Study and research in Germany

German language examinations for university admission

On arrival in Germany you do not need to speak German fluently. Nevertheless, before you can study at a German university you must first pass either

• the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (DSH) or
  
• the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache - TestDaF.

Exceptions to this regulation are the "international degree programmes" and certain postgraduate courses of study.

The DSH may be taken at the individual universities, which also lay down when they are to be held. The TestDaF may be taken at the TestDaF Centres in your own country or in Germany.

These examinations furnish proof that your command of German is adequate for successful completion of a course of study at a German university or institute of higher education. They test your ability to understand scientific and academic texts and lectures, to take notes on their contents, and to expressyourself orally and in writing with respect to a course-related topic.

Further information regarding the language proficiency demanded for the various functions organised by universities may be found here.

You may take the DSH and TestDaF without prior attendance at a preparatory course. Nevertheless, in many cases attendance at such a course is recommended. Check on institutes in Germany where you can do this.

Further information on the DSH may be obtained from the Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Office) of the university of your choice.

There are various possibilities for gaining exemption from the DSH or TestDaF:

• You have gained your Abitur at a German school.
  
• You have passed the Goethe-Institut´s Kleine or Große Sprachdiplom or have passed its Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung.
  
• You have passed the "Deutsche Sprachdiplom (Stufe II) der Kultusministerkonferenz".
  
• You wish to study in Germany for only one semester (certain universities also tolerate two semesters without the DSH).

At some universities, however, exemption is only granted for exchange students or students of German language and literature studies. Many universities demand a language qualification as a matter of principle. So please be sure to enquire regarding the precise detailed requirements at the university of your choice.

Finally, remember, too, that your command of German is crucial to how soon you are going to feel at home in Germany, and how quickly you will start to make German friends!

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