# 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](https://www.goethe.de/ins/de/en/uun/dln.html) 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 | 

{{< infobox title="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). 
{{< /infobox >}}

### 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.

{{< infobox title="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.
{{< /infobox >}}

## 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**

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## Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
{{< faq >}}
    {{< faq_item question="Which German language tests are accepted for German universities?" >}}
The main accepted tests are **DSH,** **TestDaF,** **Goethe certificates,** **DSD,** and in practice **telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule**. 
    {{< /faq_item >}}
    {{< faq_item question="Which German level is usually needed for a bachelor’s or master’s in German?" >}}
Usually **B2/C1,** and often **C1,** depending on the university and the course. 
    {{< /faq_item >}}
    {{< faq_item question="Which German level is usually needed for Studienkolleg?" >}}
Many Studienkollegs require at least **B2,** because the instruction is in German. 
    {{< /faq_item >}}
    {{< faq_item question="Which German level is usually needed for Ausbildung?" >}}
Usually at least **B1.** For nursing-related routes, it can be **B1 or B2** depending on the state. 
    {{< /faq_item >}}
    {{< faq_item question="Is DSH usually taken in Germany?" >}}
Yes. DSH is usually taken directly at universities in Germany. 
    {{< /faq_item >}}
    {{< faq_item question="Do I need German for an English-taught programme?" >}}
Not always, but sometimes yes. Some universities still ask for basic German even for English-taught programmes. 
    {{< /faq_item >}}
{{< /faq >}}