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Study and research in Germany

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DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service
wandel durch austausch. change by exchange.
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Study and research in Germany

Home « Study and research in Germany « Learn German « How to learn German? « Tests for the access of higher education

German language examinations for university admission

On arrival in Germany you do not need to speak German fluently. Nevertheless, before you can study at a German university you must first pass either

Exceptions to this regulation are the "international degree programmes" and certain postgraduate courses of study.


The DSH may be taken at the individual universities, which also lay down when they are to be held. The TestDaF may be taken at the TestDaF Centres in your own country or in Germany.


These examinations furnish proof that your command of German is adequate for successful completion of a course of study at a German university or institute of higher education. They test your ability to understand scientific and academic texts and lectures, to take notes on their contents, and to expressyourself orally and in writing with respect to a course-related topic.


Further information regarding the language proficiency demanded for the various functions organised by universities may be found here.


You may take the DSH and TestDaF without prior attendance at a preparatory course. Nevertheless, in many cases attendance at such a course is recommended. Check on institutes in Germany where you can do this.


C 1

Advanced level
(900-1,200 hours of instruction)

Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF)

C 1

Advanced level
(900-1,200 hours of instruction)

Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) 


Further information on the DSH may be obtained from the Akademisches Auslandsamt (International Office) of the university of your choice.


There are various possibilities for gaining exemption from the DSH or TestDaF:

At some universities, however, exemption is only granted for exchange students or students of German language and literature studies. Many universities demand a language qualification as a matter of principle. So please be sure to enquire regarding the precise detailed requirements at the university of your choice.


Advanced level
(1,400-1,600 school tasks)

Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) Stufe II

C 1 Advanced level
(1,000-1,200 hours of instruction)

Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)

C 2 Advanced level
(approx. 1,400 hours of instruction + literature)

Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

C 2 Advanced level
(approx. 1,600 hours of instruction + literature)

Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS)


Finally, remember, too, that your command of German is crucial to how soon you are going to feel at home in Germany, and how quickly you will start to make German friends!

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DAAD Glossary

Doktorand

"Doktorand" denotes doctoral students or candidates who are working on their thesis or dissertation.

Hochschul- Zugangsberechtigung

"Hochschul- Zugangsberechtigung" stands for higher education entrance qualification, i.e. the university entrance qualification. Generally, applicants have to present either the general higher education entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife or Abitur) or a subject-specific entrance qualification (such as the "fachgebundene Hochschulreife" or an institution-specific qualification, such as the Fachhochschulreife). Applicants may additionally be required to pass an admissions test or complete an internship.

Institut

Large faculties are generally divided into departments that may be called Institut or Seminar or Fachbereich. An "Institut" often covers a single area of teaching (e.g. English Studies, Sociology, Computer Science) and has several professorships (chairs). The "Institut" is headed by a Director chosen from among the university teachers at that department.

Semester

The academic year in Germany is generally divided into two semesters rather than three terms, such as is generally the case in the UK and other countries. German universities generally have a winter semester that runs from October to March and a summer semester that runs from April to September. A semester includes both the period when courses and lectures are held (Vorlesungszeit) and the time without lectures (recess) in which students can revise and prepare (Vorlesungsfreiezeit).

Universität

"Universität" means university and is used for research universities (wissenschaftliche Hochschulen) that offer a broad range of subjects (like arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, economics and business administration, law, medicine). These institutions confer doctorates. The strong research focus benefits students in their training. Please note, however, that English texts often use the term "university" generically, i.e. to cover all kinds of higher education institutions, for example, universities of the arts, universities of applied sciences, universities of education, etc.

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Source: http://www.daad.de/deutschland/deutsch-lernen/wie-deutsch-lernen/00532.en.html
Date: 2008-12-04