German exams for work and career in Germany

For many people who want to work in Germany, German exams are an important step in proving their German language skills. Employers often expect a German certificate at B1 or B2 level, especially in professions with customer contact and in specialised professions such as medicine or skilled trades.

Why is knowledge of German important for the labour market?

Proficiency in the German language is a key factor in being able to work successfully in Germany. Applicants are expected to have not only subject-specific knowledge, but also the language skills to communicate confidently with colleagues, superiors and customers.

For professions with a high level of customer contact, such as retail, healthcare or administration, at least solid language skills at B1 or B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required. In academic or specialised professions, C1 or C2 proof may also be required.

Which German exams are recognised for the labour market?

In addition to the ÖSD, there are several recognised German exams such as Goethe and telc, which are particularly important in a professional context. The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is an international provider of German certificates that are recognised by employers and institutions not only in Austria, but also in Germany.

The ÖSD exams are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and cover levels A1 to C2.

The ÖSD can be a particularly important option for people who live and work in different German-speaking countries, i.e. Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The diversity of the German language is recognised and covered in the practical ÖSD exams.

Why ÖSD exams for the German labour market?

• Recognition in Germany: The ÖSD has been an Austrian provider of internationally recognised German certificates for 30 years. These certificates are therefore also accepted by employers in Germany. This applies in particular to sectors in which formal proof of German language skills is required, such as the healthcare sector, the skilled trades or the service sector.
• Professional orientation: The ÖSD B2 or C1 certificate is particularly suitable for professionals and academics who wish to work in Germany. It confirms that participants have the necessary language skills to communicate in professional and social contexts.
• Flexibility: The ÖSD is represented by over 400 examination centres worldwide. It is also a good choice for people who live in a German-speaking country and need a recognised exam for the job market within a flexible time frame.

Special requirements for certain professions

Some professions require specific German language skills that go beyond general language skills.

ÖSD Certificate B2 / Nursing and Medical Professions (ZB2 / PMB)

For example, the ÖSD Certificate B2 / Nursing and Medical Professions (ZB2 / PMB) is aimed at healthcare professionals who wish to work in Germany. This exam specifically assesses the language skills required for everyday working life in the care and medical sector.

Important aspects:

• Recognition in Germany: Many medical institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes, accept this certificate as proof of sufficient German language skills.
• Specialised content: The exam covers typical situations from everyday nursing care, e.g. communication with patients and doctors as well as medical documentation.
• Practical relevance: The certificate proves that nursing staff are able to communicate confidently and professionally in German in everyday working life.

German certificates for work from B1 to C2

In other sectors, for example, trades and technical professions generally require a language level of B1 or B2, depending on the specific occupational field. The ÖSD B1 and B2 certificates are practice-orientated exams that test language skills in everyday private and professional life.

In certain academic professions (engineers, teachers, scientists) , on the other hand, a language level of C1 or C2 is required, especially where a high level of complex professional and academic interaction is required.

How do you choose the right test?

Choosing the right German exam depends heavily on your professional field and the requirements of your employer or professional organisation. Here are some steps to help you decide:

1. Check the requirements of your profession: see what language level is required in your professional field. Find out from potential employers or professional organisations.

2. If available, choose an exam that is tailored to your profession: If you want to work in a specialised profession such as medicine or nursing, you should consider a subject-specific exam such as the ‘ÖSD Zertifikat B2 / Pflege und medizinische Berufe (ZB2 / PMB)’.

3. Consider the recognition of the exam: Make sure that the chosen exam is recognised by the relevant authorities and employers in Germany.

Preparation for German exams for the labour market

Preparing for a German exam for the workplace requires targeted practice and a practice-orientated approach. Here are some tips:

Attend a language course: Language courses, especially flexible ones focussing on job-related topics, are a good way to prepare yourself.

Use specialised teaching materials: There are many books and online resources that focus on job-specific German.

Practise with the ÖSD materials: practice materials tailored to your language level, model sentences, digital test training and online mock exams help you to deal with typical everyday and professional situations in German and test your language skills.

German exams as a trump card on the German labour market

The ÖSD German exams are therefore a high-quality and internationally recognised way of proving your German language skills for the German job market.

Workers – whether in the technical, medical or academic field – can prove their language skills quickly and gain a decisive advantage. The practical content and broad recognition make the ÖSD the right choice for entering the German labour market.