The German Exam is an annual test taken by about 22,000 high school students across the second, third, and fourth levels of German classes. Now in its 56th year, the exam offers personalized feedback, a range of prizes, and a sense of achievement. Results are used to compare students nationwide, inform curriculum choices, and help select winners of chapter awards and the national AATG/PAD Study Trip Awards, a four-week study program in Germany.

The exam consists of 100 questions, including multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions. It is divided into two sections. The listening and viewing section lasts 40 minutes and has 50 questions based on short audio and video clips. The reading section, which also has 50 questions, lasts 45 minutes and uses various texts, graphs, and images. All materials come from authentic sources.

The Level 1 Exam evaluates students in the Novice range, according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. These students can understand basic ideas on familiar topics using phrases, simple sentences, and common expressions. They can grasp the main point and some details in brief conversations, messages, and announcements.

The Level 2 Exam evaluates students within the Novice High to Intermediate Low proficiency range. These learners can grasp the main idea and some details of familiar subjects, as presented in sentences, brief conversations, presentations, and messages.

The Level 3 Exam assesses students at the Intermediate Low proficiency level. They can understand the main idea and numerous details on familiar topics expressed through connected sentences, conversations, presentations, and messages. They can also comprehend information concerning basic personal and social needs, as well as matters relevant to their daily lives, school, and community.

The Level 4 Exam examines students within the Intermediate proficiency range. These learners can understand the main points and most details in conversations, presentations, and messages on familiar topics. They can also grasp the main idea and some details on unfamiliar topics. They show initial signs of being able to make inferences and comprehend texts that focus on relevant real-world subjects of general interest.