indefinitely
of higher education
on your language proficiency
The TestDaF, an advanced-level language exam ranging from B2 to C1 on the CEFR scale, awards a certificate at TestDaF level 3, 4 and 5. This certification serves as proof of language proficiency, enabling admission to a wide range of subjects at German universities. Additionally, it internationally attests your German competency for scientific projects and academic pursuits.
Demonstrating mastery across four TestDaF sections at level 4 opens doors to diverse academic disciplines in German universities. Beyond admission, this internationally recognized certification showcases your German proficiency for scholarly endeavors and professional pursuits.
| Examination | Registration Deadline | Results | Registration Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | |||
| September 18, 2025 | 06.01.2025 – 08.09.2025 | October 16, 2025 | View |
| November 13, 2025 | 06.01.2025 – 30.10.2025 | December 12, 2025 | View |
| December 09, 2025 | 18.02.2025 – 28.11.2025 | January 13, 2026 | View |
| 2026 | |||
| January 20, 2026 | 01.09.2025 – 09.01.2026 | February 17, 2026 | View |
| March 03, 2026 | 03.11.2025 – 19.02.2026 | March 31, 2026 | View |
| April 21, 2026 | 05.01.2026 – 10.04.2026 | May 19, 2026 | View |
| June 11, 2026 | 05.01.2026 – 29.05.2026 | July 09, 2026 | View |
| August 25, 2026 | 05.01.2026 – 14.08.2026 | September 22, 2026 | View |
| September 22, 2026 | 05.01.2026 – 11.09.2026 | October 20, 2026 | View |
| November 12, 2026 | 05.01.2026 – 30.10.2026 | December 10, 2026 | View |
| December 12, 2026 | 05.01.2026 – 27.11.2026 | January 12, 2027 | View |
The TestDaF consists of four components assessing language proficiency that you need for your studies and research.
Tasks
items
minutes (approx)
As in your studies, you will work on research and project reports, comments, descriptive and argumentative texts and short reports with different goals. The topics are taken from various subject areas. However, no specialist knowledge is required.
You work on the 7 task types in a given order. You can move forward faster, but you can’t go back to a previous task. The number of tasks may vary as you will also complete tasks that are tested and not taken into account in the results. You may therefore receive two tasks from some task types.
Tasks
items
minutes (approx)
You listen to oral speeches with 1-3 participants (conversations, interviews or discussions as well as excerpts from presentations or lectures) and process them as in your studies with different objectives.
You work on 7 types of tasks in a given order. You can move forward faster, but you can’t go back to a previous task. The number of tasks may vary as you will also complete tasks that are tested and not taken into account in the results. You may therefore receive two tasks from some task types.
Tasks
minutes (approx)
You work on given, socially relevant topics or questions and express yourself in writing in a coherent and clearly structured manner. You use different source material and, as in your studies, pursue different goals when writing.
You work on the 2 types of tasks in a given order and write on the computer. You can move forward faster, but you can’t go back to the previous task. The number of tasks may vary as you may also complete an additional task that will be tested and not taken into account in the results. You can therefore receive two tasks of either task type.
Tasks
minutes (approx)
You express yourself appropriately on various study-related and/or socially relevant topics in different communication situations during your studies (e.g. in university administration, in learning groups, in seminars). They pursue different speaking intentions and goals.
This part of the exam is also carried out on the computer: you listen to the task via a headset and read it on the screen at the same time. Then you have a set time to prepare your answers before you speak. You hear a fictitious conversation partner and are asked to speak. The answers are recorded automatically.
You work on the 7 task types in a given order. The number of tasks may vary as you will also complete tasks that are tested and not taken into account in the results. You may therefore receive two tasks from some task types.
50,000 certificates per year: The TestDaF is the most important language test for international students who need to prove their German language proficiency.
Find out as early as possible about the language requirements of your chosen study programme. You can find this information on the website of the university where you wish to study.
You can also use the TestDaF certificate for your profession. Prove your German language skills to research institutions or future employers by producing a TestDaF certificate.
The three TestDaF levels (TDN 3, 4, and 5) reflect the language proficiency that you need for your studies. The TestDaF levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe. They allow you and the institutions who receive your TestDaF certificate to compare your language skills on an international basis.
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