There is no single level across the board. For the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) the entry gate is German A1 OR English B2; German A2/B1/B2 then ADD points toward the six you need. For a normal skilled-worker visa, employers typically expect A2 to B1; regulated jobs need B2 to C1.
German A1 or English B2 is the eligibility gate and scores zero language points. German A2 = 1, B1 = 2, B2+ = 3 points; you need 6 total. The full-recognition route has no language requirement.
No single statutory level; A2 to B1 is typical and employer-set. Regulated professions (doctors, nurses, teachers) need B2 to C1.
Doctors and nurses need recognition plus a profession-specific exam. See the doctors' and nurses' answers.
Goethe, telc, ÖSD, and ECL are accepted for general immigration proof. TestDaF is mainly academic. The qualification-recognition (Anerkennung) check itself does not test German; language is checked separately at the licence-to-practise stage.
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These five are CEFR-aligned and accepted as a class. Which one counts is set by the institution you apply to. Study tests and exams for doctors and nurses are in the goal answers above.
| Exam | Levels | Mainly used for | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Institut | A1 to C2 | All routes; strong for university (C2) and visas | Most exam centers in India |
| telc | A1 to C2 | Ausbildung, nursing (B1·B2 Pflege), jobs | Slots tend to open more often |
| ÖSD | A1 to C2 | All routes; Austria's official exam | Accepted across routes |
| TestDaF | B2 to C1 (TDN 3-5) | University admission | No A1; not for a spouse visa |
| ECL | A2 to C1 | General immigration / jobs | No A1 or C2; rarely used for university |