The examination Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) is a worldwide recognised examination taken at the conclusion of the basic level (Grundstufe). In order to pass the examination successfully, 350 to 600 lessons in German should have been attended. The ZD is located on the internationally recognised Common European Reference Framework at Stage B1.

The examination can be taken through branches of the Goethe Institut, the Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH (WBT) and other institutions. With the Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) students can prove that they have a competent command of the German language in many day-to-day situations and also in familiar workplace environments. This means that they are able to master all important situations during their stay in a German-speaking country, and in addition, situations in their own country, when the German language is required.

With the examination Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) candidates also show that they understand the German language with its different regional characteristics. This does not mean that dialect is tested, but rather that students by this stage should have started to distinguish between and adjust to different pronunciations found in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and the usage of different words to name the same things.

The "Certificate German" (ZD) is located at Stage B1 on the internationally recognised scale of the Council of Europe. The "Certificate German" (ZD) has been accepted by the German Ministry for Migration and Refugees (Bundesministerium für Migration und Flüchtlinge BAMF) as the final test of the currently running integration courses (Integrationskurse) starting from 1st January 2005.