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.

Practise Goethe-Zertifikat C2.

210 minutes, four modules, pass mark 60 per cent. Exam set in preparation.

Available today: telc Deutsch B1. The four modules and the pass mark are the same; anyone studying for Goethe-Zertifikat C2 can already practise the format with it.

Practise with the available set Pricing

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 minIn preparation here
Hören (Listening)35 minIn preparation here
Schreiben (Writing)80 minIn preparation here
Sprechen (Speaking)15 minIn preparation here
Total210 minPass mark 60 %

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.