The National German Exam (NGE)

by the AATG (American Association of Teachers of German)

WHAT IS THE NGE?

• It's short for "National German Exam"
• The American Association of Teachers of German "AATG" develops the test content each year, and members can enroll their students to take the test.
• There are four levels, starting from novice to mid-intermediate learner (CEFR Levels A1 to A2/B1)
  

Who can take the NGE?

• Anyone who is at the high school level and enrolled at Kinderschule at the DANK can take the test.
  

How much German does my child need to know for the exam?

• None to start with. Our classes start at the beginner level. However, the NGE has four levels:

• Level 1: Novice Low to Mid range (CEFR A1)

• Level 2: Novice Mid proficiency  (CEFR A1-A2)

• Level 3: Novice High to Intermediate Low (CEFR A2)

• Level 4: Intermediate Low to Mid (CEFR A2-B1)

Why should my child take the exam?

• This exam proves language abilities on various levels, and is a good precursor to more rigorous exams like the DSD.
  
• If the child places in the higher percentiles on Levels 2-4, she/he can apply for a study abroad trip through the AATG.
  

WHICH CLASSES CAN MY CHILD TAKE TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM?

• We offer all levels of language classes at the DANK, and your child can enroll in any of them to prepare for the exam. While our main goal is not exam-taking, students will naturally be prepared for the exam through the class content. When we enroll a student for the test, we will add test preparation to the curriculum. Find our classes here.
  

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE UNTIL MY CHILD CAN TAKE THE TEST?

• Depending on your child's language level it will take half a semester to a semester or more to get her/him/them ready for the exam. Our teachers will monitor your child's abilities and contact you if they think the student is ready.

WHAT DOES THE EXAM LOOK LIKE?

• It is a purely multiple choice test (100 questions total), there is no free writing. It has two sections:

• • Listening & viewing (test time: 40 minutes)

  • Reading (test time: 45 minutes)

• The test is taken electronically on a computer (headphones required).
  

• The test format will be practiced in class.
  

SO, IF MY CHILD PASSES THE NGE HE/SHE CAN STUDY IN GERMANY?

• No.
  
• • The NGE is generally not accepted as an official transcript. However, combined with other certificates it might enable your child to enroll. Please check the DAAD requirement list for detailed information.
  • With a good test result, he/she/them might apply for a study abroad trip to further her German knowledge.
    

ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO PROVE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY?

• Yes.
  
• • The best way to prove German language proficiency is by enrolling in the DSD program offered at the DANK.
  • You can also take AP classes/exams that are usually on a CEFR Level B1/B2. AP classes are not in themselves enough to prove the required linguistic proficiency for German universities. They might however be combined with other certificates and then enable your child to enroll. Please check the DAAD requirement list for detailed information.