GDS - German Superior Diploma
Exams German

Passing the “Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom” (GDS) exam acknowledges that participants have a language level close to fluency.
The GDS is the German foreign language diploma, and is the most prestigious degree for the German language. The GDS is well-known all over the world, and is recognized by private and public employers.
As with the ZOP and the KDS, the GDS diploma is valid for foreigners who want to prove their language abilities. In certain states, the GDS is recognized as enough evidence to demonstrate the language level required for EU teachers who want to work in Germany.

Minimum level required: Pre-intermediate

GDS - German Superior Diploma

Course description

The examination contains oral and written tests and takes place in the course of two days.
Your performance in the oral section is determined by two examiners and your written sections are corrected in Munich by two correctors. During the written examination neither dictionary nor outside assistance are allowed.
1. Oral examination (approximately 25 minutes)
a) Reading aloud from a prepared text (approximately 5 minutes)
b) Free statement and conversation (approximately 20 minutes)
2. Written examination

  • Drafting (approximately 210 minutes)
  • Explanation of a text and its contents, grammar and style (approximately 120 minutes)
  • Test to estimate the capacity of expression (approximately 60 minutes)
  • Dictation (approximately 20 minutes)
  • Questions on a technical subject (approximately 120 minutes)
  • Questions on the civilization (approximately 90 minutes)
  • Length :

    2 days