German language tests to obtain a visa

Has anyone had to take a German test to obtain their visa? My replacement (I was an aupair in Gruenwald) was denied her visa and got an extension until May 4 or something like that (she's already been in Munich for the 3 months allowed). I just went to where I had to go (whichever auslander amt that deals with it I believe it's down the hill from Ostfriendhof) and spoke to them and had no problems. I didn't really speak German which they either didn't care about or thought mine was acceptable since I understood what was going on. Anyway, she was denied her visa and now needs to take a test. She's finishing up Grundstufe 1 at MVHS at the moment.

Do you know if the test is written, oral, or mixed? Is it multiple choice or constructed response? What exactly do they ask? Any help on figuring out what she needs is greatly appreciated. (is it the same test for all or does it change for the type of visa your getting? She's going for the 1yr aupair visa).

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

After reading this: Great Aupair - Visa Germany, I am guessing that if she can't just be interviewed by someone at the AB to ascertain her German level, then the test your replacement has to pass is the Goethe Insitut Zertifikat Deutsch but as I said, I am only guessing. The test examines reading, writing (grammar exercises as well as composing a text eg. a letter etc), listening and speaking skills. Textbooks aimed at preparing for the ZD (and the other German proficiency exams) are available in pretty much every book store that has a language section (as far as I'm aware).

Edit: after reading the Goethe Institut sight a little more carefully I found this: Start Deutsch 2. That is probably the exam the aupair has to pass.

What country is she from? For my aupair visa I didn't say one word and the host dad did all the talking. What if she just trys again with the host family?

She's from the US. I have no clue why she has to. I don't know if she majorly struggled or what. I went alone to get my stuff done and had no problem. I'm assuming the family sent her to do it herself too (I know she said she went alone). I'll probably email the family later to see if one of the parents will go with her or what's going on.

Nixe- thanks for your help. I'll pass it on. If the test requires doing things (writing) more than basic I don't think with only 1 course at MVHS she'll pass. I doubt I would at the moment if I had to go back and do it (yikes, if i ever move to Germany again i'll be screwed).

Thanks for your help so far, any others let me know She basically has 2 weeks (eek!)

No worries. I hope your friend has better luck the next time she is tested/interviewed. Hopefully the people at the AB will show a bit of mercy and take into consideration that she is making the effort to learn German - not to mention that the whole idea of going overseas and working as an aupair for a year is to learn a new language. (It sure as hell aint the money that draws people to the job!)

Oh and by the way, when I wrote 'sight' in my earlier post, I meant 'site'. (That's what happens when you drink and type).

I know this hasn't been posted long, but any other comments are greatly appreciated! or any of you researching sleuths out there (DK, baddoogie, anyone!) feel free to research this! please...
don't mean to be a pain, but she has 2 weeks!

Hey Im really interested in how this turned out. Does anyone actually know what the langauage requirements are or does it really just depend on who you get and if there having a good day or not. I was going to have no problems to get a visa in Berlin with nearly no German and now in Düsseldorf they are telling me I will need to sit a language test. Not sure if this is an actual test or just a bunch of questions but it seems odd that people all over are experiencing different things. I would be interested to here what other people have experienced..especially if you applied for an au pair visa in Düsseldorf. And I really hope the girl who had to go sit her test found it ok and ended up getting her visa no problems

Here you go:

" For this, you must submit a certificate of the Goethe
Institute for the A1 language examination “Start Deutsch
1� together with the application documents. The Goethe Institutes
are the German cultural institutes abroad. They offer
German lessons and examinations. The language test “Start
Deutsch 1� can be taken at the Goethe Institute. The language
test can, however, also be taken at a licensed examiner’s3 or in
the premises of a partner institute of the Goethe Institute. You
can find information on the Internet on the Goethe Institute
homepage or at the Goethe Institute itself.
In countries in which the “Start Deutsch 1� examination
is not yet available, the embassies or consulates general
determine whether applicant has basic knowledge of the
German language during the visa application procedure.
In exceptional cases, other language certificates shall suffice
as proof, if they are of equal value to the language test “Start
Deutsch 1� of the Goethe Institute.
If during the personal interview in the embassy or consulate
general it becomes evident beyond any doubt that you have
the required knowledge of the German language, no separate
proof is required.
Information on how you have to demonstrate a basic knowledge
of German is also available on the websites of the visa
departments of German embassies and consulates general.
The latter will advise you individually when applying for the
visa.

Hey thanks for that. just find it interesting that some people can get a visa saying nothing and others get tested. I think I should be fine though. Guess I will find out soon enough.

Whoops, posted on wrong thread, deleted.