German language tests

Which exam is accepted and what level do you need?

If you want to study or work in Germany, one of the first questions is usually: Which German language certificate do I need?

The honest answer is: you should first decide what your goal is, then decide on the necessary test.

Germany does not have one single German exam to prove your language skills. The right certification depends on whether you want to apply for:

a German-taught bachelor’s degree
a German-taught master’s degree
Studienkolleg
Ausbildung
or an English-taught course that still asks for some German

A lot of students make one big mistake here: they plan only for the exam date, not for the learning time. In reality, the exam is the last step. The bigger job is reaching the level properly and becoming comfortable in the language.

The main German language certificates accepted in Germany

DSH

DSH is the German university entrance language exam and is usually taken in Germany at a university. For most degree programmes, DSH II is enough, while some highly demanding courses may ask for DSH III.

TestDaF

TestDaF is one of the best-known German exams for international students who want university admission. It is especially relevant for students aiming for German-taught higher education.

Goethe certificates

These are general German certificates from A1 to C2 and are widely available in many countries. For many students, Goethe is the first exam they hear about because it is usually the easiest to find.

telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule

This is a university-focused C1 exam designed for higher education and academic contexts. It is a strong option for students who need proof for German-taught university admission.

DSD

DSD is especially relevant for students who already studied German at school. It is not usually the first route for international students.

Which German level do you need?

There is no single level necessary for every path. The exact requirement depends on the university, the programme, and sometimes the future profession.

Goal	Usual German level	Important note
German-taught bachelor’s	Usually B2/C1, often C1	Depends on the university
German-taught master’s	Usually B2/C1, often C1	Strong academic German often needed
Studienkolleg	Often B1/B2, many require B2	Teaching is in German
Preparatory German course	Depends on entry point	Often leads to DSH
Ausbildung	Usually at least B1	Some professions may ask for a higher level
Nursing Ausbildung	Often B1 to B2	Can depend on the federal state
English-taught course with some German requirement	Sometimes A1/A2	Depends on the university

Language levels explained

Wondering what those A, B, C levels mean? Language levels A1 to C2 are defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), dividing learners into Basic (A), Independent (B), and Proficient (C) users. Levels range from absolute beginner (A1) to near-native fluency (C2).

Bachelor’s and Master’s in German

For German-taught degree programmes, the safest assumption is that you will usually need strong German language skills, not beginner German. In many cases, C1 is the real target.

Studienkolleg

Even if you later want to study an English-taught bachelor’s, you still usually need German for Studienkolleg, because the teaching language there is German.

Ausbildung

For Ausbildung, the general requirement is lower than for university, but still demanding. In most cases, B1 is the minimum practical level, and some fields ask for B2, so you are able to comfortable converse with customers and colleagues.

English-taught courses

A lot of students think: “If my course is in English, I do not need German at all.”

That is not always true. Some universities still ask for basic German even for English-taught programmes. A good example is TU Chemnitz, where some English-taught courses require A1 German at application and proof of an A2-level later.

Which test should most students choose?

In practice, many students start with Goethe, followed by telc.

That makes sense because Goethe institute’s courses are widely available in many cities and countries.

Practical tips

If you are still early in your journey and need to progress from A1 to B2, Goethe is often the most practical starting route.
If your goal is German-taught university admission, then TestDaF, DSH, or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule are more relevant.
If you are already in Germany and applying through a university route, DSH can be a practical option because it is offered directly by universities.

How long does it take to reach each level?

This is the part students usually underestimate. Goethe institute gives these approximate guided learning-hour ranges:

Level	Approximate guided learning time
A1	60- 150 hours
A2	150 - 260 hours
B1	260 - 490 hours
B2	450 - 600 hours
C1	600 - 750 hours
C2	750+ hours

What this means in real life

From zero to B1 is already a serious project, that may require fully dedicated learning of the language for 6 months to 1 year. From zero to B2 or C1 is not something most students should plan in just a few weeks. This is why students should not plan only for the exam date. They should plan for the language-learning journey.

A practical overview for students

A simple way to think about it:

Completing the beginner A1 / A2 levels

These are good starting levels, but not enough for most German-taught university routes.

Reaching B1

This is an important early milestone. It is often enough to begin many Ausbildung paths.

Reaching B2

This is already a strong level for everyday life and often a much better target than just “passing an exam.”

Mastering C1

This is the usual target for German-taught higher education. If you are planning to study in German, do not think only about passing a test. Think about whether you will actually be able to:

follow lectures
write papers
speak with professors & classmates
handle bureaucracy
live daily life in Germany

That is why students should prepare for the language, not just for the exam.

One more long-term point students should know

Even if your first goal is only admission, German matters later too.

If you plan to stay long-term in Germany, and start your career after studies, B1 becomes important in many cases, including for future residence pathways like the permanent settlement visa.

So even students on an English-taught path should not ignore German completely.

Which certificates are also required for the visa process?

For visa procedures, the commonly recognised certificates include:

Goethe-Institut
telc
TestDaF
DSD
DSH for prospective students in Germany
in some contexts also ÖSD

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The main accepted tests are DSH, TestDaF, Goethe certificates, DSD, and in practice telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.

Usually B2/C1, and often C1, depending on the university and the course.

Many Studienkollegs require at least B2, because the instruction is in German.

Usually at least B1. For nursing-related routes, it can be B1 or B2 depending on the state.

Yes. DSH is usually taken directly at universities in Germany.

Not always, but sometimes yes. Some universities still ask for basic German even for English-taught programmes.