Exam requirements guide

Which German certificate do I need to study?

Your study path determines your level. Here's what each route requires in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Last verified April 2026. Level requirements and admission rules are reproduced from DAAD, BAMF, anabin, and uni-assist (linked throughout). Program-specific rules change periodically, so always confirm the latest requirements on the target university's own admissions page.

Level required · B2-C1

University admission

Bachelor's (some): B2
Most master's + research: C1
English-taught: Often none · Check the program's policy

Most German-taught programs require C1-level proficiency (DAAD guidance). Accepted certificates include TestDaF with TDN 4 in all four sub-skills, DSH-2, Goethe C1 or C2, TELC C1 Hochschule, and ÖSD C1. Some competitive programs may ask for higher scores in specific sub-skills.

Use anabin to confirm your secondary-school diploma counts as HZB, and uni-assist to process the application. TestDaF is standardized and globally available; DSH is university-administered and taken in Germany.

Sources: DAAD, language skills, TestDaF Institut, HRK (DSH framework).

Level required · B1-B2

Studienkolleg

Entry level: B1 · Some Kollegs require B2
Duration: 1-2 semesters · Ends with the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)
After FSP: Varies · Some unis still require TestDaF or DSH

Required when your secondary-school diploma is not directly recognized as Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB). Check anabin first. Most Kollegs run an entrance test covering language and subject basics, followed by intensive German plus subject-area courses before the FSP.

Source: DAAD, Studienkolleg.

Level required · B1-B2

Ausbildung (vocational training)

Typical entry: B1
Healthcare roles: B2 · Nursing, medical assistants, elder care
Duration: 2-3.5 years · Paid on-the-job + classroom

Duale Ausbildung combines work at an employer with classroom instruction at a Berufsschule. Examples: electrician, nurse, mechatronics technician, IT specialist. Accepted certificates: Goethe B1/B2, TELC B1/B2, or ÖSD B1/B2. Leads to a work permit after completion and is a common route to permanent residence. Check the German embassy in your country for visa specifics.

Sources: Make it in Germany, Vocational training visa, Requirements for vocational training, BAMF.

At a glance

Exam comparison

Fees vary by country and test center (typical range: 130-250 EUR per exam). Always check the official provider for current prices.

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Comparison of six German-language exams across purpose, CEFR level, format, acceptance, and retake policy.
Exam	Purpose	CEFR	Format	Where accepted	Retakes
TestDaF	University admission	B2–C1 (TDN 3–5)	Paper + digital	Global; nearly all German universities; many in Austria & Switzerland	Unlimited; any number of sections
DSH	University admission	B2–C2 (DSH-1/2/3)	Paper; university-administered	The host university (transfers sometimes accepted)	Usually 1–2 retakes per institution
Goethe C1	University + professional	C1	Paper + digital	Universities, employers, visa authorities worldwide	Anytime
Goethe C2	Academic + advanced	C2	Paper + digital	Universities (where C2 is required), professional recognition	Anytime
TELC C1 Hochschule	University admission	C1	Paper	180+ German universities; growing acceptance across DACH	Anytime
ÖSD C1	University admission (AT-primary, DACH-wide)	C1	Paper	Austrian universities and many German universities	Anytime

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Official sources

Trusted references

For visa specifics, check the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about German study certificates.

Can I study in Germany with just B2?

For most German-taught bachelor's and master's programs you will need C1 (DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4 across all four sub-skills). A small number of bachelor's programs accept B2, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Studienkolleg and English-taught programs often accept lower levels. Always check the specific program's admission page.

Should I take TestDaF or DSH?

Take TestDaF if you're outside Germany: it's standardized, globally available, and accepted nearly everywhere. Take DSH if you're already in Germany and your target university offers it. DSH is cheaper and tied to the university's schedule.

Do I need a German certificate for an English-taught program?

Usually not. Most English-taught bachelor's and master's programs require only English (IELTS, TOEFL). Some still recommend basic German (A2-B1) for daily life, but it's rarely a formal admission requirement. Check the program's language policy.

Is Ausbildung the same as studying?

Ausbildung is vocational training (part classroom, part paid on-the-job work) and results in a recognized professional qualification rather than a university degree. Visa-wise it's often grouped with study pathways, but it's a distinct education path.

How long does a German certificate stay valid?

Most certificates do not formally expire. However, many universities and employers require the certificate to have been issued within the past 2 years at the time of application. If yours is older, a retake may be necessary.

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Where to go next

How requirements differ by country

In-depth study guides

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Requirements by profession

Nursing, medicine, teaching, engineering and more.

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