TestDaF vs DSHWhich German university exam should you take?
Both TestDaF and DSH prove your German is good enough for university studies. But they work very differently — here's everything you need to decide.
Important: most degree programmes taught in German ask for TestDaF or the DSH. Some certificates count too: universities generally recognise the Goethe-Zertifikat C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, the ÖSD Zertifikat C2 and the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (level II), and some programmes accept a Goethe or ÖSD certificate at B2 or C1. Always check your own programme's rules. Source: DAAD.
Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache
TestDaF is administered by the TestDaF-Institut and is available worldwide at authorised test centres. It's the most standardised option.
Exam format
Each section is graded separately on TDN 3, 4, or 5. Most German universities require TDN 4 in all four sections.
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang
DSH is run by individual universities in Germany. Each university designs its own version of the exam — which means the format, difficulty, and scheduling vary.
Key difference: format varies
Because each university runs its own DSH, there is no fixed standardised format. Most include reading comprehension, listening, and writing components. Some universities also require an oral exam. The exact structure depends on the university you're applying to.
DSH results are primarily recognised at the issuing university, but most German universities now accept DSH results from other institutions too. Check with your target university.
TestDaF vs DSH comparison
Quick reference for the key differences.
| TestDaF | DSH | |
|---|---|---|
| Who organises it | TestDaF-Institut (central, standardised) | Individual universities (each runs their own) |
| Where to take it | Authorised test centres worldwide, including Berlin | Only at German universities — you must be physically in Germany |
| Levels | TDN 3, 4, 5 (roughly B2, C1, C1+) | DSH-1 (B2+), DSH-2 (C1), DSH-3 (C1+) |
| Typical requirement | TDN 4 in all sections | DSH-2 (most programmes) |
| Test dates per year | ~5–6 (fixed global schedule) | 2–3 (set by each university) |
| Cost | ~€175–195 | ~€50–150 |
| Results timeline | 6–8 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Format consistency | Identical at every test centre worldwide | Varies by university |
| Validity | Permanent (some universities impose a 5-year limit) | Primarily at issuing university; widely accepted elsewhere now |
| Can you take it outside Germany? | Yes — available in 60+ countries | No — only at German universities |
Which should you choose?
The right choice depends on where you are now and where you want to study.
Choose TestDaF if…
- You're currently outside Germany and want to apply before you arrive
- You're applying to multiple universities across Germany
- You want a standardised, predictable exam format
- You're unsure which university you'll attend
- You want a certificate with permanent validity
Choose DSH if…
- You're already in Berlin and your target university offers DSH
- You've been rejected from TestDaF and need another shot quickly
- Your target university is in Berlin and offers DSH prep courses
- You want to spend less on exam fees
- You need results faster (2–4 weeks vs. 6–8)
Bottom line: TestDaF is the safer, more versatile choice for most people. It can be taken worldwide, is universally accepted, and has a predictable format. DSH makes sense if you're already in Berlin, know exactly which university you're applying to, and want to save money and time.