German Language Requirements to Study in Germany

In order to study in Germany as an international student, you must prove your proficiency in the German language if you are getting enrolled in a course which is taught partially/fully in the German language. In this article, we will discuss the German language requirements to study in Germany, recognised exams, and more.

Education across Germany is funded by the state government, which is the taxpayers’ money. Hence, public universities across the country provide top-quality programmes to students at no tuition cost. They are required to pay a semester fee at the start of every year. However, there is a catch, keeping the citizens in mind, most of the courses taught in the public universities in Germany are in the German language. This is to make education accessible to a majority of the public. So while the country enjoys a 100% literacy rate, international students are required to know the German language if they looking to study at public universities in Germany that have courses with German as the mode of instruction.

In this article, we are going to be focussing on the German language requirements to study in Germany for international students. Through this, you will be able to figure out the answers to the following questions:

• What level of German is required to study in Germany?
• What language level do you need to study in Germany?
• Do I need to speak German to study in Germany?

Is German Language Compulsory to Study in Germany?

Candidates who are looking to study in Germany that have the medium of instruction in German will have to show certified proof that they know the German language. Candidates who are enrolling into international programs across universities in Germany that have English as the medium of instruction would be required to show certificate proof of knowing the English language. Hence to answer your question, Is German language compulsory to study in Germany, I would yes, students who are enrolling for courses that are partly/entirely taught in German will have to have certified knowledge of the German language. The main reason for this being no educational institution would want their students to suffer due to a language barrier. Read on as we discuss the German language requirements to study in Germany. 

Do I Need to Learn German to Study in Germany for Free?

While many universities in Germany offer programs in English, especially at the master's level, learning German can enhance your experience and opportunities. For free education in Germany, proficiency in German is often necessary, particularly if you plan to enroll in programs taught in German. Additionally, knowing the language can help you integrate better into society and improve your job prospects post-graduation.

What are the recognized German Language Exams for International Students?

Students who are looking to enrol for courses that are one or two semesters long are not required to have a German language fluency certificate unless specified by the university. Hence, candidates are advised to check the German language requirement for each program at the university and go ahead with the application process. International students looking to prove their knowledge of the German language are required to appear for any of the following German language proficiency exams:

• TestDaF language exam
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH
• Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam
• Deutsches Sprachdiplom II
• Goethe C2 certificate

Among the German language exams mentioned above, the TestDaF language exam and Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH are popular among international students. Let us take a detailed look at the two.

TestDaF language exam

The TestDaF is one of the most popular German language tests for international applicants and a necessary objective for students looking to study courses in German universities where the medium of instruction is German. A TestDaF certificate will officially prove that you are linguistically ready to start your studies at top German universities. The TestDaF is available in over 500 test centres across 100 countries (including India) and is recognized by all German universities. The language certificate issued by TestDaF is valid for life. Check out the TestDaF official website: testdaf.de/de/ 

Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH

DSH - University Level Language Proficiency Test is conducted individually by different universities across Germany and has a steady pattern of testing your proficiency across your reading, writing, comprehension/listening and speaking skills, it has a marked difference in its structure as regards the weightage given to each part and the time taken to complete the examination. Check out the DSH official website here: dsh.de/ 

TestDAF vs. DSH - which language proficiency exam to take?

So, both test you on writing, reading, listening and speaking skills, both have the same level of B2 C1 and both are accepted widely across many universities. But there are small differences which we have tried to tabulate for you below. Know complete details on TestDAF vs. DSH from below. 

Parameters		TestDAF	DSH
Level of Difficulty	Standardization	Yes, the standardized pattern of examination facilitates preparation as you are aware of what would essentially be required of you	No, the level of difficulty varies from University to University and you might be able to choose between an easier exam
	Grade Requirement	80 Percent, graded across three levels of 5, 4 and 3, TestDAF 3 is not enough for a German Taught course but might be sufficient for you to apply to a DSH course in Germany	67%, the qualifying level is usually DSH 2
Content and Structure	Test Structure	Divided across four equal parts of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, the examination is conducted on the same day over 3 - 3.5 hours	Divided into two broad examinations - Written and Oral spread across a week with the Written Examination carrying 75% of the weight
	Grading Pattern	You are graded across the parts and hence you can easily better your score as you go	It becomes necessary to score a minimum of 57% (passing marks) in both examinations for you to qualify for the DSH
Examination Process	Grammar	Grammar is not an essential part of the examination.	Grammar is both important and sometimes even tested separately in a small sub-section of the written examination
	Centres	The exam is conducted across 90 countries and various centres and you can write the exam in your own country	The examinations are conducted by different universities within Germany hence you can only appear for the exam when you reach Germany and is usually conducted before the semester starts
	Repetitions	You can write examinations multiple times which gives you more chances to improve your score	Most Universities only allow 2 attempts hence limited chances
	Fees	€110 (standard across the world and payable online)	€ 40 - € 150 (Varies from university to university)

To conclude, both examinations are acceptable. They have their own set of merits and demerits but while TestDAF provides you with standardization, DSH is the easier of the two to qualify for and also offers cheaper options in terms of finances. TestDAF in comparison gives you the freedom to first take the exam and be prepared to apply across universities in Germany. So, before you decide we recommend you understand the university requirements, assess your own proficiency in the language and choose which one is the right fit for you.

German Language requirements to Study in Germany

In this section, we are going to be talking about the German language requirements to study in Germany. 

German language requirements to study in Germany: Candidates who are applying for a German-language degree programme in Germany must prove that they have the language skills required by the higher education institution in the form of an official certificate. Candidates can either opt for the DSH (German language examination for the admission of foreign students to higher education institutions) or the TestDaF (examination for German as a foreign language). Generally, there is no need to provide proof of German language skills for English-language study courses.

German language requirements to work in Germany: Candidates going to Germany for work might not have to prove their knowledge of the German language. However, a German language proficiency certificate on your cv will not only make your resume look more professional and committed to the country but also increase your chances of landing yourself a job.

German language requirements for Healthcare professionals: Candidates who are travelling to Germany to pursue a career in healthcare, be it that of a nurse or doctor, would be required to have mandatory knowledge of the German language. They will need to have an official language certificate for the same. Depending on the German federal state, level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.

German language requirements for spouses: Candidates joining their spouses who would be working in Germany are also required to have a certain level of German proficiency to go about their daily activities. While this may only be mandatory for third countries, knowing beginner-level German has never hurt anyone. German language skills at level A1 of the CEFR are required here.

What level of German is Required to Study in Germany?

So when we talk about the German language requirement. Whether you take the TestDaF language exam, or the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang DSH. Your German language skills would be assessed based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It defines the following levels of language competence:

• Levels A1 and A2: These levels provide you with basic knowledge of the German language. If you have no previous knowledge, attending an A1 course is highly recommended.
• Levels B1 and B2: Here is where you will learn German at an advanced level. You will expand your language skills and after completing level B2 you will be able to communicate independently and in a differentiated way in everyday life and at work.
• Levels C1 and C2: These levels are German at the highest standard. At the end of these courses, you will have mastered German almost as well as people who have grown up speaking the language, i. e. near-native competence.

Download: Required German language skills for Visa 

So international students looking to know the level of German they would need are advised to check their preferred university admission requirements. Whether you are planning to study or work in Germany, it is highly recommended to be proficient in the German language at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This will help you in communicating effectively and independently, facilitate your social life and improve your career prospects if you would like to stay in Germany after completing your studies. Candidates can get in touch with us in the comments section below or contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university admissions.