ZDfB stands for Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf.  It is set at the B2 level on the European scale of language learning and is intended for adult learners.

The vocabulary that is taught is aimed more towards words that would be used in an office or in industry, although at a moderate level.  As such someone with ZDfB could make telephone calls or write correspondence, but it is not the highest level that may be required for more qualified jobs.

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GDS stands for Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom, set at C2+ on the European Scale of language learning.

Students taking the GDS exam should be over 18 and have 1000-1500 hours of tuition behind them.  They will typically have a knowledge of specific vocabulary for particular topics, eg. technical or medical.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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KDS stands for Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom which is set at the C2 level on the European scale.

The KDS is standardised and is offered world-wide twice every year and students need about 1000 hours of tuition to prepare for it.

The KDS is recognised internationally as having achieved a certain level of German and can therefore be useful for foreigners coming to work or study in Germany.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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