At which level will I start my German course?

In order for your German language course to be a success, you absolutely have to participate in a group that has your level of German.

Therefore correct course placement is a real priority for us. Before courses start, you will receive a placement test from us by e-mail. On the first day of your course you will be placed in a class corresponding to your level according to your test results.

Excellent or nearly native speaker knowledge of German:
You are able to put into practice all complex aspects of the work environment without any problems and can present them. [ more details ]

Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)

Very good knowledge of German:
You are able to create detailed presentations and reports. [ more details ]

Prüfung für Wirtschaftsdeutsch International

Good knowledge of German:
You are able to edit and convey extensive information. [ more details ]

Basic knowledge of German:
You are able to understand and complete simple information and create short texts. [ more details ]

Description of levels — from beginner stage to advanced stage:

• Level A1: On completion of this level you will be able to ...

... understand and use everyday expressions and simple sentences,
... introduce yourself and others, ask everyday questions and answer them — e.g. where you come from, where you live, the people you know, or the things you own,
... communicate in a simple way, if the persons you are talking to, speak slowly and clearly and are prepared to help you.

• Level A2: On completion of this level you will be able to ...
  

... understand and use frequently used expressions concerning all areas of everyday life, e.g. you are able to give information about yourself and your family, go shopping, describe your work and close environment,
... communicate in simple routine situations during which you have to directly exchange information on familiar subjects.
... describe with the aid of simple means your own background and education and your immediate environment and needs.

• Level B1: On completion of this level you will be able to ...

... understand the main issues if standard language is used clearly and if the conversation is about familiar aspects of work, school, leisure etc., you can manage most situations while travelling in a German-speaking country,
... give your opinion on familiar subjects and personal interest in a simple and coherent way,
... relate experiences and events, describe dreams, hopes and goals and give short explanations regarding plans and opinions.

• Level B2: On completion of this level you will be able to ...
  

... understand the main contents of complex texts on specific or abstract subjects and specialist discussions in your own field of knowledge
... communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is possible without great effort on both sides,
... express yourself on a broad range of topics in a clear and precise way, explain your point of view on a current issue and enumerate advantages and disadvantages of several possibilities.

• Level C1: On completion of this level you will be able to ...

... understand a broad range of sophisticated longer texts and also acknowledge implied meanings,
... express yourself spontaneously and fluently without having to obviously grope for words,
... use the language effectively and in a flexible way in your social and professional life or in training and studies,
... express yourself clearly, extensively and in a structured manner on complex subjects and use several means of combining text in an adequate manner.

• Level C2: On completion of this level you will be able to ...

... understand practically everything that you read and hear without any effort
... summarize information from different written and oral sources and give explanations on it in a coherent way,
... express yourself very spontaneously, very fluently and precisely and make subtly remark on complex subjects.

If you want to test your German before coming to Bamberg, you can take our free German online test for beginners (Level A1-A2). Within a few days you will receive a personal mail with the solution of the test and remarks on the test result.

During your course you will take a 90 minute exam every fortnight. This way you can check on your learning process and our teachers can advise you correspondingly.