register and nuance; the same content in the wrong tone counts as not fulfilled.
As a guideline, about 1000 to 1200 lessons from zero are quoted for C2. The range is wide because prior knowledge of a related language changes the effort a lot. It serves rough planning, not as a promise.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Goethe-Zertifikat C2 take?
- About 210 minutes in total: Lesen (Reading) 80 minutes, Hören (Listening) 35 minutes, Schreiben (Writing) 80 minutes, Sprechen (Speaking) 15 minutes. The oral part often takes place on a different date.
- How many points do you need for Goethe-Zertifikat C2?
- Normally 60 per cent. Each module counts on its own. A failed module can be repeated alone.
- How long does preparing for C2 take?
- As a guideline, about 1000 to 1200 lessons from zero are quoted for C2 in total. Anyone who speaks a related language needs far fewer; the range is deliberately wide.