Before you can take up a course of studies at a German university, you normally have to prove that your German language skills are good enough for studying. You can do this by passing one of the following two German language tests: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (DSH) or Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF). You can only sit the DSH at your German university. TestDaF can be taken at many test centres located in Germany and abroad.

The following language certificates are also accepted: Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz Stufe II, or the Goethe Institute's Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung, Großes Sprachdiplom or Kleines Sprachdiplom. The German language requirement does not apply to applicants who hold an Abitur school leaving certificate awarded by a recognised German school abroad.

Detailed information on German language tests and certificates, German language courses, and test centres can be found on the DAAD website.

Exemptions to the German language requirement for admission to studies

 

You are exempted from the German language requirement if you want to study an International Degree Programme (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD). The language of instruction in these programmes is mostly English (and sometimes French). You acquire your German language skills by attending courses parallel to your normal studies.