German tests for the university
You have to have good German language skills to study at a university in Germany. Foreign applicants have to take a language test before they can enrol in a degree programme. The most widely accepted tests are the TestDaF and the DSH.
by Janna Degener
Studierende mit Laptop, Bild: g.a.s.t./TestDaF-Institut
Have you ever listened to a lecture about neurosurgery or read a book about building material science? Have you ever discussed political theories or written a term paper on a piece of literature? And if so, could you do it in German?
To study in Germany, you have to have a good understanding of German. It’s not so important to learn the grammar rules by heart, but rather comprehend difficult texts and lectures, and write and speak about academic topics at a university level. Before you are allowed to enrol in a degree programme, universities require a certificate confirming that you possess adequate proficiency in German. To obtain such a certificate, you have to take a language examination for university admission. In such exams, you have to answer questions about journalistic texts, articles in specialist magazines or audio texts, based on dialogues, interviews or lectures on university-related topics. The oral part of the examination requires that you talk, for example, about data represented graphically or in chart form. By passing the test, you demonstrate that your German skills are sufficient for studying in Germany.
TestDaF and DSH
Studierende am Prüfungsplan, Bild: g.a.s.t./DUO
The most important German examinations for university admission are the “TestDaF” (Test of German as a Foreign Language) and the “DSH” (German Language University Entrance Examination). You can take the TestDaF at a testing centre in your home country or in Germany, while the DSH is only administered at German universities. Both examinations are offered several times a year – check www.testdaf.de or ask your International Office about upcoming testing dates and registration deadlines in advance. The TestDaF usually costs 175 euros in Germany. The fee for the DSH varies depending on the university.
You are exempt from taking the TestDaF or DSH if you...
- are enrolled in an English-language international programme.
- have passed an assessment test for the subject of German.
- have obtained the German Language Diploma from the German Standing Conference of Ministers of Education and Culture (DSD II) or the Central Advanced Language Test (ZOP), or the minor or major German Language Diploma (KDS or GDS) from the Goethe Institute.
- wish to study for only one or two semesters in Germany and your university does not require proof of German language proficiency.
Your German isn’t good enough? Don’t panic!
Deutsch lernen, Bild: g.a.s.t./TestDaf-Institut
Are you worried that your German skills aren’t good enough to study in Germany? No problem! There are many ways to test your German, for example, on the Internet, with textbooks or through language course providers. Before taking the test, you should become acquainted with the testing format and prepare yourself ahead of time. Most universities offer special DSH preparation courses exactly for this purpose. Because the DSH is different at every university, you should contact the International Office at your university to obtain the appropriate practice exercises.
Want to test your German language skills?
Goethe Logo Small
Training courses are also offered for the standardised TestDAF examination by numerous testing centres, Goethe Institutes and the Deutsch-Uni Online. There are also Internet learning partnerships and self-study programmes to help you prepare for these tests. In addition to special textbooks and practice workbooks available on the market, you can order practice exercises from your university or from www.godaf.de.
Helpful Links:
Website of the TestDaF-Institute
The Ruhr-Uni Bochum offers online language partnerships in preparation for the TestDaF.
Further information on language test are offered by FaDaF.
