You are looking for the Goethe exam. The telc and ÖSD exams are equivalent recognized as equivalent.

As a test center in Zurich, we offer the telc and ÖSD German exams—which are officially recognized, used internationally, and, for most purposes such as naturalization, residency, study, and work, considered equivalent to the Goethe-Zertifikat.

Two recognized paths to the same proof.

All exams assess the same four skills—reading, listening, writing, and speaking—at the same CEFR levels (A1–C2) and are recognized as equivalent for most official purposes. The difference lies in the test provider and the exam format, not in the value of the certificate.

Goethe Certificate

  • Published by the Goethe-Institut, the cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany

  • Well-known internationally and widely accepted

  • Administered at the Goethe-Institut and by licensed test partners
  • Covers all proficiency levels from A1 to C2

Telc German & ÖSD Exam

  • Both exams are officially recognized as equivalent by government agencies, employers, and colleges and universities

  • telc: Practical and Focused on the Workplace, with Additional Professional Levels (B1+/B2+ Professional, C1 University)

  • ÖSD: Austrian examination format, also recognized throughout Europe, levels A1–C1

  • Both are available for booking with us in Zurich on short notice

All certificates are officially recognized as equivalent proof of language proficiency

Discover Our Exam Rooms !

Discover our modern exam rooms - ideal for your exam!

exam-center-zurich-test-center-zurich-exam-rooms-3
Exam Center Zurich - Test Center Zurich - Exam Rooms 1
zuerich_new_classrooms-5
Exam Center Zurich - Test Center Zurich - Exam Rooms 2
Exam Center Zurich - Test Center Zurich - Exam Rooms 10
Exam Center Zurich - Test Center Zurich - Exam Rooms 6
Exam Center Zurich - Test Center Zurich - Exam Rooms 5
Exam Center Zurich - Test Center Zurich - Exam Rooms 4
Exam Center Zurich - Test Center Zurich - Exam Rooms

Where telc and ÖSD count just as much as the Goethe Certificate.

For most official purposes in Switzerland, no distinction is made between providers—what matters is the verified language proficiency level. Always check the specific requirements of your local authority on a case-by-case basis.

Naturalization

For proof of language proficiency (typically B1 oral / A2 written), telc, ÖSD, and Goethe certificates are all accepted equally.

Residence permit

Cantons usually require an A2 (extension of B) or a B1 (settlement of C)—all providers meet this requirement.

Employers & Job Applications

Companies in Switzerland recognize telc and ÖSD certificates as fully valid, official proof of language proficiency on a resume.

College & University

For C1-level requirements, telc offers “C1 Hochschule,” a format specifically tailored to college applicants.

Professional Context

With the B1+/B2+ Beruf exam, telc specifically addresses workplace communication.

International Validity

telc exams are issued throughout Europe and are internationally recognized as “The European Language Certificates.”

Goethe Exam, telc, and the Registration in Zurich.

Not identical, but equivalent: telc and ÖSD assess the same four skills at the same CEFR levels (A1–C2; ÖSD up to C1) and are recognized as official proof of language proficiency by government agencies, employers, and most universities in Switzerland.

Yes. For naturalization, proof of B1-level proficiency in speaking and A2-level proficiency in writing is typically required—both the telc Deutsch B1 and the ÖSD Zertifikat B1 meet this requirement, as does the Goethe-Zertifikat B1.

No. Goethe exams are administered at the Goethe-Institut itself as well as at licensed exam partners. If you are looking for an equivalently recognized exam with short-notice availability here in Zurich, telc Deutsch and ÖSD are the right options for you.

Use the CEFR levels as a guide, not the names: The Goethe-Zertifikat B1 corresponds to telc Deutsch B1 or the ÖSD Zertifikat B1; the Goethe C1 corresponds to telc Deutsch C1 (or telc C1 Hochschule) or the ÖSD Zertifikat C1. You can find the complete overview in the table above.

Both are officially recognized language exams based on the CEFR levels. telc is a German testing organization, and ÖSD is an Austrian one—both are accepted as equivalent in Switzerland. You can take both exams here in Zurich.

Register for the telc/ÖSD exam in Zurich.

Same level, same recognition. Choose your level and secure your spot.