York University students may earn a Certificate of Proficiency in German Language concurrent with fulfillment of the requirements for a bachelor's degree. This certificate is also open to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and who are admissible according to Faculty and University policies. This certificate is open to students pursuing a degree in German studies: culture and society stream. This certificate is not, however, open to students who are pursuing or who already hold a degree in German studies (German Language, Literature and Culture).

The Certificate of Proficiency in German Language, offered by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics, accredits candidates who have advanced knowledge of the structures of German allowing them to communicate in most formal and informal everyday conversations. Students who qualify for the Certificate of Proficiency in German Language demonstrate oral fluency and can also manage most advanced points of grammar and style in writing and reading the target language.