Information for Levels 2A-4A
The National German Exam (NGE) is now available to all learners of German, including adult learners. Interested learners can take the NGE Level 2A (Level 2), 3A (Level 3), or 4A (Level 4) during the spring administration period with an eligible proctor. The NGE alternate period offers learners of all ages access to a valuable diagnostic tool by taking the NGE. They will gain useful insights into their own German reading and listening abilities and gain access to the current year’s high school percentile data for means of comparison.
Learners do not have to be enrolled in a German course during the year they take the exam, although it is recommended.
This testing period is open to independent learners, privately tutored learners, secondary, and post-secondary students. Individuals who have taken the National German Exam previously (for example: in high school) may also participate.
The exam fee is $8/participant, which includes the official exam, access to practice exams, a student report, an instructor report, and a free downloadable NGE certificate. NGE medals and seals are available for purchase in the AATG store.
The NGE 2A-4A exams contain the same content as the exams to students taking the NGE 2-4 in any given year. There are key differences between the standard testing period and the alternate testing period.
The 2A-4A exams are administered at the same time as the Level 1 exam. The Level 1 exam is a competitive exam.
Compare Exams and Testing periods:
Alternate Testing Period (Level 1, 2A-4A)
2026 NGE 1, 2A-4A
*Level 1, 2A-4A Registration
February 1, 2026-
April 30, 2026
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*Level 1, 2A-4A
Testing Period
April 1, 2026-
April 30, 2026
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Score results will be sent to proctors in early May.
Standard Testing: NGE Level 2-4
competitive exam; students compete for NGE medals
students can use scores to apply for the AATG/PAD Scholarship and the NGE Senior Scholarship
limited to US secondary students only
offered annually in winter
Standard Testing: NGE Level 1
competitive exam; students compete for NGE medals
no scholarships available for participants
limited to US students only
offered annually in spring, simultaneously with NGE 2A-4A
Alternate Testing: NGE 2A-4A
non-competitive exam; for diagnostic purposes only
no medals or scholarships available for participants
open to learners, of all ages, anywhere
offered annually in spring, simultaneously with Level 1 Exam
Proctor information
Participants will take the exam with an eligible proctor who registers the student(s), administers the exam, and receives the exam results to share with the student(s).
Proctors must have an active AATG membership or pay the Non-Member Sponsor Fee. Proctors must arrange to collect payment from the student(s) or from the school/institution paying for the exam.