Popular German certificates in Vietnam you need to know

Vocational study in Germany is becoming a trend chosen by many young people thanks to the attractive study and work opportunities. To realize the plan to study in Germany, possessing a suitable German language certificate not only helps you meet the admission requirements but also gives you confidence when living and working in Germany. So now there are German language certificates Which? In the article below SHD Academy will introduce you in detail about 6 popular certificates in Vietnam, helping you easily choose the certificate that best suits your goals. 

>> Reference: 

• What is the age of studying in German vocational training? Latest information 2025
• Detailed information about German vocational training conditions 2025
• Should I study vocational training in Germany? The truth about vocational training in Germany

1. TELC German Language Certificate 

TELC (The European Language Certificates) is a widely recognized foreign language certificate system in Europe. Designed according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), TELC certificates test learners' language ability through four skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing from levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 to C2.

Levels A1 and A2 are for beginners, B1 and B2 are for intermediate learners, while levels C1 and C2 are for advanced German speakers. You can take the TELC certificate exams at FUU Sachsen Vietnam or at TELC Test Centres across Vietnam. 

>> Reference:

• Is learning German difficult? How long does it take to achieve a certificate B1
• SECRETS TO GETTING HIGH SCORE IN THE TELC B1 GERMAN WRITING TEST

2. DSH German Language Certificate

DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is a German language proficiency test for international students, organized by universities in Germany. This certificate is valid at all universities in Germany and is divided into three levels: DSH 1, DSH 2 and DSH 3. Each level represents a different level of German proficiency of the student. 

To join the program vocational training in Germany, you need to have achieved DSH 2 or DSH 3 or higher. Some other certificates equivalent to DSH 2 include: TestDaF 4, DSD II, Feststellungsprüfung or Goethe-Institut C2 certificate.

>> Reference: Top 10 prestigious and quality German teaching centers in Ho Chi Minh City. HCM

3. TestDaF German Language Certificate

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is a German language proficiency test for international students, similar to IELTS in English. This certificate is recognized at all universities in Germany and is suitable for students who plan to study at university, graduate school or vocational school in Germany. 

The TestDaF certificate is divided into three levels: TestDaF 3, TestDaF 4 and TestDaF 5. This exam is licensed to be held in more than 80 countries around the world, including Vietnam. If you want to register for the exam, you can choose from locations such as the Goethe-Institut (Hanoi), the Goethe-Institut (Ho Chi Minh City) or the Vietnam-Germany Center (Hanoi). 

Each university and vocational college in Germany will have different German language requirements, so you need to check the criteria of the school you are applying to carefully. Most schools will require a TestDaF 4 certificate, while subjects such as Medicine or languages will require a higher level of German.

>> Reference: 

• Instructions for self -preparation of German vocational studies 2025
• Latest information on German vocational training contracts and things to know

4. Goethe Institute German Certificate 

The Goethe-Institut German Certificate is a system of assessing German language proficiency in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from levels A1 to C2. This is a certificate recognized worldwide, for people learning German for the purpose of studying, working or settling down.

• German language certificatesc A1 and A2 For beginners, helps you communicate basically in everyday situations. 
• Level B1 It is usually a minimum requirement to study a vocational course in Germany so that you can understand and use German in everyday conversations. 
• Level B2 enables you to understand technical texts, communicate fluently and converse comfortably with native speakers.
• Level C1 requires the ability to use German flexibly in study, work, writing and quoting. 
• Final, C2 level is the highest and most difficult level, demonstrating near-native German language ability. 

You can register for this German language certificate exam at the Goethe Institute in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

>> Reference: SHOULD I STUDY AT A VOCATIONAL COLLEGE IN GERMANY?

5. DSD German Language Certificate 

The DSD certificate (Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz) is on the list German language certificates Specially designed for secondary school students who have studied German as part of a formal programme. This certificate has two levels: DSD I and DSD II. DSD I corresponds to level B1 and DSD II to level B2/C1. 

To be able to study vocational training in Germany, you need to achieve at least level B1, equivalent to DSD I certificate. In Vietnam, you can study and take the DSD certificate exam at Foreign Language Specialized High School and Vietnam-Germany High School.

>> Reference: Summary of German vocational scholarships 2025

6. ÖSD German Language Certificate 

The ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) certificate is also one of the German language certificates internationally recognized and belongs to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This certificate covers levels from A1 to C2, similar to the Goethe Institute certificate and is suitable for many purposes such as studying, vocational training or settling in Germany. 

The highlight of the ÖSD certificate is the flexibility in the exam structure. Since 2019, the ÖSD exams have been adjusted, allowing learners to take individual modules or combine them according to their needs, except for the ÖSD Integrated exam. Specifically, the exam can include 2 modules (Written test: Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking test) or 4 modules (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking). In Vietnam, you can register for the ÖSD certificate exam at Hanoi University and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

>> Reference: TOP 7 best German learning software and applications 2025

Register for German language certificate exam preparation course at SHD Education

If you are looking for a reputable, professional place to study and practice for exams German language certificates, please register for the course at SHD Education – German language training center in the SHD ecosystem today. With a team of experts/native teachers with more than 30 years of experience, SHD Education is proud to be a center specializing in providing high-quality German language training courses and specially designed roadmaps. To date, SHD Education has successfully supported more than 3,900 students to access and learn German effectively, with 73% students achieving German language certificates TELC after just one test.

Study German at SHD Education, you will experience German learning roadmap streamlined, effective, starting with a free placement test to build a personalized roadmap, helping you achieve TELC B1 certification in just 9 months. The international standard Netzwerk New curriculum at SHD Education offers a variety of topics from life to expertise, ensuring the learning content is suitable for your abilities and needs, making the learning process more effective.

In addition to focusing on language teaching, SHD Education also organizes many cultural activities through clubs like German, sports and music  to help students gain a deeper understanding of German culture. In addition, SHD also organizes career orientation sessions to advise on study and career orientation, and supports Visa interview training from A2 level, helping students feel more confident when applying for a German vocational study visa. 

>> Related topics you can refer to: 

• Suggestions for easy-to-find jobs in Germany 2025
• Studying in nursing in Germany: costs, work and opportunities
• Summary of the highest paying occupations in Germany 2025

Above is basic information about popular German language certificates currently. Hopefully the article has helped you gain more useful knowledge to choose a learning path that suits your goals. If you are looking for a quality center to prepare for German language certificates, please contact us immediately. Shd Education for fastest advice and support.