Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
Information
The next written DSH is expected to take place on 15 January 2027.
The oral examination will take place at the end of January at the Viadrina Language Centre.
Registration takes place – as always – at the Service Point.
The examination fee of €130 must be paid in cash on the day of the examination.
Check-in starts at 08:30 / Exam starts at 09:00 in tba.
Registration deadline: 8 January 2027
What is the DSH? What is it for?
The DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is a language test used by universities in Germany. It is developed and organised by individual universities. In the DSH, international applicants are required to demonstrate that their German language skills are sufficient for studying at a German university. They are tested to see whether they can understand lectures and study-related texts, and whether they can express themselves orally and in writing on a study-related topic. The DSH confirms that you have the required language proficiency for this. The DSH must be taken by all applicants who have not completed their high-school studies at a German-language institution and who do not have any of the certificates accepted as DSH equivalents.
The DSH consists of a written and an oral examination. The written exam takes place first. The oral examination is held after the results of the written examination have been announced.
To pass the examination, you need to pass both the written and oral components.
a) Procedure and structure of the written examination
1. Understanding and working with an audio text
Time: 50 minutes
2. Understanding and working with a reading text and academic language structures
Time: 90 minutes including reading time
3. Task-based text production
Time: 70 minutes
The different components of the examination are weighted in a ratio of 2:2:1:2.
b) Procedure and structure of the oral examination:
If your overall score for the written exam is at least 57%, you will be invited to the oral examination.
The oral examination consists of a short presentation based on a text and a discussion with the examiners (max. 20 minutes).
The result of the oral examination is announced immediately after the oral examination.
The overall result of the examination is determined as follows:
DSH-1 if if you score at least 57% in the written and oral examinations;
DSH-2 if you score at least 67% in the written and oral examinations;
DSH-3 if you score at least 82% in the written and oral examinations.
Applicants who already possess one of the certificates listed below are exempt from the DSH examination.
- German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) Abitur Goethe-Certificate C2 (Goethe-Institut)
- Kleines und Großes Sprachdiplom (Goethe-Institut)
- Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (Goethe-Institut)
- Completion of a German-language degree programme with a standard period of study of at least six semesters
- DSH from a German-speaking university or a preparatory college (at least DSH 2)
- Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache - TestDaF with at least level 4 in all four parts of the test
- German Language Diploma KMK Level II (DSD II) with level C1 in all four subtests
- telc German C1 University (good)
What our students say
Learning German at the Viadrina Language Centre is simply great fun. The teachers are friendly, and the lessons are varied and invigorating!
Mario from Spain
I never enjoyed German at school or at home, and I never thought I’d ever come to like it. But I had to take German at Viadrina, and I don’t regret it. The staff were very helpful and are the reason why – for the first time in my life – I’m looking forward to my German lessons.
Monika from Poland