What is TestDaF?
The test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) means „German as a foreign language“. It is a central, standardised language test for international students applying either to begin their studies in Germany or to continue studies already begun in their home country. The TestDaF is recognised by all German universities. TestDaf is, however, not only relevant for students, but also for anyone who would like differentiated proof of their language ability or who may require it for their employer.
The TestDaF certificate is valid for an unlimited time. It is recognised by all German higher education institutions as level TDN 4 for admission to university study or to a study college. At certain universities, depending on the subject of study, applicants are also admitted with results below level TDN 4.
> TestDaF grading levels (TDN)
TestDaF Examination Format
All topics and tasks in the TestDaF exam are about the general areas of universities, academic study and research and are applicable to students applying to all faculties. The TestDaF examination consists of a total of 4 sections:
- Section 1: Reading comprehension (60 minutes)
In this section you need to demonstrate that you can understand texts that have thematic and linguistic relevance to universities. You will need to perform tasks that require understanding of the overall structure as well as detailed and implicit information. There are three texts of varying difficulty to read.
- Section 2: Listening comprehension (40 minutes)
In this section you need to demonstrate that you can understand audio texts that have thematic and linguistic relevance to universities. You will need to perform tasks that require understanding of the overall structure as well as detailed and implicit information. There are three audio texts of varying difficulty.
- Section 3: Written expression (60 minutes)
In this section you need to demonstrate that you can write a coherent and clearly structured text about a particular topic. In the first part of the text you need to describe a graphical image. In the second part of the text you need to state your opinion about a question posed for discussion.
- Section 4: Oral expression (30 minutes)
In this section you need to demonstrate that you can communicate orally in various situations at a university. The section consists of a total of seven tasks of varying difficulty. For example, you might be asked to conduct a telephone conversation in which you request a result, ask for or give information or you could be asked to describe a picture. The „Oral expression“ section is controlled by means of CD which means that your answers are recorded.
TestDaF Grading Levels
Each section of the exam is graded separately according to three grading levels. The TestDaF grading levels (TDN) 3, 4 and 5 correspond to levels B2 and C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages.
- TestDaF Grading level 3 (TDN 3) = 70-80% Test result (B2)
- TestDaF Grading level 4 (TDN 4) = 80-90% Test result (B2/C1)
- TestDaF Grading level 5 (TDN 5) = 90-100% Test result (C1)
TestDaF Examination Dates
The test may be repeated as often as you wish. Exams take place several times a year on fixed dates.
Please note that enrolment for our TestDaF exam is only possible online through the website of the TestDaF Institute. The examination fee is 175,00 Euro.
> Online enrolment for the TestDaF examination
Crash Courses for TestDaF @ IfS
As the only licensed testing centre for TestDaF in Kassel, we have many years of experience with TestDaF preparation. Our effective TestDaF training provides focused practice with the test format using original example tasks and thus prepares you optimally for the examination. Feel free to contact us and we will gladly give you personal advice.
