International German Language Tests

Germany
7-9 minutes
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Jerome Bell

If you want to study or work in Germany, you may need to prove your German language skills with an internationally recognized test or certificate. There are different types of tests and certificates available, depending on your level, purpose, and preference. In this article, we will introduce some of the most common and widely accepted international German language tests and certificates.

TestDaF

TestDaF stands for Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, which means Test of German as a Foreign Language. It is a standardized test that assesses your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in German at levels B2 and C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The test consists of four parts, each with a maximum score of 5. The test results are expressed as TDN (TestDaF-Niveaustufe), which range from 1 to 5. You need at least TDN 3 in each part to pass the test. The test is offered six times a year at authorized test centers around the world. The test fee varies depending on the country and the test center. The test is valid for an unlimited period of time. The test is accepted by all German universities as proof of language proficiency for admission to academic programs.

DSH

DSH stands for Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, which means German Language Examination for University Admission. It is a test that evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in German at levels B2 and C1 of the CEFR. The test consists of two parts: a written part and an oral part. The test results are expressed as DSH 1, DSH 2, or DSH 3, which correspond to B2, C1, and C2 levels of the CEFR respectively. You need at least DSH 2 to pass the test. The test is offered by some German universities before the start of each semester. The test fee varies depending on the university and the program. The test is valid for an unlimited period of time. The test is accepted by most German universities as proof of language proficiency for admission to academic programs.

Goethe-Zertifikat

Goethe-Zertifikat is a series of certificates issued by the Goethe-Institut, a cultural institution that promotes the German language and culture worldwide. The certificates cover all levels of the CEFR, from A1 to C2. Each certificate tests your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in German at a specific level. The certificates are offered throughout the year at Goethe-Institut locations or partner institutions around the world. The certificate fee varies depending on the level, the country, and the institution. The certificates are valid for an unlimited period of time. The certificates are recognized by many employers, educational institutions, and authorities as proof of language proficiency in German.

telc Deutsch

telc Deutsch is a series of certificates issued by telc GmbH, a non-profit organization that provides language tests and certifications in various languages. The certificates cover all levels of the CEFR, from A1 to C2. Each certificate tests your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in German at a specific level. The certificates are offered throughout the year at telc licensed partners around the world. The certificate fee varies depending on the level, the country, and the partner. The certificates are valid for an unlimited period of time. The certificates are recognized by many employers, educational institutions, and authorities as proof of language proficiency in German.

DSD

DSD stands for Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz, which means German Language Diploma of the Education Ministers Conference. It is a diploma that certifies your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in German at levels B1/B2 or C1/C2 of the CEFR. The diploma consists of two parts: DSD I (B1/B2) and DSD II (C1/C2). The diploma is offered once a year at selected schools around the world that offer German as a foreign language. The diploma fee varies depending on the school and the country. The diploma is valid for an unlimited period of time. The diploma is accepted by some German universities as proof of language proficiency for admission to academic programs.

These are some of the most common and widely accepted international German language tests and certificates that you can choose from if you want to study or work in Germany or simply improve your German skills. Before you take any test or certificate, make sure you check the requirements and expectations of your target institution or employer and prepare accordingly.

If you want to test your German skills online for free, you can try the [Test your German] offered by the Goethe-Institut (https://www.goethe.de/en/spr/kup/tsd.html) or the [Online German level test] offered by ESL Language Studies Abroad (https://www.esl-languages.com/en/online-language-tests/german-test). These tests will give you an initial idea of your written and oral text comprehension as well as your grammar and vocabulary knowledge in German. However, these tests are not official and do not replace the tests and certificates mentioned above.