 |
| German | Editors in Charge | Contact | Help | Search | |
German Language Examinations for Foreign Students
Further Information (links), Downloads, Contact in Section 4
(1) German Language Proficiency as Prerequsite for Study
Forein students wishing to pursue studies in a degree program at a German higher education institution have to provide evidence (in addition to general scholastic qualification) of sufficient proficiency in the German language as a prerequisite for admission and/or enrolment.
This requirement can be met by passing either of two major examinations
- the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (DSH) - German Language Examination for Admission of Foreign Students)
- the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) - Test of German as a Foreign Language).
While the format of these examinations differs (see the descriptions in Sections 2 and 3), both are equivalent as to the fulfilment of language requirements. In addition, the language requirement can also be met by certain other examinations or qualifications.
(2) Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (DSH) - German Language Examination for Admission of Foreign Students
In formal terms, the DSH is a „Framework Examination“, adopted by all member institutions of the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) - German Rectors' Confernce - , which functions as a reference for the „local“ examination orders of individual institutions. DSH examinations are administered at most instititutions by Departments/Sections „German as a Foreign Language“. The DSH also functions as a reference for the German language examination as part of the Feststellungsprüfung (Final Examination) of the one-year preparatory courses at the Studienkollegs.
(2.1) Recognition of DSH Examination
For each DSH examination passed in accordance with the DSH Framework Order of the HRK, the following general stipulations apply:
- The DSH Examination Certificate fulfils the German language requirements for admission to/enrolment in all study programs offered at German higher education institutions (with the exception of programs with a foreign language as language of instruction);
- The DSH Certificate obtained at a particular higher education institution is recognized by all other institutions.
(2.2) Exemptions from the DSH Requirement
The German language requirement can also be, with exemption from the DSH examination, by certain other examination or qualifications, as follows:
(2.21) Deutsches Sprachdiplom (Stufe II) der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD II)
(2.22) Kleines deutsches Sprachdiplom oder Großes deutsches Sprachdiplom of the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München;
(2.23) Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP of the Goethe-Institut, if awarded within Germany by a Goethe-Institut or outside Germany by a Goethe-Institut or an other institution accredited to administer the examinatioin.
(2.24) DSH-Cerificate awarded by a foreign institution of higher education in cooperation with the Department/Section German as a Forein Language of a German institution.
(2.25) German Language Proficiency, if obtained as part of a foreign secondary school qualification determined as equivalent to the German secondary school certificate that qualifies for access to higher education;
(2.26) Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache für ausländische Studienbewerber (TestDaF) of the TestDaF-Institute, with test scores of „five“ (5) in each of the four parts of the test (see also Section 3).
(2.27) Local DSH Examination Orders may define additional cases of exemtion from the DSH requirement, e.g. a completed study/degree in German Language, status as non-degree student, or special conditions in connection with the studies to be pursued.
Any exemption from the DSH requirement may be combined with an obligation to further improve the individual language competence by participating in language courses parallel to regular studies.
(2.3) Preparatory Courses for the DSH Examination - DSH-Examinations
Foreign students who do not yet have a sufficient competence to pass the DSH Examination may (if all other scholastic prerequites are met) obtain a preliminary or conditional admission with the possibility to participate in language courses preparing for the DSH Examination prior to taking up regular studies.
Most higher education institutions offer courses for this purpose at different levels. However, in many cases a basic knowledge of German is required (with entrance test, e.g. at the level of the Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache/Certificate German as a Forein Language) for admission to advanced courses. Given a very good knowledge of the German language, the DSH Examination may by taken directly, but prior advice should be sought. As a rule, a solid preparation for the DSH Examination requires about 1.200 hours of intensive instruction.
DSH Examinations are offered at many institutions by the Departments/Sections Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF) - German as Foreign Language, Language Centers, etc. When planning a study in Germany, foreign students should ascertain in good time all necessary information regarding language preparation and DSH Examinations (deadlines, entrance level) at institutions where they intend to submit applications.
(3) Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) - Test German as a Foreign Language
TestDaF is a standardized test which is administered, since 2001, by the TestDaF Institute at the University of Hagen, Germany.
Other than the DSH Examination, TestDaF can be taken not only in Germany, but world-wide in test centers in many countries. It thus provides an opportunity to test an have certified one’s knowledge of the German language already prior to coming to Germany. However, an advanced level of the command of the language is necessary and assumed (at least about 700 hours of intensive instruction).
A further difference is the differentiated documentation of the test result for any of the four test categories (reading, listening, written expression, oral expression) in terms of three TestDaF achievement levels, i.e. „three“ (3), “four (4), or „five” (5).
A test result with a score of „five“ (5) in each of the four test categories is fully equivalent to the DSH Examination and recognized by all higher education institutions as fulfilment of the language requirement for unrestricted admission to/enrolment for all study programs.
However, depending on the discipline and the degree for which admission is sought, an institution of higher education may also grant admission if test scores vary across the various categories, possibly in combination with an obligatory further preparation parallel to regular studies. Admissions on this basis are valid, though, only at the particular institution granteind admission and may not necessarily accepted by other institutions.
Detailed information on TestDaF (especially test locations/test centers und test dates, materials to prepare for the test, test fees, TestDaF-Examination order, contact addresses) may be found on the Homepage of the TestDaF-Instituts (www.testdaf.de).
(4) Further Information (links), Downloads, Contact
DSH - Framework Examination Order of the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) - German Text - / Rahmenordnung für die „Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber“ (DSH) vom 30.05.1995 i.d.F. vom 22.02.2000 [22 kb]
Fachverband Deutsch als Fremdsprache (FaDaF) / German as a Foreign Language Assosiation - Information on Language Examinations; „Deutsch lehren“(Teaching German), „Deutsch lernen“ (Learning German), Publications, Meetings and Seminars; Member Service
TestDaF-Institute - (TestDaF-Examination Order; Locations of examinations / Test Centers; Dates of examinations, Materials to prepare for the test; Test fees, Contacts Addresses)
Information on DSH Language courses and DSH Examinations - „Higher Education Compass“ of the Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) - with Links to Homepages of German higher education institutions
- Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) / German Academic Exchange Service - Information on German language summer courses at German higher education institutions
www.daad.de/deutschland/de/2.5.html
- Goethe-Institut (GI) - Information on German language courses and certifices
Contact:
German Rectors' Confernce - International Departement/ C5 - juette@hrk.de
HRK/ C5 - 04.04
Print
Send