Exams

A good working knowledge of German is often not enough. Sometimes a university or an employer wants proof of these skills. This is why the Humboldt-Institut offers several official, internationally recognized exams, among them the TestDaF, TestAS and telc Deutsch A1 to C1.

The TestDaF and TestAS exams can be taken in our course centers in Berlin-Mitte and Constance.

The telc exams are offered in Berlin-Mitte, Constance and Bad Schussenried. The two schools in Berlin-Mitte and Constance are both recognized as “telc Kompetenzzentrum Hochschule” (telc competence center higher education).

Die telc GmbH (The European Language Certificates) is an internationally recognized testing company. The telc language certificates are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, making them internationally comparable and thus improving students’ educational and professional opportunities.

Through these general language exams, students can prove how well they master the German language in daily situations, such as trips, leisure activities or at work.

The exams consist of an individual written exam, as well as of an oral exam conducted with another student or in groups. To help you get an idea what kind of language knowledge corresponds to the various telc exams please see the following overview:

The telc Deutsch A1 Junior exam is geared towards our youngest learners ages 10 to 13. The test — with its child-friendly format — does not take long to complete, uses simple, easy-to-understand tasks and pictures, and is tailored especially to the cognitive abilities of young students.

The telc Deutsch A2 Schule and telc Deutsch B1 Schule exams are German language tests especially designed for younger learners. The Schule exams are equivalent to the more general telc exams, yet cover subjects applicable to the knowledge and lives of young students ages 10 to 17, such as their leisure time, friends, school, experiences abroad, etc. A telc exam allows young people to demonstrate not only their German language skills, but also their commitment, interest and determination.

The telc Deutsch B1 exam is suited for students with a basic knowledge of German. This exam is a recognized proof of sufficient knowledge of German for naturalization in Germany.

The telc Deutsch B2 exam tests general German language skills at an advanced level.

Both tests can be used to verify German language knowledge in work or professional settings.

To prepare for the telc B1 /B2 exam, the B1 / B2 German courses of the Humboldt-Institut in Berlin and Constance are ideally suited.

The telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule demonstrates that a candidate has sufficient German skill for admission to a German university. The advantages of this exam over the DSH are:

• The certificate is recognized by all universities and technical or applied sciences colleges in Germany.
• The test can be repeated any number of times.
• The clear structure of the test into reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written and oral expression allows for targeted preparation.
• The certificate has unlimited validity.
• It is a standardized, centrally created and centrally corrected examination, which guarantees students a fair exam.

The telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule also provides important evidence of language ability for anyone who wants to do research in Germany or wants to document language skills at an advanced level.

The Humboldt-Institut’s C1 German courses in Berlin and Constance are ideal for preparing for the telc C1 Hochschule exam. Students with no prior knowledge of German can reach the required language level in approximately eight months at the Humboldt-Institut.

For the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule you may enroll directly through the Humboldt-Institut.

The TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache = Test of German as a foreign language) serves as proof of sufficient German language skills for people who wish to study at a German university.

As standardized exam for meeting university language requirements, the TestDaF exam is equivalent to the DSH exam (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang).

The advantages of the TestDaF over the DSH are:

• The certificate is recognized by all universities and technical or applied sciences colleges in Germany.
• The test can be repeated any number of times.
• The clear structure of the test into reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written and oral expression allows for targeted preparation.
• The certificate has unlimited validity.
• It is a standardized, centrally created and centrally corrected examination, which guarantees students a fair exam.

In addition, the TestDaF is respected proof of language skills for all those who wish to do scientific research work in Germany or wish to document their German language knowledge.

Students with no prior knowledge of German can reach the required language level in approximately eight months at the Humboldt-Institut. We are happy to help all students in our intensive courses (from level C1) who would like to take the TestDaF exam with additional exercises or TestDaF-specific tasks that can be integrated into regular lessons.

The TestDaF is currently offered in two versions – paper-based and digital. The advantage of the digital version are the shorter registration period and the faster correction time.

Due to high demand the spaces for these exams are booked out early, so students should enroll at the beginning of the enrollment period to take them.

Please find the dates and enrollment form at TestDaF:

• Register for the TestDaF in Berlin  (in German)
• Register for the TestDaF in Constance  (in German)

TestAS is a central standardized scholastic aptitude test for foreign university students.

The TestAS (Test für Ausländische Studierende, Test for Academic Studies) consists of an online language test, a core test and four subject-specific test modules: a humanities, cultural studies and social sciences module; a mathematics, computer science and natural sciences module; an engineering module; and an economics module.

TestAS results enable applicants from non-EU countries to realistically assess their chances of successfully completing their studies at a German university.

Currently, TestAS is offered in two variants – paper-based and digital. The advantage of the digital variant is the shorter correction time.

The TestAS can only be booked via the TestAS website.