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When studying abroad, the ability to speak a second language is quite beneficial. Especially since language skills are the key to successful studies.

Language proficiency determines how well you will understand textbooks, course materials and papers during your studies. 

That is why making sure you meet your university’s language proficiency requirements is one of the first things to do. 

Here’s everything you need to know about providing proof of language proficiency in Germany:

Language Proficiency in German Higher Education

In Germany, you will find programs taught in German, but also in English. So, depending on the language of instruction of your chosen program, proving your proficiency will be essential for admission. 

In German universities, same as in many universities worldwide, proof of language proficiency is determined through the following factors: 

• Language certification (From B2 to C2).
• Diploma or degree (where all classes were taught in English or German, or other, depending on the language of instruction of your chosen program).

If you have attended some classes in a foreign language, some universities in Germany might accept that as proof of language proficiency. 

What Are the German Language Requirements for University Admission in Germany?

In Germany, if you want to join a German-taught study program you must be fluent in German, regardless of the study mode (part-time, or full-time). To prove you are fluent in German, you’ll need to pass a recognized German language test or have a certificate from a program taught in German. 

Many international universities in Germany use English as their language of instruction. So, if you have decided to pursue a program in one of these universities, know that you don’t have to be fluent in German. 

What are the German Language Requirements For the Different Levels of Study in Germany?

• Bachelor’s Degrees. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) you need to demonstrate at least a C1 level of German proficiency or DSH II to pursue a program taught in German.
• Master’s Degrees. Master’s degree studies in German typically require a level of proficiency ranging from DSH I to DSH II.
• Doctoral Degrees. There are no universal German language requirements for doctoral degree studies in Germany. Universities in Germany determine language requirements for doctoral programs based on their own admission regulations. 

Accepted Certificates for German Language Skills in German Universities

For C1 level proficiency:

• DSH Certificate (Level 2 or higher)
• TestDaF Certificate (with a minimum of 4 points in 4 sections)
• GDS Certificate (C2 level or above)
• Language Certificate of the Education Ministers’ Conference (Level 2 with C2 in each section)

Additional recognized certificates include:

• German University Entrance Qualification “Abitur”
• Assessment Exam Certificate “Feststellungsprüfungszeugnis”
• Various Goethe-Institut test certificates
• telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule Certification
• telc Deutch B1 Certification (accepted only by specific colleges)
• Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD Zertifikat C1)
• Certificates of completing an academic study degree abroad in Germany (not accepted by all institutions)

For DSH I level proficiency:

• DSH Certificate (Level 1 or higher)
• TestDaF Certificate (with a minimum total of 14 points)
• GDS Certificate (C1 level or above)
• telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule Certification
• UNIcert III
• Language Certificate of the Education Ministers’ Conference (Level 2 with C1 in each section)

Some foreign educational certificates may exempt you from the German language requirement:

• German Language Attestation in the French Diplôme Du Baccalauréat
• US Advanced Placement Exam (AP Exam) in German Language
• School Leaving Certificate from specific regions such as the German-speaking community of Belgium, Luxemburg, or South Tyrol, Italy
• Diplomas from specific German-language international schools
• Bilingual German-Irish Secondary School Leaving Certificate from specific schools
• University degree obtained from a German higher education institution (relevant for postgraduate studies)

Accepted Certificates for English Language Skills in German Universities

• Completion of at least 5 (B1) or 6 (B2) years of schooling in an English-speaking school.
• IELTS scores of B1 Level (4.5) or B2 Level (5.0) 
• Cambridge English Certificates (from B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, to C2 Proficiency).
• TOEFL scores: paper-based test 450 – 500 (B1 and B2 levels); computer-based test 130 – 70 (B1 and B2 levels); internet-based test  60-80 (B1 and B2 levels).
• UNIcert® minimum level I (B1) or II (B2).
• TOEIC certificate.
• University qualifications or degrees obtained in an English-speaking country.

What English Language Tests Are Accepted for University Admission in Germany? 

Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL 

or Test of English as a Foreign Language is a popular English language test. Although TOEFL is mostly required in US and Canadian universities, there are a number of universities in Germany that use it in their admission process as well. 

The TOEFL assesses four skills, with the total you can score being 120. These include:

1. Listening (0-30)
2. Reading (0-30)
3. Speaking (0-30)
4. Writing (0-30)

In terms of TOEFL scores in the admission process, you should know that most universites set their own minimum score requirements. Keep in mind that once you take the TOEFL test, your scores will be valid for two years only. 

The International English Language Testing System or IELTS 

is a popular English language test. It is used worldwide and not only by German universities. The IELTS assesses how good your English language skills are for university studies. Same as the TOEFL exam, IELTS scores are valid for two years. 

The IELTS exam includes four parts:

• Listening
• Academic Writing
• Academic Reading
• Speaking

Test of English for International Communication or TOEIC 

The is a world-known English-language test. It assesses your English communication skills but it is mostly used for workplaces. However, there are students that submit TOEIC test scores in their university application.

In Germany, some universities might accept good TOEIC scores as proof of English proficiency for academic studies, but they are only a few in number. 

The TOEIC consists of two main sections: Listening and Reading, as well as Speaking and Writing.

Cambridge English Test

are reputable tests that assess a range of English skills from basic to advanced levels. Some of the most popular Cambridge English Tests are B2 First (FCE) which is used for everyday interaction. Another one is C1 Advanced (CAE) which suits academic or professional needs, and the C2 Proficiency (CPE) which demonstrates the highest level of English fluency. 

For international students aiming to study in Germany, it’s worth noting that both CAE and CPE are highly regarded by German universities. These tests align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), verifying the language skills needed in an English-taught program.  

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The certificate is widely used by universities in Germany. UNIcert tests your English language skills for university studies, and it also tests skills in other languages such as German, French, and Spanish. What makes UNIcert stand out is that it is designed specifically for academic and professional contexts. Unlike TestDaF or other standardized tests that are used for general admission.

UNIcert offers proficiency certification at five levels:

1. UNIcert Basis (A2)
2. UNIcert I (B1)
3. UNIcert II (B2)
4. UNIcert III (C1)
5. UNIcert IV (C2)

What German Language Tests Are Accepted for University Admission in Germany? 

Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang or DSH Test

The is a widely recognized language test. It assesses how good your German skills are for academic studies. It specifically determines how competent you are to understand lectures, engage in discussions and complete assignments. 

The Test DSH Certificate grades you in levels from DSH1 to DSH3. DSH3 is the highest level and it is often required by more competitive programs. 

There are two sections in the DSH Test:

1. Oral examination (30%)
2. Written examination (70%)

The DSH certification proves German proficiency at the following levels.

• Basic German (A1, A2)
• Intermediate German (B1, known as DSH1)
• Advanced German (C1, known as DSH2 and C2, known as DSH3)

Test of German as a Foreign Language or TestDaf

is a language test designed to test the German language skills of individuals who want to study or work in Germany. The institute that oversees and maintains TestDaF is in Hagen, Germany, but you can find Licensed TestDaFCenters in 80 countries worldwide.

The TestDaF exam tests reading, writing, listening and speaking skills and it is focused on academic German. TestDaF offers examinations and certificates for proficiency levels ranging from TDN 3 to TDN 5. 

Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom or GDS

is an advanced German language test widely accepted by universities in Germany. It evaluates language skills at various levels, from A1 to C2 aligning with the Common European Framework of References (CEFR). 

The good thing about the GDS test is that you can take it at any Goethe Institute center, even outside of Germany.

The GDS exam covers reading, listening, writing and speaking. If you pass this test it will demonstrate your ability to understand complex texts and use German language effectively during your studies. 

Deutsches Sprachdiplom or DSD

is a German language proficiency test offered at two levels, DSD I and DSD II. Many universities in Germany recognize the DSD test scores and accept it as proof of good German language skills. 

If you earn the DSD I certificate, it means you have B1-level German proficiency. Whereas, the DSD II certificate confirms you have B2 or C1-level German language skills. 

The DSD is known for its in-depth assessment of abilities like:

1. Writing
2. Reading
3. Listening
4. Speaking

The European Languages Certificates or TELC Exam

The exam is a popular language test, recognized all throughout the German-speaking world. Apart from German, it is also offered in 8 other languages, including English and Spanish. The Telc exam tests your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. You can get a certificate from level A1 to C2. 

In Germany, plenty of universities accept Telc exam certificates for university admission as it is a strong proof of German language proficiency.

The Telc certificate does not expire but some universities might prefer to see recent certificates or results. 

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