Nurses who want to work in Germany often have to choose between two exams made for care work: telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege and the Goethe-Test PRO Pflege. Both test German in real nursing situations. They differ in how they are run and how the result is reported. This comparison is based on the providers' published information (checked November 2026).
Kognixr is independent and not affiliated with telc gGmbH or the Goethe-Institut. Formats and rules can change: always check the current information from the provider and ask your recognition authority which certificates it accepts.
At a glance
| telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege | Goethe-Test PRO Pflege | |
|---|---|---|
| Possible results | B2, B1 or no certificate from the same test | B2 overall, only if all four parts reach B2 |
| Format | Paper, digital or hybrid; written part about 115 minutes | Listening and reading digital and adaptive; writing and speaking on site |
| Listening and reading | Fixed tasks, plus a language elements (gap-fill) section | Adaptive: the level is reported from A1 to C2 |
| Writing | One report, about 30 minutes | Reports and messages in a nursing context, about 75 minutes |
| Speaking | In pairs: photo, short talk, discussion | Simulated conversations with a patient and a patient handover |
| Booking | Through telc test centres | Often booked by employers or agencies for groups |
How to decide
- Ask your recognition authority first. It decides which certificates count for your application.
- If your German is between B1 and B2, telc can still give you a B1 certificate, which some authorities accept for early steps such as an adaptation period. The Goethe test reports B2 or "B2 not achieved" for writing and speaking.
- If your employer or agency organises the exam, they may already have chosen one. Ask which one before you start preparing.
- Think about the format. Some candidates prefer fixed tasks they can practise in advance (telc); others are comfortable with an adaptive digital test (Goethe).
What both exams need
- Care vocabulary by situation: body, symptoms, medication, hygiene, documentation.
- Clear reports: every point covered, in a logical order.
- Speaking in real ward situations: handovers, patients, relatives.
- Listening to colleagues at natural speed, once.
Prepare with Kognixr
The Exam Trainer for telc Deutsch B1·B2 Pflege has four model tests with every answer explained in English. It is independent practice material, not published by telc. For both exams, Vocabulary & Phrases covers the words of the ward by situation. More detail: the telc Pflege exam guide and which German level nurses need.
