Goethe A1 vs telc A1 vs ÖSD A1: Which Exam to Take?
Side-by-side comparison of the three official A1 German exams. Costs, format, recognition, and which one your embassy actually accepts.
Three Exams, One Level
Germany recognizes three A1 language certificates: the Goethe-Zertifikat A1, the telc Deutsch A1, and the ÖSD Zertifikat A1. All three prove the same thing — that you can handle basic everyday German. But they differ in where you can take them, what they cost, and which institutions accept them.
This guide compares all three so you can pick the right one without wasting time or money.
Quick Comparison
| Goethe A1 | telc A1 | ÖSD A1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1 | telc Deutsch A1 | ÖSD Zertifikat A1 |
| Provider | Goethe-Institut | telc GmbH | Österreichisches Sprachdiplom |
| Recognition | Worldwide | Mostly EU and Germany | Austria, Germany, and EU |
| Test centers | 90+ countries | Primarily Germany and EU | Austria, Germany, select others |
| Cost | €100–150 | €80–130 | €90–140 |
| Results | 4–6 weeks | 2–6 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Certificate validity | No expiry | No expiry | No expiry |
Exam Format Comparison
All three exams test the same four skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The total exam time and number of points differ slightly.
Goethe A1 Format
| Section | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 25 min | 25 |
| Hören (Listening) | 20 min | 25 |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 20 min | 25 |
| Sprechen (Speaking) | 15 min | 25 |
| Total | 80 min | 100 |
Passing score: 60/100 overall, with a minimum of 15/25 per section.
telc A1 Format
| Section | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 25 min | 25 |
| Hören (Listening) | 20 min | 25 |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 20 min | 25 |
| Sprechen (Speaking) | 15 min | 25 |
| Total | 80 min | 100 |
Passing score: 60/100 overall, with a minimum of 15/25 per section. The telc format is nearly identical to Goethe.
ÖSD A1 Format
| Section | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Lesen (Reading) | 25 min | 25 |
| Hören (Listening) | 20 min | 25 |
| Schreiben (Writing) | 20 min | 25 |
| Sprechen (Speaking) | 10–15 min | 25 |
| Total | 75–80 min | 100 |
Passing score: 60/100 overall. The ÖSD speaking section is slightly shorter and focuses more on examiner interaction rather than pair work with another candidate.
Recognition: Where Each Certificate Works
This is the most important factor for most people. The wrong certificate can mean a rejected visa application.
Spouse Visa (Ehegattennachzug)
If you need an A1 certificate for a German spouse visa, here is what most embassies accept:
| Region | Goethe A1 | telc A1 | ÖSD A1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | Accepted | Accepted | Accepted |
| Turkey | Accepted | Accepted | Sometimes |
| Middle East | Accepted | Sometimes | Rarely |
| South/Southeast Asia | Accepted | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Africa | Accepted | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Americas | Accepted | Accepted | Sometimes |
Key takeaway: The Goethe A1 is accepted everywhere. The telc A1 is accepted at most European embassies but not always outside Europe. The ÖSD A1 is mainly accepted in Austria and some European countries. Check with your specific embassy before booking.
Residence Permits and Integration Courses
All three certificates are accepted for residence permits within Germany. For integration course exemptions, all three work equally. The choice matters less here than for visa applications.
Austrian Immigration
If you are moving to Austria rather than Germany, the ÖSD is the standard choice. Austrian authorities prefer ÖSD certificates, and test centers are widely available across Austria.
Cost Comparison
Prices vary by country and test center. These are typical ranges:
| Exam | Typical cost | Cheapest option |
|---|---|---|
| Goethe A1 | €100–150 | Some countries in South Asia (around €80) |
| telc A1 | €80–130 | Germany-based centers (around €80) |
| ÖSD A1 | €90–140 | Austria-based centers (around €90) |
The telc A1 is usually the cheapest option if you are taking the exam in Germany. The Goethe A1 tends to be the most expensive, but it also has the widest availability and recognition.
Availability: Where You Can Take Each Exam
Goethe A1
The Goethe-Institut operates in over 90 countries. Even in countries without a Goethe-Institut building, licensed exam centers often offer the Goethe A1. This is the only option in many countries across Asia, Africa, and South America.
telc A1
Most telc test centers are in Germany, with some in other EU countries. Outside Europe, telc availability drops sharply. If you live in Germany and want a cheaper exam, telc is a strong choice.
ÖSD A1
ÖSD test centers are concentrated in Austria and Germany. Some centers exist in Eastern Europe, Turkey, and select Asian countries. For most people outside these regions, the ÖSD is not practical.
Which Exam Should You Choose?
Take the Goethe A1 if:
- You need the certificate for a spouse visa from any embassy
- You live outside Europe and need an A1 certificate
- You want the safest, most universally recognized option
- You do not mind paying slightly more
Take the telc A1 if:
- You are already living in Germany
- Your embassy or employer explicitly accepts telc
- You want a lower cost option
- You plan to continue with telc B1 for Einbürgerung (citizenship) later
Take the ÖSD A1 if:
- You are moving to Austria
- Your Austrian employer or authority requires ÖSD
- You are in a country where ÖSD centers are available
Preparation: Does It Differ?
Not really. All three exams test CEFR A1 skills: basic introductions, simple shopping conversations, reading short notices, and writing short messages. If you prepare for one, you are prepared for all three.
The only difference worth noting:
- Goethe and telc speaking sections pair you with another candidate for conversation practice
- ÖSD speaking section has you interact primarily with the examiner
Practice materials from any of the three providers work for general A1 preparation. For the speaking section, check whether your exam uses pair work or examiner interaction, and practice accordingly.
For structured A1 practice covering all four sections, try DeutschPass — it works regardless of which exam provider you choose. For a full breakdown of each section and a 4-week study plan, read our guide on how to pass the Goethe A1 exam.
You can also practice individual sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
Final Recommendation
For most people, the Goethe A1 is the right choice. It costs slightly more but is accepted everywhere, available in the most countries, and never creates problems with embassies or authorities.
Choose telc if you are in Germany and want to save money. Choose ÖSD if you are heading to Austria.
When in doubt, contact your embassy or the authority requesting the certificate and ask which exams they accept. A five-minute email can save you from retaking an exam with a different provider.