Language test preparation in Germany for international students

German schools provide a wide range of studying programs and courses that allow to prepare for particularly every language exam. Do you doubt the choice of the test? SMAPSE experts are ready to advise you on the available issues. SMAPSE specialists will help to select the appropriate pre-examination studying program.

You can get advice from SMAPSE experts by:

• E-mail
• Phone (free multichannel hotline, call back)
• Via online chat

You can also select the programme yourself. SMAPSE experts have developed a convenient system for finding educational institutions and courses on certain parameters.

In the left panel of this page you will find several filters. They allow you to sort information according to the type of the curriculum (according to the priority language test for you), the type of the training center, according to the location of the latter (city in Germany).

SMAPSE recommends only verified language schools and centers. All educational institutions cooperating with the SMAPSE have necessary licenses to carry out activities. All TOP-10 language schools, that offer preparation courses in Germany, provide an intensive, specialized, effective programs. Language programs are held by high-qualified teachers- native speakers.

For German-taught studying programs applicants usually have to pass the TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache), offered in around 100 countries, or the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), which is taken in Germany directly at the universities before the start of studies. The DSH consists of a written and an oral part, and its levels correlate with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Reaching at least the intermediate level in all parts complies with the language requirements of the vast majority of degree programs.

Other widely recognized certificates include the Goethe-Zertifikat C2, the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule and the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD II). For some programs, the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 and C1 as well as the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 and C1 are also accepted. International (English-taught) programs can usually be entered without confirmation of German, but require proof of English, while one-to-two-semester exchange stays often need no language test at all.

The Goethe-Institut holds German exams worldwide for adults and young learners at levels A1–C2 of the CEFR. Goethe certificates are recognized internationally as proof of language knowledge for visa procedures, professional recognition and university registration.

The TestAS is a standardized aptitude test for international applicants planning to study in Germany, and a good result improves the chances of admission to a German university. It can be taken in German or English at language level A2-B2 CEFR, and is available in two formats — digital and paper-based — both testing the same skills with the same demands. Upcoming test dates are 24.10.2026, 26.11.2026 and 25.02.2027.

Applicants to German-language programs usually confirm their language level through one of several recognized exams. The most common are the TestDaF and the DSH, but universities also accept a number of certificates from the Goethe-Institut and other providers.

The Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) is offered in around 100 countries, which makes it convenient to take before arriving in Germany. If a candidate reaches at least the intermediate level in all parts of the exam, the result complies with the language requirements of the vast majority of degree programs.

The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) is the German language examination for access to higher education. It is taken in Germany, directly at the individual universities, before studies begin. The DSH consists of a written and an oral part, and its levels correlate with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Besides these two, the Goethe-Zertifikat C2, the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule examination and the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (level II) are usually recognized as well. For some degree programs, the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 and C1 and the ÖSD Zertifikat B2 and C1 are also accepted.

The Goethe-Institut runs German exams worldwide for adults and young learners at levels A1 to C2 of the CEFR. Goethe certificates are valued internationally as confirmation of language knowledge for visa procedures, professional recognition and university registration, so a certificate obtained during a preparation course remains useful well after admission.