Exam requirements guide

TestDaF vs DSH: which German exam for university admission?

Both TestDaF and DSH satisfy the German-language requirement for university admission, but they work very differently. This guide compares where each is taken, how scoring works, cost, retake rules, and which fits your situation.

Last verified June 2026. Score requirements and admission rules are reproduced from the TestDaF-Institut, HRK, and DAAD (linked throughout). Program-specific rules change periodically, so always confirm the latest requirements on the target university's own admissions page.

At a glance

TestDaF vs DSH comparison

Key differences across eight attributes. Scroll horizontally on small screens.

Scroll horizontally to compare all columns →

Comparison of TestDaF and DSH across eight key attributes.
Attribute	TestDaF	DSH
Where you take it	Worldwide and in Germany (standardized test centres)	At a German university, before or at the start of studies
Administered by	g.a.s.t. / TestDaF-Institut (standardized nationally)	The individual university (each sets its own exam)
Score scale	TDN 3, 4, 5 per section; TDN 4 in all four sections is the common admission bar	DSH-1, DSH-2, DSH-3; DSH-2 is the standard admission level
CEFR mapping	TDN 4 corresponds to roughly C1	DSH-2 corresponds to roughly C1
Acceptance	Recognized for admission at German universities nationwide	Primarily the administering university; many others accept it too
Retakes	No fixed limit; can be repeated	Limited retakes per university, on its schedule
Typical cost	Around EUR 200, varies by country and centre	Lower; set by the university (sometimes free for admitted applicants)
Best for	Applicants outside Germany who need a globally available, standardized result	Applicants already in Germany with a study place or Studienkolleg spot

Decision guide

Which should you choose?

If you are applying from outside Germany and need a result that travels well across multiple applications, TestDaF is the practical choice: it is standardized, globally available at accredited test centres, and recognized for admission across German universities. If you are already in Germany at or near your target university, DSH is often cheaper and more convenient, since it is offered directly by that university on its own schedule. Both exams satisfy the same C1-level admission bar when you reach the standard threshold (TDN 4 across all sections for TestDaF; DSH-2 for DSH), so the decision is primarily about logistics and where you are when you sit the exam.

Official sources

Trusted references

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about TestDaF and DSH.

Is TestDaF or DSH better for German university admission?

Neither is universally better; they certify the same level. Choose TestDaF if you are applying from outside Germany, because it is standardized and globally available. Choose DSH if you are already in Germany at or near your target university, because it is cheaper and tied to that university.

Does TDN 4 equal DSH-2?

For admission purposes they are treated as equivalent: TestDaF TDN 4 across all four sections and DSH-2 both correspond to roughly C1 and satisfy the standard German-language admission requirement for most German-taught programs. Always confirm the exact bar on the program's admissions page.

Can I take DSH from outside Germany?

Generally no. DSH is administered by the university in Germany, usually shortly before studies begin. If you are abroad, TestDaF is the practical choice.

Do these certificates expire?

The certificates themselves do not formally expire, but many universities ask that the result be recent (often within the last 1-2 years) at the time of application. Check the program's rule.

Explore further

Where to go next

Start practicing today

Realistic mock exams with instant scoring. All CEFR levels.

Start free practice Compare pricing