Free placement test
What is your German level? Find out in 5 minutes
18 quick questions, from beginner to intermediate. You get an instant estimate of your CEFR level - A1, A2 or B1 - and a clear next step towards your Goethe, telc or DTZ exam. Free, no sign-up.
Question 1 of 18
A1 level„Wie heißen Sie?“ – „Ich ___ Anna Schmidt.“
Introducing yourself
Your answers are evaluated in your browser only - nothing is uploaded or stored.
How it works
A quick estimate, not a certificate
The test checks your grammar and reading from A1 to B1. It starts easy and gets harder - your level is the highest band where you still answer confidently.
Answer 18 questions
Six questions per level, in ascending difficulty. Pick the option that sounds right - do not overthink it.
Get your CEFR estimate
You are placed at Pre-A1, A1, A2 or B1, with a breakdown showing how you scored at each level.
Confirm with a model test
A real exam also tests listening, writing and speaking. Take a full model test in the app to see if you would pass.
CEFR levels
What A1, A2 and B1 actually mean
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is the scale every German exam uses - Goethe, telc and DTZ alike.
| Level | What you can do | Typically required for |
|---|---|---|
| A1Beginner | Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple personal questions, understand everyday expressions. | Family reunification visa, au-pair visa |
| A2Elementary | Handle routine everyday conversations, talk about the past, describe your background and surroundings. | Some spouse and work visas |
| B1Intermediate | Deal with most everyday situations independently, give opinions and reasons, understand clear standard speech. | Citizenship (Einbürgerung), permanent residence, DTZ |
Visa and citizenship requirements change - always confirm the current rules with the German embassy or your local authority. Read our Einbürgerung B1 guide.
FAQ
Placement test questions
How accurate is this German placement test?
It gives a good first estimate of your grammar level in about five minutes, but it only tests reading and grammar. A real CEFR level also includes listening, writing and speaking. For a reliable result, take a full-length model test with all four modules in the PassDeutsch app.
Is the placement test free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no email address, no credit card. Your answers are evaluated directly in your browser and are not sent anywhere.
Which levels can the test detect?
The test places you at Pre-A1 (beginner), A1, A2 or B1 on the CEFR scale. It cannot measure levels above B1 - if you pass the B1 questions comfortably, your level may be B2 or higher.
What is the difference between A1, A2 and B1?
A1 means you can introduce yourself and handle very simple everyday phrases. A2 adds routine conversations, past tense and simple reasons. B1 means you can handle most everyday situations independently, express opinions and understand the main points of clear standard speech - it is the level required for German citizenship and the DTZ exam.
What level do I need for a German visa or citizenship?
It depends on the pathway: family reunification usually requires A1, some spouse and work visas A2, and Einbürgerung (citizenship), permanent residence and the DTZ require B1. Always confirm the current requirement with the German embassy or your local authority.
How long does the test take?
About five minutes. There are 18 multiple-choice questions, starting easy and getting harder. Answer every question - if you are not sure, pick the option that sounds right to you.
Know your level? Now prepare for the real exam
Full-length Goethe, telc and DTZ model tests at A1, A2 and B1 - with AI feedback on your writing and speaking.
Free to download · All 210 model tests included · No card required