Which German level do you need to study in Germany?
The German level you need depends on what you will study and in which language. The German Missions in India set out the visa rules below. Your university's admission letter sets the exact score, so always check that too.
| Your plan | Language level | How you prove it |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or master's taught in German | Generally C1 German | A recognised certificate; DAAD names TestDaF and DSH as the two main university tests |
| Bachelor's or master's taught in English | Generally C1 English; German often not needed for admission | A recognised English certificate such as IELTS |
| Preparatory course (Studienkolleg) taught in German | At least B1 German | A recognised German certificate |
| Preparatory course taught in English | At least B2 English | A recognised English certificate |
| Intensive German course in Germany, not linked to study | Any level; a certificate is needed if you start above A1 | Goethe-Institut, telc or ÖSD certificate |
The German Missions accept German certificates from the Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD and telc. For English, they name IELTS and ALTE members, and they say they do not recognise Duolingo, Pearson PTE or TOEFL home edition results for applications in India. The DAAD's Study in Germany site adds that most degree courses in Germany are taught in German, and German-taught courses ask for TestDaF or DSH.
What do TestDaF and DSH mean?
- TestDaF
- A German test for university entry. Its levels, TDN 3, 4 and 5, match B2 to C1. You can take it at the Goethe-Institut in India.
- DSH
- A German language exam for university entry, run by German universities themselves.
- Goethe-Zertifikat
- The Goethe-Institut's exams from A1 to C2. Some universities also accept a Goethe-Zertifikat for German-taught degrees, so check each admission page.
Do you need German for an English-taught master's in Germany?
German is not a prerequisite for many English-taught international programmes in Germany, according to the DAAD. For the visa, you prove English instead. The German Missions explain that the online visa questionnaire asks about German, and English-taught students should read "English" in its place. The one exception is the question about B2 German: answer "yes" only if you really have B2.
Some German at A1 or A2 still makes daily life easier, from renting a room to talking to people in shops and offices. Many students start a beginner course in Bangalore while their applications are in progress.
How long does each German level take?
One German level takes between 6 and 15 weeks at the Goethe-Institut Bangalore, depending on how many hours you study each week. B2 and C1 are each split into two courses, so they take twice as long. The times below come from the institute's published course formats and assume you join one batch straight after another.
| Format | One level | A1 to B1 (3 courses) | A1 to C1 (7 courses) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super intensive weekday (A1 to B1 only) | 6–7 weeks | About 18–21 weeks | Not offered beyond B1 |
| Intensive weekday | 11–12 weeks | About 33–36 weeks | About 77–84 weeks |
| Intensive weekend | 14–15 weeks | About 42–45 weeks | About 98–105 weeks |
Batches start only in certain months, so real timelines are often a little longer. If you need B1 for a German-taught preparatory course, work back from the course's application deadline and book your exam date early.
Where can you learn German in Bangalore?
German classes in Bangalore come in four main forms. Each one can lead to the same recognised exam, because the certificate depends on the exam you pass, not on where you studied.
- The Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan in Indiranagar. Classroom courses from A1 to C2, live online courses and the official Goethe exams. Our Goethe-Institut Bangalore guide covers its fees, registration and exam dates.
- Online and self-study. The Goethe-Institut runs a self-paced German Training Online course, a free "Deutsch für dich" community with exercises, and free exam training for each level.
- University and college courses. Some universities and colleges in Bangalore may offer part-time German courses. Check the university's own website for the current intake, timings and fee.
- Private language institutes. Many private institutes in the city teach German. Ask which exam each course prepares you for, and book that exam yourself on the official Goethe-Institut, telc or ÖSD website.
Not sure whether your programme needs German at all? Book a free counselling session and we'll check the language rules for each university on your shortlist before you sign up for a course.
Choosing German classes in Bangalore: what to check
- Match the course to an exam. Ask whether the course follows the CEFR levels (A1 to C2) and ends with a recognised exam such as the Goethe-Zertifikat.
- Check the hours per level. Compare the teaching hours per level with the Goethe-Institut's formats above, so you know how fast you will progress.
- Plan your commute. The Goethe-Institut is in Indiranagar, near the Metro station. If you live in North Bangalore or study outside the city, a live online course can save hours each week.
- Fit it around your degree. Students at VTU colleges or Bangalore University can take weekend batches during the semester and an intensive batch in the holidays.
- Start APS in parallel. Most Indian applicants also need an APS certificate, and both take time.
- Talk to us in Hebbal. Our office in Hebbal helps you set the German level you need and plan your applications around it.
What should you do next?
Your next step is to pick two or three programmes and check their language rules on the university's own page. Then choose a German course that reaches that level before your deadlines. Explore more options on our Europe study destination page, or read how a German university such as Heidelberg sets its requirements.
Learn the German Your Course Really Needs
Some students need C1 German, and many need none at all for admission. Knowing which group you are in saves months. Falcon Nova Consultants has helped hundreds of Indian students plan their applications. Book a free counselling session in Hebbal or online, and we'll check your programmes' language rules and build a timeline for German, APS and your visa.
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