The Top 5 German Language Tests Accepted by Universities in Germany
You must be proficient in either the English or German language if you want to study in Germany. The reason for this is that German universities provide both German- and English-taught curricula. Therefore, providing English or German language exam certifications is important for international students who are applying to German universities.
As a result, I will provide the best German language tests to demonstrate your proficiency in the language.
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Table of Contents
Top 5 German Language Tests Accepted by Universities in Germany
#1 DSH Test
This stands for Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang test. It is a standard exam that will test your ability as an international student who wants to study in Germany. These tests also provide the mode of instruction in German institutions, which is the German language.
Additionally, the DSH Certificate is accepted by many German universities as proof of language proficiency.
Note that it has two sections:
- An oral exam is 30%.
- The written exam is 70%.
The DSH offers the following levels of proficiency in the German language:
- Basic German is A (1, 2).
- Intermediate German, which is B1 (DSH1).
- Advanced German; C1 (DSH2) and C2 (DSH3).
#2 TestDaF Test
TestDaF is an exam that tests your skills as an international student in the German language. The test is recognized for the German language and is overseen by the “TestDaF Institute. International students can find TestDaF-licensed centers in 80 countries.
Additionally, the test is recognized by German universities.
The TestDaF has four sections:
- Reading exam
- Listening exam
- Speaking exam.
- Writing exam.
Moreover, it provides certificates and examinations for “Niveaustufe” 3-5 levels in the four different sections equivalent to levels CEFR B2.1 – C1.3:
- TDN 3
- TDN 4
- TDN 5
#3 Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) Test
The Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) Test is a major diploma in the German language. It helps to check how much international students can understand and use the German language. Note that if you pass this exam, you will get a competency of CEFR level C2.
Additionally, the test is an accepted language certificate by German schools for admission. You can also take the test at other Goethe Institute centers if you are residing in a foreign country.
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#4 Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD) Test
The DSD is an educational program that provides international students with great German language skills. It also requires that you study the German language for some years.
Note that only international students who meet the requirements of EQF level A2 in the German language are eligible to enroll in the DSD course. Additionally, German universities highly respect DSD II as evidence of advanced German language proficiency equivalent to CEFR level C2. It also attests to German language proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2/C1 levels.
The examination of DSD has four sections:
Moreover, it contains two compulsory parts, which are as follows:
- DSD I test
- DSD II test
#5 Telc Test
The Telc test offers certificates to international students who do not know the German language.
The test also provides certificates in nine different languages and it can be used for many purposes. Therefore, it is accepted by German institutes as proof of sufficient German language skills.
Finally, if you want to get admission into the English language taught program, then the top 5 English language tests accepted by international universities will provide you with the options to choose the test to appear in next.
