German Language Examinations

Comparison of DSH and TestDaF

• Similarities
  Similarities - general

  • The level of both tests/examinations corresponds to B2/C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  • In both tests/examinations the skills writing, listening and reading are tested The result is determined in three levels (DSH-1, DSH-2 & DSH-3 or TDN 3, TDN 4 & TDN 5), of which the intermediate level entitles the participant to study in Germany.
  • The validity of the certificate is unlimited.

   

  Similarities - examination/test format

  • The writing tasks in text production/written expression are the same: describing, arguing, expressing an opinion.
• Differences

  Differences - general

  DSH

  • can only be taken at licensed universities/colleges within Germany
  • decentralised examination, which can be slightly different at each location and takes place on different dates
  • the certificate can primarily be used for studies at a German university or college
  • the certificate is more likely to be recognised within Germany
  • in exceptional cases, there may be problems with the recognition of the certificate at certain colleges/universities (this is regulated by the local examination regulations)

  TestDaF

  • can be taken at licensed test centres worldwide
  • central test, which takes place on the same dates worldwide
  • the certificate serves as proof of German language skills both for studies and for a job
  • the certificate is generally also recognised internationally
  • there are no difficulties with recognition at German colleges/universities

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  Differences - examination/test format

  DSH

  • there is no minimum performance in the individual subtests, which means that you can compensate for slightly worse parts of the exam with better ones
  • a monolingual dictionary (German-German) is permitted throughout the examination
  • grammatical knowledge is explicitly tested (scientific language structures, 100 out of 700 points)
  • the oral examination may only be taken if the written examination has been assessed with at least 57% (the written and oral examinations therefore do not take place on the same day)
  • the oral examination takes place in person with an examination board (consisting of two examiners)
  • in the oral examination there is usually a task with different speaking tasks (describing, arguing, possibly expressing an opinion)
  • in the listening/reading comprehension there is one (longer) text (approximately at level B2)
  • the listening text is read out twice, live by one examiner
  • in listening/reading comprehension there are on average ten tasks and questions of different types (open, half-open and closed), some of which are quite complex

  TestDaF

  • there is a minimum performance in the individual subtests, which means that to study in Germany you must achieve at least the TDN 4 level in all four parts of the test (no compensation possible)
  • during the entire test, tools (including monolingual dictionaries) are forbidden
  • grammatical knowledge is not explicitly tested
  • each participant has to take an oral part of the test (the whole test takes place on one day)
  • the test part "Oral Expression" takes place with the help of technical equipment (PC, language laboratory etc.)
  • in the test part "Oral Expression" there are seven tasks with seven different speaking tasks
  • in listening/reading comprehension there are three texts each on three different topics and with three different levels of difficulty
  • the first two listening texts are recited only once, the second listening text is recited twice; the recitation is done from a medium (CD, PC etc.)
  • in listening/reading comprehension there are 25 or 30 mainly closed (or half-open) questions and tasks

Coordination DSH

Coordination TestDaF