DSH exam and preparation course

The course will take place in person, but it is possible to join online:

Please use the following link:

https:// (external link, opens in a new window)vc2.sonia.de/b/ver-hoa-yuf-a1w

4 teaching units

Monday: 9.00-10.30 and 10.45-12.15

Start of course: 10.03.2025

Room: Am Exer 11, Room 3

If you have any other questions, please contact: a.goldkamp​(at)​ostfalia.de (opens your email program)

The German Language Test for University Admission (DSH) consists of a written and an oral part. You must pass both parts in order to receive the DSH certificate.

Structure of the written exam:

• Listening comprehension: You listen to a text and answer questions about it.
• Reading comprehension: You read a science-related text and complete tasks.
• Academic language structures: You demonstrate your knowledge of grammatical structures in a university context.
• Text production: You write a structured text on a given topic.

Duration:

• Listening comprehension: 40 minutes
• Reading comprehension: 60 minutes
• Academic language (grammar): 30 minutes
• Text production: 70 minutes

Resources: You may use a German-German dictionary.

Listening comprehension:

• Tasks PDF
• Text PDF
• Solution PDF

Reading comprehension:

• Tasks PDF
• Text PDF
• Solution PDF

Scientific language structures:

• Tasks PDF
• Solution PDF

Text production:

• Graphics and tasks PDF

The areas can balance each other out. The overall score is decisive.

To pass the written DSH, you need at least 80 points:

• DSH-1: 80 - 93 points
• DSH-2: 93.5 - 114.5 points
• DSH-3: 115 - 140 points

Only those who pass the written exam are allowed to take the oral exam.

The oral examination is necessary to pass the DSH in full.

• Admission: Only after passing the written exam
• Maximum achievable points: 60
• Both parts of the examination - written and oral - must reach at least the same level (e.g. DSH-2) in order to be recognised on the certificate.

The German Language Test for University Admission (DSH) is a recognised language test for foreign applicants. It proves that you have the necessary German language skills to complete a degree programme at a German university.

The DSH preparation course prepares you intensively for the form and content of the exam. It is expected to take place as a hybrid course - both online and in person at the Wolfenbüttel site.

The course lasts three weeks (mornings) and comprises 77 lessons and the subsequent exam.

The following groups can take the DSH exam at Ostfalia University:

• Ostfalia university applicants
• Participants of the DSH preparation course
• Exchange students of the Ostfalia
• External students with proof of C1 or DSH-1

To take part in the DSH preparation course, you must provide proof of German language proficiency at level B2.2. We require a degree certificate for this - a certificate of attendance is not sufficient.

Ideally, you should have already acquired language skills up to level B2 in your home country. If this is not possible, there are many private providers where you can achieve level B2.2.

Important: Ostfalia only offers beginner courses during the semester - not as part of the DSH preparation course.

If you only want to take the DSH exam, you must present a certificate at level C1 or a DSH-1 certificate.

Participation is only possible if you have registered in good time and have received an invitation from us.

Participation is associated with the following costs:

• 275€ for the preparation course

• 125€ for the exam

  = 400€ total amount for course and exam
  

• 180€ for the DSH exam only (without course)

Payment is made by bank transfer. You will receive our bank details after your confirmation.

Cash payment is not possible. Important: Any bank charges - e.g. for international transfers - must be paid by yourself.

Summer semester 2025:

• DSH preparation course: probably 21 May - 12 June 2025
• Written exam: expected 14/06/2025
• Oral exam: expected 30 June + 1 July 2025
• Location: Ostfalia HaW, Wolfenbüttel and online

Winter semester 2025/26:

• The exact dates for the winter semester will be announced.

Application:

It is no longer possible to apply for courses and examinations in the summer semester 2025.

No enrolment is required for participation in the language courses and the DSH examination.

Admission to the degree programme is only possible after passing the DSH - i.e. for the following semester at the earliest. It is important that you submit a complete application for admission with all the necessary documents in good time.

Please note: Passing the DSH examination does not automatically guarantee you a place at Ostfalia.

You will only receive a confirmation of enrolment for your visa once you have been allocated a place on the course and the course fee has been paid in full.

If you are only studying at Ostfalia for a short time as part of an exchange programme and are not aiming for a degree, you do not have to take the DSH exam.

In special cases, an exemption is also possible if you can provide evidence of very good German language skills. The chairperson of the examination board will decide on the exemption.

Ostfalia's DSH examination regulations are registered with the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and the German as a Foreign Language Association (FaDaF) under the number 36-09/14.

The DSH examination taken at Ostfalia is recognised at all universities throughout Germany.

If you register and a place is reserved for you, you are obliged to pay - unless you cancel in good time.

If you cancel two weeks before the start of the course, 50% of the course fee will be charged as a cancellation fee.

If you cancel seven days or less before the start of the course, Ostfalia will retain the entire course fee.

If the number of participants is too low, the course may be cancelled. In this case, you will receive a full refund of the fees paid.

You can repeat the DSH exam if you do not pass it.
You will receive an official DSH certificate stating the level you have reached (DSH-1, DSH-2 or DSH-3).
The certificate will show the percentage results for all parts of the exam.