Study and research in Germany

Proof of German language proficiency

• Recognised language examinations
• Exemptions from having to prove German language proficiency
• Common European Framework of Reference

Recognised language examinations

If you wish to study in Germany you must prove that you have an adequate command of the language. You can confirm your knowledge of German by taking examinations and tests in your home country or in Germany. The following language qualifications suffice for entry to a university:

• Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) 
  
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung Hochschulzugang (DSH) 

You do not need to take a university language entrance examination if you have already passed one of the following examinations:

• Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KMK) Stufe II 
  
• Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) 
  
• Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) 
  
• Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)

Exemptions from having to prove German language proficiency

There are also other scenarios in which you can be exempted from having to prove your proficiency in the German language. As a rule, this depends on your subject of study, on the goal of your studies and on the length of your studies. In such cases, responsibility for the decision on admission lies at the discretion of the higher education institution in question and admission may, possibly, be subject to certain conditions (eg, the requirement to attend study-integrated German language courses).
Here some examples:

• Some (but, as mentioned, not all) higher education institutions exempt their foreign study applicants from having to prove their German language proficiency if the students require no knowledge of German for their chosen degree course (eg, courses where English is the language of instruction), for example International Degree Courses.
  
• Some higher education institutions only require proof of German language proficiency in cases where the foreign applicant intends to gain a degree/academic qualification at the German higher education institution.
  
• Some higher education institutions have introduced a ruling where proof that the applicant studied German at a university in the home country is considered as proof of sufficient language qualification.

Please note, however, that these rulings do differ substantially from one higher education institution to the next.

Common European Framework of Reference

The Common European Framework of Reference, was compiled on the initiative of the Council of Europe with the aim of achieving greater uniformity and transparency in foreign language learning amongst the European member states.
An overview shows you the levels used in the Common European Framework of Reference and their equivalent German language examinations.

A useful overview of the internationally recognised language examinations for German as a foreign language is provided by the Fachverband Deutsch als Fremdsprache.

• German Language Examinations for University Admission

• Africa Sub-Sahara
• Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania
• Central and Eastern Europe
• Latin America
• North America
• Northern Africa and the Middle East
• Western Europe