TestDaF, DSH and Other German Exams for University Admission
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
Almost every German-taught programme in our catalogue asks for the same thing: German at DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 level. This guide explains what those names mean, which other certificates count and how to choose between them.
The level behind the names
Universities need proof that you can follow lectures and write exams in German. On the European scale this is upper B2 to C1. The requirement is set in a framework agreed by the universities and the state education ministers, which is why the same wording appears almost everywhere.
TestDaF
TestDaF is a standardised exam you can take in your own country at a licensed test centre, on fixed dates, on paper or in a digital version. It has four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Each part is graded separately at level 3, 4 or 5.
- TestDaF 4 in all four parts gives access to any programme, as far as language is concerned.
- A 3 in one part may still be accepted for some programmes. That is the university's decision and is stated in its admission rules.
- The certificate does not expire.
Results take several weeks, so the last sensible test date is well before the application deadline.
DSH
The DSH is run by the universities themselves, so the format varies slightly from one to another. It has a written part and an oral part, and the result is one overall grade:
- DSH-1: not enough for regular admission in most cases
- DSH-2: the standard requirement
- DSH-3: required by a few programmes, such as medicine at some universities
You can normally sit the DSH only in Germany, and many universities reserve places for applicants they have already admitted conditionally. It suits students who take a language course in Germany before starting.
Other accepted certificates
The same framework lists several equivalents:
- Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom)
- telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
- the German Language Diploma of the education ministers, level II (DSD II), taken at schools abroad
- the German part of the Feststellungsprüfung at a Studienkolleg
A general B2 or C1 certificate that is not on this list is usually not enough for admission, although it may be enough for a visa or for a place on a preparatory course.
Which one should you take?
- Applying from abroad and want the certificate before you travel: TestDaF.
- Already in Germany on a university language course: DSH at that university.
- Attending a school abroad that offers it: DSD II, which saves you a separate exam.
How long does it take?
Language institutes estimate several hundred lessons to reach B2 from zero and more for C1. For most learners that means well over a year of serious study. Applicants who are not there yet can apply for a language course visa or for a Studienkolleg, both of which accept a lower starting level.
English-taught programmes
Our catalogue lists 114 undergraduate programmes in Germany taught in English. They ask for an English certificate instead; see IELTS and TOEFL for European universities.
Where to look next
Official sources
- TestDaF: dates, test centres and sample tests
- DAAD: studying in Germany
- Goethe-Institut: German exams
- telc: telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.