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Free online German placement test — find your CEFR A1-C2 level with 1002 adaptive questions

Free test · Adaptive MST · CEFR

Free German placement test online — find your CEFR level A1-C2 in 15 minutes

Our test is completely free, adaptive, and calibrated to the European CEFR standard. In 15 minutes you get your exact level plus a detailed breakdown per skill (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen, Grammatik, Wortschatz). No card. No ads. Just serious language assessment.

1,002 calibrated questionsAdaptive MST in 3 stagesInstant resultsCEFR A1-C2
Start the free test (15 min)

No card. No mandatory signup. Instant results.

How it works — 3 simple steps

The MST algorithm adapts to your answers in real time. You don't waste time on items too easy or too hard for your level.

1

Start with a calibration item

The first question rapidly evaluates your starting zone. Answer naturally — mistakes help the algorithm place you precisely.

2

MST refines in 3 stages

You get ~30 adaptive items from the 1,002 bank. Stage 1 — routing. Stage 2 — narrowing. Stage 3 — confirmation.

3

Receive CEFR + breakdown + plan

CEFR level (A1-C2), per-skill percentage (Lesen 78%, Hören 62%...), recommended lessons, estimated plan for the next level.

Why 1,002 calibrated questions?

Test quality = item bank quality. Common free tests use 20-50 static questions — they can't finely distinguish A2 from B1 or confirm a C1. Our bank is rigorously balanced across the entire CEFR scale.

A1
Anfänger
178 calibrated items
A2
Grundstufe
193 calibrated items
B1
Mittelstufe
175 calibrated items
B2
Obere Mittelstufe
157 calibrated items
C1
Fortgeschrittene
149 calibrated items
C2
Muttersprachliches Niveau
150 calibrated items
TOTAL
1,002 items

The MST algorithm — real adaptive testing

MST (Multi-Stage Testing) is a psychometric methodology used by ETS, GMAC (GMAT), Cambridge Linguaskill, and the Duolingo English Test. Our implementation follows the standard in 3 distinct stages.

Stage 1 — Routing (initial calibration)

You get 8-10 items from the middle zone (B1). Based on your answers, the algorithm sends you down the „low branch" (A1-A2-B1) or the „high branch" (B1-B2-C1-C2).

Stage 2 — Narrowing

You get 10-12 items concentrated on the border between two neighboring levels identified in Stage 1. For example, a mix of B1 + B2 if you nailed B1.

Stage 3 — Confirmation

The final 8-10 items confirm the band with statistical certainty. If uncertainty remains, the algorithm serves extra items calibrated exactly on that border.

Honesty note: Goethe-comparable, NOT Goethe-certified

The test gives you a CEFR level estimate with precision comparable to an institutional exam, but it is NOT an official certificate. For visas, studies or DE/AT/CH work permits you need to sit the Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, ÖSD or Test-DaF exam at an accredited institution. Use our test for self-evaluation and course placement.

Who is this test for?

From kids starting German to professionals relocating abroad. The test adapts to your age, level, and purpose.

Children 6-12

Friendly mascots (Cleo the fox at A1, Sophie the cat at A2) and simplified instructions. Parents are welcome alongside — COPPA-safe, zero ad tracking.

Teens 13-18

For high schoolers learning German at school or prepping for Abitur-equivalent exams. Tells you if you're where you'd expect (B1 after 4 years is typical) before an official exam.

Young professionals — relocation to DE/AT/CH

Family reunification needs B1. Regulated professions (nurses, IT, engineers) need B2. Doctors, teachers, lawyers need C1. The test gives you a realistic baseline.

Nurses, au pairs, Erzieher

Medical profession recognition in DE/AT requires officially attested B2 (FSP — Fachsprachprüfung). The test tells you if you're ready for the official exam.

Adults learning as a hobby

Studying German for travel, Netflix, or pure passion? The test confirms whether your progress is real — and recommends matching content (B1 stories if B1, C1 grammar if C1).

Teachers and schools (B2B)

Teachers can use the test as a quick start-of-year screening to group students by level. For schools we offer aggregated class reports — contact us.

Comparison with other popular tests

For an official certificate → go to Goethe or telc. For the most accurate free test with bilingual RO/EN support and per-skill breakdown → Deutsch-Landia.

ProviderQuestionsAdaptivePer-skillLanguagesFreeInstant
Deutsch-Landia1.002MST 3 stages6 skillsRO + EN
Goethe-Institut RO~30NoGeneral onlyEN/DE
EF Education~25NoGeneral onlyEN/DE
Duolingo English Test~30-40Yes, but EnglishYesEN——
Mondly~20NoNoRO
WebAge~30NoNoRO
B.Smart~40NoLevel onlyRO

Frequently asked questions

What to know before the test. For anything else — write to us at contact.

How long does the Deutsch-Landia German placement test take?+
About 15 minutes for most candidates. The MST algorithm stops when it has sufficient statistical data — it can be shorter (10 min) for clear extremes (absolute A1 or native-level C2) or longer (20 min) for ambiguous cases between levels.
Is the Deutsch-Landia German placement test free?+
Yes, 100% free, no credit card and no hidden trial. We recommend creating a free account so we can save your result and recommend matching lessons, but the test runs without an account too.
How accurate is the test compared to the official Goethe exam?+
Our algorithm is calibrated against the CEFR Companion Volume 2018 descriptors (the same standard Goethe-Institut uses). In practice, your Deutsch-Landia result will sit within half a CEFR level of an official Goethe-Zertifikat. Don't use it as a substitute for official certification — for visas or studies you need Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, ÖSD or Test-DaF from an accredited institution.
Can I retake the placement test?+
Yes, anytime. Your account level updates automatically after each retest. We recommend a retest every 3-6 months of active study to measure real progress.
Do I need to register before taking the test?+
No. You can start the test directly and see the result instantly. If you want to save the result, get lesson recommendations and track progress, you create the account after the test (takes 30 seconds — email + password, or Google/Apple OAuth).
What do I do with the test result?+
On the results page we show you the top 3 recommended free lessons on Deutsch-Landia, story and game suggestions matching your level, an estimated plan for the next level, and an option to download the result as PDF for your CV or study application.
Does the German placement test work on mobile?+
Yes, mobile-first. The test runs smoothly on iPhone, Android and tablets. For Sprechen (speaking) items you'll need to grant your browser microphone permission — we ask when you reach that section, not upfront.
What is the minimum age to take the German placement test?+
From age 6 with a parent alongside. Under 13 (in the US/Romania per COPPA) or under 16 (in some EU countries per GDPR-K) we recommend parental consent. For 6-12 year olds we have friendly mascots and simplified instructions.

Start the test now

1,002 questions calibrated by DaF linguists · MST in 3 stages · Instant results · No card · CEFR-aligned.

Start the free test (15 min)

Aligned with CEFR Companion Volume 2018 · Goethe-comparable (not Goethe-certified)