DSH

What is the DSH?

The DSH (German Language Test for University Admission) is an internal university language test that international applicants must take in order to begin a degree course in Germany.

It demonstrates that you are able to understand lectures, work with academic texts and pass exams successfully.
The examination is organised directly by universities. Each university conducts the DSH itself and sets its own dates.

Structure of the DSH
The DSH consists of two parts:

1. Written examination. This covers several areas:
- Listening comprehension: understanding an academic-style lecture
- Reading comprehension: analysis of a specialist text
- Academic language structures: grammar and structures for university study
- Text production: Writing your own text on a topic or diagram

2. Oral examination
The oral examination takes place once the written examination has been passed.
It includes:

- a short presentation or description
- questions from the examiners
- a discussion on study-related content

DSH procedure

The procedure may vary slightly depending on the university, but generally follows this pattern:

1. Registration
– directly with the university or the Studienkolleg
– in some cases, registration is only possible once you have been admitted to a degree programme

2. Written examination
– Duration: approx. 3–4 hours

3. Results of the written examination
– if passed: invitation to the oral examination

4. Oral exam
– Duration: approx. 15–20 minutes

5. Overall result

Results are awarded in three grades:

DSH‑1 (57–67 %)

DSH‑2 (67–81 %)

DSH‑3 (82 % and above)

DSH‑2 is required for most degree programmes.


Validity of the DSH certificate
The DSH certificate is valid throughout Germany.
An exception is the University of Stuttgart, which only accepts its own certificates.