Certification & Levels - TestDAF
Language levels and certificates for admission to institutions of higher education
If you want to study at a German institution of higher education, you need to demonstrate advanced level German language skills. Most institutions require skills corresponding to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages. The CEFR divides language skills into six levels ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near – native proficiency). You can learn more at CEFR.
For level C1, you need to prove "competent language skills." This is usually done via a language exam, for which we will prepare you systematically at BWK Campus. There are several recognized testing options for this: the telc, the TestDaF, and the DSH.
Language levels and certificates for admission to institutions of higher education
If you want to study at a German institution of higher education, you need to demonstrate advanced level German language skills. Most institutions require skills corresponding to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages. The CEFR divides language skills into six levels ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near – native proficiency). You can learn more at CEFR.
For level C1, you need to prove "competent language skills." This is usually done via a language exam, for which we will prepare you systematically at BWK Campus. There are several recognized testing options for this: the telc, the TestDaF, and the DSH.
TestDAF
TestDaF – Test of German as a Foreign Language
TestDaF is a standardized test. Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing, and oral expression are tested in four sections. The results of each section are included in the final result. Language skills are divided into three levels: TDN 3, TDN 4 and TDN 5. This fee-based test can be retaken as often as desired.
Generally you need at least TDN 4 (TestDaF – level 4) to study at a German institution of higher education, which corresponds approximately to level C1 of the CEFR. However, the required level differs according to the institution and program of study. Exact information as to requirements can be obtained from the relevant institutions directly.
This test can be taken at about 430 testing centers in Germany and around the world. Exam dates and further information can be found at the TestDaF website.
TestDaF Test Dates
When choosing a test date, please note that the scoring of the results usually takes 6 weeks. Please check the application deadlines for the universities that you will be applying to, and choose a test date that will allow you to get your results in time. No information on your results will be available prior to the date listed.
| Test date | Number | Registration Deadline | Results |
| 2013 | |||
| 12.09.2013 | T065 | Closed | after 24.10.2013 |
| 13.11.2013 | T066 | Closed | after 25.12.2013 |
| 2014 | |||
| 13.02.2014 | T067 | Closed | after 27.03.2014 |
| 24.04.2014 | T068 | Closed | after 05.06.2014 |
| 11.06.2014 | T069 | 16.04.2014 - 14.05.2014 | after 23.07.2014 |
| 15.07.2014 | T070 | 20.05.2014 - 17.06.2014 | after 26.08.2014 |
| 11.09.2014 | T071 | 17.07.2014 - 14.08.2014 | after 23.10.2014 |
| 13.11.2014 | T072 | 18.09.2014 - 16.10.2014 | after 25.12.2014 |
Practice Test: http://www.testdaf.de/teilnehmer/tn-vorbereitung_modellsatz2.php
For the direct registration for the next TestDaF:
Registration for TestDaF: http://www.testdaf.de/teilnehmer/tn-pruefung.php
Rules for test: http://www.testdaf.de/teilnehmer/pdf/RegelnPruefungstag.pdf
DSH
DSH – German Language Examination for Access to Higher Education
The DSH exam consists of a written and an oral section. The written section includes listening and reading comprehension, independent writing, and the comprehension and editing of academic language texts.
The German Language Examination for Access to Higher Education can only be taken at a German institution of higher education. The testing dates are usually a few weeks prior to the start of the semester. The DSH is considered passed, when at least two-thirds of the tasks in each of the 2 sections are successfully completed. Some universities only allow the test to be repeated twice.
A mock DSH exam can be found at the homepage of the Universität Erlangen.
Levels
Levels
All of BWK's general German language courses run year-round in 6 levels from A0 to C1 – as defined by the EU under the European Framework of Reference for Languages. A placement exam (the oral section occurs on your first Monday of classes) will ensure that you are in the right group.
| Duration | Exams you can take | ||
| A1 | You understand and can respond to simple questions | 1 month | |
| A2 | You can participate in everyday conversations | 1,5 month | |
| B1 | You can read and summarize simple texts without errors | 2 month | |
| B2 | You can clearly express your point of view in a discussion | 2,5 month | Goethe B2 |
| C1 | You can write essays and read newspapers and literature This is the level for telc, DSH and TestDaf exams for admission into an institution of higher education Das Niveau für Telc, DSH und TestDaf Prüfungen zur Aufnahme des Studiums |
2,5 month | TestDaf, DSH, telc |
Online-Test
How good is your German?
Take a few minutes and complete our online-test.
You will receive your results immediately - precise and with corrections. Thus, you will know without delay which course level would be possible for you.
All four tests with 12 – 20 questions each build on one another. If you passed the first test, A1, with more than 80 percent correct, simply continue on to the next test, A2. Or you can immediately skip to the more advanced tests, B1 or B2.
Our online-test will provide you with a idea of how good your German language skills are. At the beginning of your German course at BWK Campus we will conduct another placement test to provide you with the truly optimal German course.
telc
Die gemeinnützige telc GmbH bietet Sprachzertifikate für unterschiedliche Niveaustufen. Für den Hochschulzugang ist das Niveau „telc Deutsch C1 – Hochschule" ww.telc.net/unser-angebot/deutsch/telc-deutsch-c1/informationen/" erforderlich. Er bescheinigt hochschulbezogene Deutschkenntnisse auf weit fortgeschrittenem Niveau.
Die Prüfung besteht aus einem längeren schriftlichen Teil (ca. 3 Stunden und 35 Minuten) und einem kürzeren mündlichen Teil (ca. 16-24 Minuten). In dem schriftlichen Teil werden Leseverstehen, Hörverstehen und der schriftliche Ausdruck geprüft. Der mündliche Teil besteht aus einem Interview, einer Präsentation und einer Diskussion.
telc-Prüfungszentren gibt es in allen großen Städten in Deutschland und Europa. Die Prüfungen können beliebig oft wiederholt werden.
Weitere Informationen und einen Übungstest zur telc-Prüfung finden Sie auf der telc-Homepage.
http://www.telc.net/unser-angebot/deutsch/telc-deutsch-c1-hochschule/uebungsmaterial/
