German Level for University in Germany: B2, C1 or TestDaF?
Studying at a German university requires you to prove your German at a specific level — but the requirements vary depending on the university, the subject and the programme language. Some programmes are English-taught and have no German requirement at all. Most Bachelor’s programmes in German require either a C1-level certificate or a specific score on TestDaF or DSH.
This post explains the system so you know exactly what you need.
The short answer
| Programme type | Typical language requirement |
|---|---|
| German-taught Bachelor’s / Master’s | TestDaF TDN 4 in all skills, or DSH-2, or C1 equivalent |
| English-taught Master’s | B2 or none — varies by programme |
| Studienkolleg (foundation year) | Usually B1–B2 to enrol (entrance test); the Feststellungsprüfung includes a German exam at about C1 |
| German-taught programme at a Fachhochschule | TestDaF TDN 4, DSH-2 or B2/C1 certificate |
Bottom line: if you want to study a German-taught programme at a German public university, you will usually need TestDaF TDN 4 in all four skills or DSH-2. A Goethe-Institut or telc C1 certificate is also accepted at most universities as an equivalent.
The main exams
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
TestDaF is the exam designed specifically for university admission in Germany. It has four skills, each scored on a 3-level scale:
| Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TDN 3 | Below university requirement |
| TDN 4 | Standard university entry level — required in all 4 skills |
| TDN 5 | Above requirement — useful for competitive programmes |
Most universities require TDN 4 in all four skills. Getting TDN 5 in some and TDN 3 in one usually fails the requirement — each skill is assessed independently.
TestDaF (paper-based and digital) is offered on fixed dates at official test centres worldwide — check the official TestDaF website for current dates and register well in advance.
DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
DSH is offered at German universities themselves, usually in the weeks before the semester begins. It tests the same skills as TestDaF.
| DSH Level | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| DSH-1 | Approximately B2 |
| DSH-2 | Standard requirement — approximately C1 |
| DSH-3 | Above requirement — approximately C1+ |
Key difference: DSH is taken at German universities, so you normally must already be in Germany. TestDaF can be taken in your home country, making it the preferred route for international students applying from abroad.
Goethe-Zertifikat C1 and C2
A C1 certificate from the Goethe-Institut, telc (usually telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule) or ÖSD is accepted as equivalent to TestDaF TDN 4 / DSH-2 at many German universities. Check with the specific university’s admissions office, since some explicitly require TestDaF or DSH and do not accept other certificates.
The Goethe C1 is a general language certificate, not tuned to academic German — TestDaF includes more academic text types (essays, lectures, seminars) which is why some universities prefer it.
TestAS (not a language test)
TestAS tests academic aptitude, not German. It is sometimes required alongside the language certificate. Do not confuse it with TestDaF.
What CEFR level does this correspond to?
| Exam | CEFR |
|---|---|
| TestDaF TDN 4 | ~B2–C1 (varies by skill) |
| TestDaF TDN 5 | ~C1–C2 |
| DSH-2 | ~C1 |
| DSH-3 | ~C1+ |
| Goethe C1 | C1 |
The academic language of German universities is demanding. Even students with a Goethe B2 often find university lectures and academic writing challenging. Aim for a solid C1 or strong B2+, not a borderline pass.
English-taught programmes
Germany has a growing number of English-taught Master’s programmes — especially in science, engineering and business. These typically require:
– B2 English (IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL 80–95, or equivalent)
– Some German knowledge (B1 or A2) may be expected for life in Germany, but is rarely tested formally
If your goal is to study in Germany without reaching C1 German, English-taught Master’s programmes are the practical route. Admission is competitive; subject-specific grades matter more than language in most cases.
How long does it take to reach TestDaF TDN 4?
From B2, with focused preparation: 3–6 months. From B1: 6–12 months. From A2 or below: 1–2 years, depending on intensity.
For how many hours each level takes, see how many hours to reach B2 and our 6-month German plan.
The TestDaF is not just about having the vocabulary and grammar — it is about knowing what the test wants. Academic reading, note-taking from a lecture, writing a structured essay with argument and counterargument, and discussing a graph in the speaking section are all specific skills that require specific preparation.
Practise your German out loud with SipLingo, free to try on iPhone and Android:
How to prepare for TestDaF
Reading: Academic texts on social and cultural topics. Practise finding the main argument, understanding structure, and distinguishing fact from opinion. Speed matters — the reading section is timed.
Listening: University-level lectures, discussion recordings. Train to take notes while listening. German academic speech is denser and faster than conversational German.
Writing: Practise the academic essay format — introduction, argument, counterargument, conclusion. Use formal connectors: einerseits / andererseits, jedoch, dennoch, darüber hinaus, abschließend lässt sich sagen, dass …
Speaking: The speaking section is recorded, not done live. Practise describing graphs and statistics, summarising a text you have heard, and taking a position on an academic question. Time yourself — answers must fit within the time limits.
Useful connectors for academic writing
| German | English |
|---|---|
| einerseits … andererseits | on the one hand … on the other hand |
| jedoch / allerdings | however |
| dennoch / trotzdem | nevertheless / nonetheless |
| darüber hinaus | furthermore / moreover |
| im Gegensatz dazu | in contrast |
| insgesamt / abschließend | overall / in conclusion |
| Es lässt sich feststellen, dass … | It can be established that … |
| Man könnte argumentieren, dass … | One could argue that … |
| Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass … | The results show that … |
Common mistakes
Assuming B2 is enough for most programmes. Most German-taught programmes require C1-level proof (TestDaF 4, DSH-2 or an accepted C1 certificate), because you must produce structured academic language, not just handle everyday German.
Not practising the TestDaF format. TestDaF is a specific exam. General B2 German does not prepare you for the graph-description task or the timed reading. Use official TestDaF practice materials.
Taking DSH before reaching C1. DSH-2 requires near-C1 ability. Sitting it too early wastes your exam attempt.
Ignoring the speaking module. TestDaF speaking is recorded and scored — it is not easy. Practise specifically under time pressure.
Applying without checking each university’s exact requirements. Some universities list specific accepted certificates; others list exceptions. Always confirm with the Zulassungsbüro (admissions office) before booking an exam.
Speaking practice for academic German
Academic German speaking — explaining an argument, discussing a graph, responding to a position — requires more than everyday conversation practice. You need to think in structured German under time pressure.
SipLingo’s voice conversations develop the spontaneous speaking ability that academic discussions require. Daily practice from A1 to B2 builds the confidence and fluency that TestDaF speaking rewards. It is one part of a preparation that also needs official TestDaF materials and academic writing practice. Try it free →
Official sources
For the official details and the latest updates, see:
- DAAD – Study in Germany: Study in Germany: German language requirements – When German proof is required, TestDaF and DSH, university language courses
- TestDaF-Institut / g.a.s.t.: Structure of the digital TestDaF (German) – Sections, tasks and timings of the digital TestDaF (~190 minutes)
Frequently asked questions
What German level do you need to study in Germany?
For German-taught programmes at public universities: TestDaF TDN 4 in all skills, or DSH-2, or a C1 certificate from a recognised institution.
Is B2 enough to study in Germany?
Usually not for German-taught programmes — B2 is often what you need to register for the DSH, not to pass it. DSH-2 corresponds to approximately C1.
What is the difference between TestDaF and DSH?
TestDaF is taken internationally at TestDaF centres; DSH is taken at German universities, normally in Germany. Both are accepted at German universities.
Can I study in Germany in English?
Yes — there are over 1,000 English-taught Master’s programmes in Germany. Many require only B2 English and limited German.
How long does it take to prepare for TestDaF from B2?
3–6 months of focused preparation is typical for reaching TDN 4 from a solid B2. It depends on study hours and prior academic German exposure.
Build the German speaking fluency you need. SipLingo corrects your German as you talk, in your own language. A1 to B2.
