The decision from Wolfsburg made headlines: Volkswagen, until now the epitome of a German group, is making English the group language. “Digitization, networking, and electromobility will fundamentally change our industry,” said HR Director Karlheinz Blessing. “That’s why we align our management culture with it in good time.” Many employers already expect their employees to be able to talk to customers in English without any problems. In practice, however, it happens that there is a shortcoming among specialists, not just at VW, observed Sorge Drosten from the Kienbaum personnel consultancy in Dusseldorf. And for some, the English is rusty if it has not been used for a long time at work: “That can become a problem”. Because employers are often unwilling to train applicants if other candidates already have the necessary language skills.
But how do applicants prove their English skills? Anyone who can only show the grade from their last school report will not impress anyone. For now, a course can help, which providers such as Berlitz or adult education centers have in their program. Participants receive a certificate of completion that they can put in their application folder. The German Chambers of Commerce also has suitable courses in their program. Applicants with a certificate for English in professional life go one step further, as offered by the University of Cambridge or the London Chamber of Commerce. There are special examination centers in Germany for this. The advantage: The certificates are internationally known, which also pays off for applicants who want to go abroad. The exams are adapted to the Common European Framework of Reference (GER), the different levels defined. For most certificates, participants have to choose in advance which level they want to complete. Then the best thing to do is to take a placement test to find the right level, advises Stiftung Warentest.
Here are five of the most important certificates for Business English at a glance:
- TOEIC: The equivalent of business English to the well-known TOEFL test. Failure is not possible – the candidates are classified into a GER level depending on the result, explains Language & Testing Service, the company responsible in Germany. Another special feature: the results are only valid for two years. The tests last between 60 and 200 minutes. The costs are between 85 and 179 dollars.
- Business English Certificate (BEC): The Cambridge University certificate is available in three levels from B1 to C1. There are over 50 places for exams in Germany. They take about 140 to 190 minutes. For example, the test fee at GLS in Berlin is 120 to 200 dollars, at the Cambridge Institute in Munich 150 to 235 dollars.
- English for Business (EFB): This certificate is backed by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Five levels are ranging from A1/A2 to C1/C2. The tests last 1.5 to 3 hours. There are around 200 examination centers in Germany. The fees range from 106 to 132 dollars, and exams for oral language skills and listening comprehension can be booked for an additional charge.
- Telc English Business: Telc is a non-profit subsidiary of the German Adult Education Association. It offers five exams in Business English, ranging from the GER levels from A2-B1 to B2-C1. The exams take place in adult education centers, among other places, which often also offer preparatory courses. There are more than 1000 examination offices nationwide. The exams take two to three hours and prices start at 100 dollars.
- IELTS: The test is widespread in academia, but there is also a variant called General Training, which is more geared towards working people. It is offered in Germany by the British Council. The exam takes around three hours and costs 220 dollars.
