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Do you want to study in Germany? Then, you need to take the DSH test. DSH German Test (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is a German language test for international students who want to enrol in a university in Germany. The exam will help you to meet the German language proficiency criteria set by German universities. Both an undergraduate and a postgraduate applicant can take the examination. This blog covers everything you need to know about the exam. You will learn about the exam format, scoring, registration process, fees, top universities requiring the score and more.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the DSH Test?
- DSH German Test Format
- Exam Scoring Levels and CEFR Equivalence
- DSH Exam Fees in India
- How to Register for the DSH German Test?
- Top German Universities And Their DSH Requirements
- DSH Test Results 2025
- Exam Centres for the DSH German Test
- Is the DSH Difficult?
- DSH German Test vs TESTDAF
- How to Prepare for the DSH Exam?
- FAQs
What is the DSH Test?
The DSH test (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is designed to determine whether you have the required German language skills to study at a university. The test would gauge your ability to understand lectures, read academic texts, communicate and write effectively.
The exam consists of a written and an oral part. The written exam would emphasise your listening comprehension, writing and reading skills in an academic setting. On the other hand, the oral exam is conducted to assess your ability to speak in German on a given topic. The test is administered and evaluated by individual German universities.
| Did you know? DSH is an alternative exam to TestDaF, Telc, DSD, ÖSD or Goethe. You only have to appear for any of these German proficiency tests to prove your language abilities. |
DSH German Test Format
As mentioned earlier, the exam has two parts. One is the written part, and the other is the oral exam. You can only sit for the second part (oral test) if you clear the written exam. The written exam is conducted for 3-4 hours, while the oral test is just for 40 minutes. The exam format is provided in detail below
| S.No. | Exam Part | Sections | Duration | Weight |
| 1 | Written Exam | 1] Listening comprehension2] Reading comprehension & academic language structures3] Text production (200–250 words) | 3–4 hours | ~70% |
| 2 | Oral Exam | 1]Presentation or discussion 2] Questions on a topic, often related to the written part | ~40 minutes (incl. prep) | ~30% |
| Did you know? You are allowed to carry a Monolingual German (German dictionary) for the written test. |
Exam Scoring Levels and CEFR Equivalence
The DSH Test scores can be understood in three levels. A DSH 1 level score is just a basic pass. You may not get admission with this score. On the other hand, those securing a DSH 2 or 3 level scores have a good chance of getting admission to a German University. Keep in mind that the exam scores just complement your overall application. It is not the sole criterion for admission.
| S. No. | DSH Level | Score Range | CEFR Equivalent | Ability to Secure Admission |
| 1 | DSH 1 | ≥ 57% – 66% | B2 (upper intermediate) | Basic pass; may be insufficient for many degree programs |
| 2 | DSH 2 | ≥ 67% – 81% | C1 (advanced) | Standard requirement for most German universities |
| 3 | DSH 3 | ≥ 82% | C2 (near-native level) | Highest proficiency; meets requirements for all programs |
Also Read: Entrance Exams for German Universities: Complete List
DSH Exam Fees in India
Individual German universities are responsible for conducting the DSH test. Therefore, the universities carry out the registration process, and the fees are set up by them. In general, the fees vary between EUR 80 to EUR 100. That is, you will have to pay around INR 7360 to INR 9200.
| S.No. | University | Fee (EUR) | Fee (INR) |
| 1 | University of Würzburg | 100 | 9,200 |
| 2 | HTW Berlin | 130 | 11,960 |
| 3 | University of Bonn | 140 | 12,880 |
| 4 | Leibniz University Hanover | 190 | 17,480 |
| 5 | TH Köln | 130 | 11,960 |
| 6 | FAU (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität) | 80 | 7,360 |
How to Register for the DSH German Test?
The Universities handle the registration process. Therefore, to register for the DSH exam, you have to visit their official website. The registration process is as follows:
Go to the university website
Visit the website of the university you want admission to and search for DSH. Thereafter, you can view their requirements and registration process. Some universities may have different requirements for external applicants and those who have already received an offer letter from the university.
Understand the Registration Process
German Universities usually provide a registration form on their website. You have to complete it and submit it. Every university has its exam dates and deadlines.
Prove Your Eligibility
You must have a certain level of German language proficiency to sit for the DSH exam. If the university has set such a criterion, you will be required to submit proof of your language proficiency. For example, a B2 or C1 certificate from an institution like the Goethe-Institut can be submitted.
Exam Fee Payment and Form Submission
Lastly, submit the exam fees (see the university website) and submit the application form. The payment can be made via bank transfer. You will also have to provide proof of your payment, like a bank statement or a transfer receipt, when you submit your application form. The registration form can be submitted through the university-provided email address or the online portal.
Top German Universities And Their DSH Requirements
All German universities accept the DSH results. However, for admission to most degree programs, particularly at the undergraduate level, you need a score of DSH-2. For highly competitive subjects in the country, such as medicine, law, or humanities, a higher score (DSH-3) is required. You will find that in technical fields like engineering, a DSH-1 score is acceptable.
| S.No. | University | QS Ranking 2025 | DSH Requirement |
| 1 | Technical University of Munich (TUM) | 28 | DSH-2 required for most programs (some bachelor’s may accept DSH-1) |
| 2 | Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) | 59 | DSH-2 or higher for German-taught programs |
| 3 | Heidelberg University | 84 | DSH-2 for most programs and DSH-3 for medicine |
| 4 | RWTH Aachen University | 99 | DSH-2 minimum requirement for most programs |
| 5 | Freie Universität Berlin | 97 | DSH-2 standard (some programs may require a higher score) |
| 6 | University of Freiburg | 102 | DSH-2 in general |
| 7 | Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) | 126 | DSH-2 in general |
| 8 | University of Hamburg | 147 | DSH-2 in general |
| 9 | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | 191 | DSH-2 in general |
| 10 | University of Stuttgart | 212 | DSH-2 in general |
DSH Test Results 2025
All sections in the exam have equal weightage. Based on the grades you achieve in the individual sections, you will be given a score: DSH-1, DSH-2 or DSH-3 certificate. Most universities require you to have at least DSH 2 or 3 for admission. Some universities require a specific score for certain degree programs. A few may even allow you to repeat the test after 1 semester.
| Level | Required Score | University Admission Criteria |
| DSH-1 | At least 57% overall | Sufficient for some technical fields. The score is not enough for German-taught courses |
| DSH-2 | At least 67% overall | This is the most common requirement for German-taught degree programs |
| DSH-3 | At least 82% overall | Required for highly language-intensive programs like medicine, law, or humanities |
You need to secure the required percentage in both sections to get the level score.
Also Read: Free German Lessons Online for Beginners
Exam Centres for the DSH German Test
The DSH exam can only be taken at a German university. The exam is usually held at the respective university campus. Only a few universities may allow an external applicant (meaning you may not have specifically applied for admission to that university) to take the test. Certain authorised language schools, such as the Goethe-Institut, may also permit you to take the test. To find an exam centre, to visit the official website of the university. You can also enquire with the respective university officials. The following are some of the most common exam centres.
- HTW Berlin
- Leibniz University Hannover
- Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm
- University of Bonn
- University of Hamburg
- TU Darmstadt
- Saarland University
- Goethe-Institut (in various locations)
You can only take the test from Germany.
Is the DSH Difficult?
Yes. The DSH is considered a challenging examination as it requires you to attain DSH-3 or DSH-2 for admission. You are tested on language proficiency at an academic level.. Your vocabulary, grammar, writing and communication skills are emphasised. The exam content can vary across universities. Hence, the difficulty can also vary depending on the specific university requirements.
You might need a DSH-3, which is near native proficiency, if you are applying to courses like medicine. Ultimately, the exact difficulty level depends on the course you want to enrol in, the university you are taking the test at, and your language proficiency.
DSH German Test vs TESTDAF
The DSH and TestDAF are popular German proficiency tests. You can only take the DSH while you are in Germany at a German University or an authorised test centre. This is a decentralised examination, but its results are acceptable in all German universities.
On the other hand, TestDAF is a centralised admissions test that has its test centres worldwide. You can choose to take this test even at authorised test centres like the Goethe-Institut or the Max Mueller Bhavan in Delhi. To help you decide which test you must take, we have provided a clear testing comparison in the table below:
| S.No. | Aspect | DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) | TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) |
| 1 | Administration | Conducted and evaluated by individual German universities; non-standardised across institutions | Standardised; centrally created and scored by the TestDaF-Institut |
| 2 | Locations | Available only in Germany at participating universities | Offered globally at licensed test centres in 90+ countries |
| 3 | Exam Structure | Two main parts: Written (listening, reading, writing) and Oral; format varies by university | Four fixed parts: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking; same format everywhere |
| 4 | Scoring Mechanism | Final grade is the lower of written and oral — DSH-1 to DSH-3 (57%, 67%, 82%) | Each section is graded separately as TDN 3–5; most universities require a minimum of TDN 4 in all sections |
| 5 | CEFR Equivalence | DSH-1 = B2; DSH-2 = C1; DSH-3 = C2 | TDN 4–5 correspond roughly to B2–C1 levels |
| 6 | Recognition & Validity | Widely accepted by German universities, the certificate is generally transferable among universities | Universally accepted by all German universities; valid indefinitely |
| 7 | Ease & Flexibility | Slightly more flexible — strong performance in one part can offset weaker areas in the other | Requires consistent performance across all four sections |
| 8 | Preparation & Difficulty | Difficulty and prep vary by university; content may be harder or easier depending on the institution | Standardised difficulty; preparation can be systematic and widely supported |
To learn more about the difference between DSH and TestDaF, watch this video.
How to Prepare for the DSH Exam?
The DSH exam isn’t easy. Therefore, you must prepare well. Focus on improving your language skills so you can get admission to your desired university. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exam.
- Understand the exam format to avoid last-minute surprises. You need to take practice tests or mock tests regularly to get comfortable with the testing format, timing, and question types.
- Develop note-taking and listening strategies. For example, capture key points using abbreviations quickly.
- Regularly consume academic-style German content such as university lectures, news, podcasts, and articles. Learn to summarise what you have read or studied.
- Practise writing in German by following proper writing structures. Review your essays and improve them.
- Make use of the online platforms that offer exams that replicate the DSH exam format. Seek feedback and improve your language skills.
The DSH exam is one of the most widely accepted German Language proficiency tests. You need to secure at least a DSH-2 level score for admission to a university. However, it must be noted that this exam can only be taken in Germany at an authorised test centre or the German University campus. This is because individual universities conduct the test on the dates they have decided.
FAQs
The DSH test is a German language proficiency test for international students. This test is taken to assess your German language skills to study at a German University.
All Universities in Germany accept the DSH test results. The test is equivalent to TestDaF, Telc, DSD, ÖSD, Goethe and other German language proficiency tests for university admission.
The exam fees vary depending on the university. Generally, the test fees vary from EUR 80 to EUR 100. You will have to check the individual university website to know the exact fees.
The DSH test dates vary depending on the university. The universities typically conduct the exam typically before the start of the first semester. You have to follow the specific university admission cycle to understand the same.
German Universities require a higher score for medical students, as it involves direct interactions with patients in Germany for clinical studies. You need at least a DSH-3 score, which is near native proficiency for admission.
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