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Learn German · free

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Nico's Weg by Deutsche Welle is the best free course there is, a full story-based A1→B1. Learn it there, track your progress here, and check your level with our quick test.

Nico's Weg Free · DW

The exercises live on DW; tick units here and we'll remember where you are.

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Nico's Weg covers A1 to B1, and DW has free B2/C1 material too. If you're disciplined and have time, the free route genuinely works all the way. If you'd rather have structure, deadlines and a teacher, a paid course (Goethe-Institut, telc, or a local class) is a fair choice. Your call, not a sales pitch.

Which certificate do you actually need?

Don't pay for a test you don't need. Here's the honest rundown, German first, then English for English-taught programs.

German language certificates

TestDaF

~₹16,000-20,000
For · Admission to German-taught university programs
Typical ask · Usually TDN 4 in all parts (TDN 3-5 scale)
Tips from people who took it
  • ✓This is the one most German-taught Master's actually want, check your program's exact requirement first.
  • ✓It's very format-driven. Do 3-4 full timed mocks; the clock, not the German, is what fails people.
  • ✓Free official sample materials exist on the TestDaF site, start there before paying for any course.

DSH

Varies by university
For · University-run German admission test (taken at/for a specific uni)
Typical ask · DSH-2 is the common entry bar
Tips from people who took it
  • ✓Each university runs its own DSH, so the style differs, practise with that uni's past papers.
  • ✓Strong on academic reading and writing. If you can summarise a German article in your own words, you're on track.

Goethe-Zertifikat

~₹10,000-22,000 by level
For · General proof (visa, some unis, jobs) across A1-C2
Typical ask · Pick the level you need (e.g. B1/B2)
Tips from people who took it
  • ✓Globally recognised and clean to show on a visa file.
  • ✓Book early, slots at Goethe-Institut centres fill up months ahead in India.
  • ✓B1 is the realistic, useful first milestone; aim there before deciding on higher levels.

telc

~₹8,000-18,000
For · Recognised general certificate, often cheaper than Goethe
Typical ask · By level (telc B1/B2 etc.)
Tips from people who took it
  • ✓Same recognition territory as Goethe for most purposes, usually lighter on the wallet.
  • ✓Check your target accepts telc before booking, most do, a few are picky.

English language certificates

IELTS Academic

~₹17,000
For · English-taught programs (the safe default)
Typical ask · Often 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0
Tips from people who took it
  • ✓Take IELTS Academic on paper or computer at a test centre, not the at-home "IELTS Online/Indicator" version, which many German universities do not accept.
  • ✓Watch your individual bands, not just the overall. A weak module (e.g. 5.0-5.5 in Writing or Reading) can sink an application or visa even with a decent overall score.
  • ✓Speaking is a real conversation, not a recital. Practise talking for 2 minutes on random topics.
  • ✓Writing Task 2 is where bands are won or lost, learn the structure cold, then stop overthinking vocabulary.

TOEFL iBT

~₹16,000
For · English-taught programs (test centre only, widely accepted)
Typical ask · Commonly 80-90+
Tips from people who took it
  • ✓Take it at a test centre. The TOEFL "Home Edition" / online special is often NOT accepted by German universities, confirm before you book.
  • ✓Fully on computer, including a spoken section into a mic, get used to that, it feels odd at first.
  • ✓Integrated tasks (read + listen + write) reward good notes. Practise note-taking, not just English.

PTE Academic

~₹15,000
For · Some programs only, always check first
Typical ask · ~58-65+
Tips from people who took it
  • ✓Acceptance is patchy: many German universities and uni-assist do NOT accept PTE. Never assume, confirm in writing for your exact programme before paying.
  • ✓If you have any doubt, take IELTS Academic instead, it's the safe default.
  • ✓Fully computer-scored, results come fast, handy near a deadline.

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