Leibniz Language Centre Language examinations
Accepted language certificates at the LUH

Proof of sufficient language skills for studies

On this page you will find detailed information on which examinations, tests and certificates are accepted at LUH as proof of sufficient language skills at different levels for enrolment.

Please note

Your desired subject will inform you about the required language level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The information on the web page does not claim to be complete.


There is a general distinction between applying for

  • a bachelor degree
  • a master degree
  • a postgraduate degree

All mentioned regulations on the web page have been conducted by a group of experts of the Leibniz Language Centre at the Leibniz University and will be checked and adapted in terms of their validity at least every five years. Please not that this web page does not claim to be all encompassing nor binding. The admissions regulations of your desired subject is exclusively legally responsible to name the required language level and the accepted certificates.    


Evidence of adequate knowledge of German

  • German language proficiency - level A2

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, employment, local geography); Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters; Can describe in simple terms, aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of German according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary

     

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Goethe-Zertifikat A2
    2. telc Deutsch A2
    3. ÖSD Zertifikat A2
  • German language proficiency - level B1

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.; Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken; Can produce simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of German according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. The German Language Certificate of the Education Ministers Conference - successful completion of level one (DSD I)
    2. Goethe-Zertifikat B1
    3. telc Deutsch B1
    4. ÖSD Zertifikat B1
  • German language proficiency - level B2

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation; Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers fairly possible without strain for either party; Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of German according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. German language proficiency test for international university applicants (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für ausländische Studienbewerber und –bewerberinnen, DSH) with a result of at least DSH 1
    2. Test of German as a foreign language (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, TestDaF, paper-based or digital) with a result of at least 4 x TDN 3
    3. Goethe-Zertifikat B2 
    4. telc Deutsch B2
    5. ÖSD Zertifikat B2 
  • German language proficiency - level C1

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning; Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of German according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. German language proficiency test for international university applicants (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für ausländische Studienbewerber und –bewerberinnen, DSH) with a result of at least DSH-2
    2. Test of German as a foreign language (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, TestDaF, paper-based or digital) with a result of at least 4 x TDN 4 
    3. The "German" exam component of the assessment test at colleges
    4. The German Language Certificate of the Education Ministers Conference (Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz, DSD) - level two (DSD II)
    5. Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (!)
    6. telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule 
    7. ÖSD Zertifikat C2 (!)
  • German language proficiency - level C2

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read; Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations."

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of German according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Goethe-Zertifikat C2
    2. telc Deutsch C2
    3. ÖSD Zertifikat C2 

Specifically, the German language requirements for international applicants interested in a BA degree programme are regulated by § 1 of the LUH Matriculation Regulations and § 4 of the local examination regulations of Leibniz Universität Hannover on the German Language Test for University Admission (DSH).

Evidence of adequate knowledge of English

  • English language proficiency - level B1

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the lower level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.; Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken; Can produce simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of English according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®, iBT or Home edition) with a result of at least 53 points 
    2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, paper-based, digital or online) with a result of at least 4.5
    3. B1 Preliminary (previously PET)
    4. Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic, paperbased or digital) with a result of at least 43 points
    5. UNIcert® I

     

    Important note: Please use only the department code "99" for the electronic transmission of TOEFL® scores to Leibniz University!

  • English language proficiency - level B2

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation; Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers fairly possible without strain for either party; Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of English according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL® iBT or Home Edition) with a result of at least 72 points 
    2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, paper-based, digital or online) with a result of 5.5
    3. B2 First (previously FCE)
    4. Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic, paper-based or digital) with a result of at least 59 points
    5. telc English B2⋅C1 University
    6. UNIcert® II

     

    Important note: Please use only the department code "99" for the electronic transmission of TOEFL® iBT scores to Leibniz University!

  • English language proficiency - level C1

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning; Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. Upon enrolment or change of subject, each applicant must prove sufficient knowledge of English according to the requirements stated in section A.).
    2. In the case of change of subject within Leibniz Universität Hannover, the requirements defined in section A.) may differ to the language requirements necessary, thus making up-to-date proof of language proficiency necessary.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®, iBT or Home Edition) with a result of at least 95 points 
    2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic, paper-based, digital or online) with a result of at least 7.0
    3. C1 Advanced (previously CAE)
    4. Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic, paper-based or digital) with a result of at least 76 points
    5. telc English B2⋅C1 University
    6. UNIcert® III

     

    Important note: Please use only the department code "99" for the electronic transmission of TOEFL®  scores to Leibniz University!

Evidence of adequate knowledge of French

  • French language proficiency - level B1

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.; Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken; Can produce simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. In some programmes, sufficient knowledge of at least one language other than German and/or English in accordance with the requirements set out under A.) must be proved in order to enrol or change subject.
    2. In the case of a change of subject within LUH, the language requirements may differ from the requirements defined under A.), so that updated proof of language proficiency may be required.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Diplôme d’études de langue francaise (DELF) B1
    2. Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) level 3 (with all obligatory and optional test parts)
    3. Test de connaissance du français (Diplôme d'admission préalableTCF DAP) B1
    4. telc Français B1
    5. UNIcert® I
  • French language proficiency - level B2

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation; Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers fairly possible without strain for either party; Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. In some programmes, sufficient knowledge of at least one language other than German and/or English in accordance with the requirements set out under A.) must be proved in order to enrol or change subject.
    2. In the case of a change of subject within LUH, the language requirements may differ from the requirements defined under A.), so that updated proof of language proficiency may be required.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Diplôme d’études de langue francaise (DELF) B2
    2. Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) level 4 (with all obligatory and optional test parts)
    3. Test de connaissance du français (Diplôme d'admission préalableTCF DAP) B2
    4. telc Français B2
    5. UNIcert® II
  • French language proficiency - level C1

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning; Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.”

    B.) Areas of use 

    1. In some programmes, sufficient knowledge of at least one language other than German and/or English in accordance with the requirements set out under A.) must be proved in order to enrol or change subject.
    2. In the case of a change of subject within LUH, the language requirements may differ from the requirements defined under A.), so that updated proof of language proficiency may be required.

     

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) C1
    2. Test d'évaluation de français (TEF) level 5 (with all obligatory and optional test parts)
    3. Test de connaissance du français (Diplôme d'admission préalableTCF DAP) C1
    4. telc Français C1
    5. UNIcert® III

Evidence of adequate knowledge in Spanish

  • Spanish language proficiency - level B1

    Please note: This list does not replace the „Ordnung über Kenntnisse der spanischen Sprache für Studienbewerberinnen und Studienbewerber für das Fach Spanisch am Romanischen Seminar der Leibniz Universität Hannover“!

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.; Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken; Can produce simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. In some programmes, sufficient knowledge of at least one language other than German and/or English in accordance with the requirements set out under A.) must be proved in order to enrol or change subject.
    2. In the case of a change of subject within LUH, the language requirements may differ from the requirements defined under A.), so that updated proof of language proficiency may be required. 
       

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) B1
    2. Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE Global) B1
    3. Diploma Internacional de Español (DIE), Intermedio (Level 5 and 6)
    4. telc Español B1
    5. UNIcert® I 
  • Spanish language proficiency - level B2

    Please note: This list does not replace the „Ordnung über Kenntnisse der spanischen Sprache für Studienbewerberinnen und Studienbewerber für das Fach Spanisch am Romanischen Seminar der Leibniz Universität Hannover“!

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation; Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers fairly possible without strain for either party; Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.”

    B.) Areas of use

    1. In some programmes, sufficient knowledge of at least one language other than German and/or English in accordance with the requirements set out under A.) must be proved in order to enrol or change subject.
    2. In the case of a change of subject within LUH, the language requirements may differ from the requirements defined under A.), so that updated proof of language proficiency may be required.
       

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) B2
    2. Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE Global) B2
    3. Diploma Internacional de Español (DIE), Avanzado (Level 7 and 8)
    4. telc Español B2
    5. UNIcert® II
  • Spanish language proficiency - level C1

    Please note: This list does not replace the „Ordnung über Kenntnisse der spanischen Sprache für Studienbewerberinnen und Studienbewerber für das Fach Spanisch am Romanischen Seminar der Leibniz Universität Hannover“! 

    A.) Definition of language requirements

    In the upper level of independent language users (global scale) CEFR requires competence of the following skills: “[The applicant] can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning; Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.”

    B.) Areas of use 

    1. In some programmes, sufficient knowledge of at least one language other than German and/or English in accordance with the requirements set out under A.) must be proved in order to enrol or change subject.
    2. In the case of a change of subject within LUH, the language requirements may differ from the requirements defined under A.), so that updated proof of language proficiency may be required.
       

    C.) Tests and examinations as proof of the linguistic studying capability

    The following tests/exams serve as proof of sufficient language proficiency:

    1. Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) C1
    2. Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE Global) C1
    3. Diploma Internacional de Español (DIE), Superior (Level 9)
    4. UNIcert® III