ECL Examinations

What is ECL?

The ECL project was launched in 1992 by the EU states with the aim of establishing a uniform examination standard for the European languages.

Goals And Background

The ECL exam format is primarily aimed at people who need internationally recognized proof of their German language skills, whether for visa purposes, professional recognition or for future employers. As an ALTE®-certified examination system, the ECL certificates are recognized by all German federal and state authorities as well as the embassies as proof of language proficiency.
Levels of the ECL Language Exam

Level A2 (Beginner)
Level B1 (Elementary)
Level B2 (Intermediate)
Level C1 (Advanced)

Parts of the Exam
Written Exam

1. Reading Comprehension
Completing two different reading comprehension tasks correctly, the candidate must
demonstrate the ability to understand the content of a general text at the appropriate
level without using a dictionary.

2. Written Communication
The candidate must write two compositions (consisting of the required number of
words) on the basis of several bullet points. Printed dictionary may be used.

ORal Exam

1. Listening Comprehension
Completing two listening comprehension tasks correctly after listening to two
different recordings twice, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to understand
the content of general spoken language at the appropriate level.

2. Oral Communication
The ECL language exam is a paired exam. Candidates take the exam in pairs (or in
the case of odd number of candidates, in threes). The speaking task is selected by
one of the candidates.

Structure of the Oral Exam

1. Warm-up

  • The purpose of this part to put the candidates at ease and to warm them up for the exam.
    This part is not assessed.

2. Guided Conversation

  • The interviewer initiates a conversation connected to the topic selected and assists
    candidates in having a dialogue by asking them questions.

3. Individual Talk

  • There is a picture montage available for each topic consisting of four pictures.
  • The two candidates share their views individually, one after another, on the topic
    represented in the montage.
  • If needed the interviewer may assist candidates with questions appropriate for the exam’s
    level.
  • The purpose of this part is to give the candidates a chance to expand their views on the
    pictures and topics in well-structured, logical monologues.
  • The interviewer and the assessor evaluate the performance of the candidates
    individually.

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