German Language Proficiency Tests for 2025

Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

For Indian students aiming to study or work in Germany, selecting the right German language test is essential. Tests like TestDaF and DSH are perfect for academic purposes, as they are widely accepted by German universities. These exams evaluate intermediate to advanced proficiency, with fees ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹17,000.

For professional or migration needs, Goethe-Zertifikat, TELC, and ÖSD are great choices, covering levels from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2), with fees starting at ₹6,000. For quick assessments, OnSET (₹3,500–₹5,000) is ideal for preparatory courses, while UNIcert offers advanced certifications through partner universities.

Explore: Study in Germany for Indian Student

Table of Contents

Popular German Language Tests for German Universities
1.1 TestDaF

1.2 DSH

1.3 Goethe-Zertifikat

1.4 TELC

1.5 ÖSD

1.6 OnSET

1.7 UNIcert
How Well Do I Need to Speak German?
How to Decide Which German Language Test to Take?
Which Test Is Suitable for Academic vs. Professional Purposes?
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for German Language Exams

Popular German Language Tests for German Universities

The table below showcases popular German language tests for Indian students planning to study at German universities:

Test Name	Description	Difficulty Level	Fee Range (INR)
TestDaF	Test of German as a Foreign Language for academic purposes.	Intermediate-Advanced	₹15,000–₹17,000
DSH	German Language University Entrance Exam.	Advanced	₹12,000–₹15,000
Goethe-Zertifikat	Internationally recognized language proficiency certification.	Beginner to Advanced	₹6,000–₹12,000
TELC	The European Language Certificate for practical proficiency.	Intermediate-Advanced	₹8,000–₹10,000
ÖSD	Austrian German Language Diploma.	Beginner to Advanced	₹10,000–₹12,000
OnSET	Online placement test for quick language assessment.	Beginner-Intermediate	₹3,500–₹5,000
UNIcert	Specialized German certification for academic use.	Intermediate-Advanced	₹5,000–₹7,000

Also Check: Best Universities in Germany for International Students

TestDaF

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is a German language test widely accepted by universities in Germany. It assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills, with a TDN 4 score typically required for admission. The following table showcases key details about the TestDaF exam:

Category	Details
Test Structure	Reading Comprehension: 3 tasks, 60 minutes. Listening Comprehension: 3 tasks, 40 minutes. Written Expression: 1 essay task, 60 minutes. Oral Expression: 7 tasks, 35 minutes.
Eligibility	Suitable for candidates with at least B2 level German proficiency. Ideal for students aiming for German universities.
Fees	₹15,000–₹17,000
Registration Process	Register online via the official TestDaF website. Choose an authorized test center in India. Pay the test fee to confirm your registration.
Test Centers	Available in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Frequency	Conducted multiple times a year, typically 6-8 times. Check the TestDaF website for dates.
Average Accepted Score	Most German universities require a TDN 4 (TestDaF Level 4) in all sections for admission.
Validity	TestDaF scores do not expire, offering lifetime validity.
Preparation Tips	Use official resources from the TestDaF website. Practice sample tests and focus on academic German. Take preparatory courses tailored to TestDaF.

DSH

DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is a German language exam designed for international students applying to German universities. It evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, with a DSH-2 level (equivalent to CEFR C1) commonly required for admission. The following table showcases key details about the DSH exam:

Category	Details
Test Structure	Written Section: Includes reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and academic writing. Oral Section: Focuses on verbal communication and academic presentation skills.
Eligibility	Open to students who have received a conditional admission letter from a German university. Recommended for candidates with a B2 to C1 level of German proficiency.
Fees	₹12,000–₹15,000
Registration Process	Register directly with the German university conducting the test. Submit proof of conditional admission and pay the test fee to confirm your registration.
Test Centers	Conducted exclusively in Germany, at individual universities.
Frequency	Varies by university, typically conducted 2–4 times a year.
Average Accepted Score	German universities usually require a DSH-2 (equivalent to CEFR level C1) for admission.
Validity	Scores are valid indefinitely, but some universities may request recent results.
Preparation Tips	Practice academic reading, writing, and speaking in German. Enroll in preparatory courses offered by the target university. Familiarize yourself with DSH sample papers available online.

Goethe-Zertifikat

Goethe-Zertifikat is an internationally recognized German language certification offered by the Goethe-Institut. Suitable for learners at all levels (A1 to C2), it assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Indian students can use it to demonstrate German proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes. The following table showcases key details about the Goethe-Zertifikat exam:

Category	Details
Test Structure	Listening: Understanding spoken German in various contexts. Reading: Comprehension of written texts like articles, letters, and brochures. Writing: Writing letters, essays, or emails based on given topics. Speaking: Conversations, discussions, or presentations on general and academic topics.
Eligibility	Open to candidates of all age groups. Suitable for beginners (A1) to advanced learners (C2).
Fees	₹6,000–₹12,000
Registration Process	Register online via the Goethe-Institut website or at authorized Goethe centers in India. Select the desired level and test center. Pay the registration fee to confirm your booking.
Test Centers	Available at Goethe-Institut branches and affiliated centers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
Frequency	Conducted multiple times a year; dates vary by test center and level.
Average Accepted Score	Varies by purpose:- A1/A2 for basic communication. B2/C1 for academic or professional purposes. C2 for advanced proficiency in specialized fields.
Validity	Scores are valid for life, but some institutions may request recent results (within 1–2 years).
Preparation Tips	Use official resources and sample papers available on the Goethe-Institut website. Take preparatory courses offered by Goethe-Institut or online platforms. Practice listening, speaking, and writing in real-world scenarios.

TELC

TELC (The European Language Certificates) is a German language proficiency test recognized across Europe for academic, professional, and migration purposes. It evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, covering CEFR levels A1 to C2. Indian students can use TELC to demonstrate their German proficiency for studying or working in German-speaking countries. The following table showcases key details about the TELC exam:

Category	Details
Test Structure	Listening: Understanding spoken German in everyday and professional contexts. Reading: Comprehension of texts like advertisements, emails, and articles. Writing: Writing letters, reports, or essays based on given scenarios. Speaking: Conducting conversations, presenting arguments, and discussing topics.
Eligibility	Open to anyone with German language knowledge from A1 to C2. Particularly suitable for students and professionals seeking to demonstrate practical language skills.
Fees	₹8,000–₹10,000
Registration Process	Register online via the official TELC website or through affiliated test centers. Select the test level (A1–C2) and pay the registration fee.- Confirm your test date and venue.
Test Centers	TELC exams are offered in Germany and some authorized centers globally, but may not be widely available in India.
Frequency	Conducted multiple times a year; dates and availability vary by center and level.
Average Accepted Score	Varies by purpose:- B1 for work visas. B2 or C1 for academic or professional applications. C2 for advanced proficiency requirements.
Validity	TELC certificates do not have an expiry date, but institutions may request recent results.
Preparation Tips	Practice official sample tests available on the TELC website. Focus on real-life communication scenarios. Enroll in preparatory courses designed for TELC exams. Enhance writing, speaking, and comprehension skills through regular practice.

ÖSD

ÖSD (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch) is an internationally recognized German language certification offered for levels A1 to C2. It assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, with a focus on Austrian German. Indian students can use ÖSD to fulfill language requirements for studying or working in German-speaking countries, including Austria. The following table showcases key details about the ÖSD exam:

Category	Details
Test Structure	Listening: Understanding spoken German in various contexts. Reading: Comprehending written texts like articles, letters, and reports. Writing: Writing essays, letters, or reports based on academic or professional topics. Speaking: Engaging in conversations, discussions, and presentations on general or professional subjects.
Eligibility	Open to candidates of all age groups. Suitable for learners from A1 to C2 levels of German proficiency.
Fees	₹10,000–₹12,000
Registration Process	Register online via the official ÖSD website or through affiliated test centers. Choose the desired level and test center. Pay the required fee to confirm registration.
Test Centers	Available at select centers globally, with limited availability in India. Check the ÖSD website for nearby test centers.
Frequency	Conducted multiple times a year, depending on the test center and level.
Average Accepted Score	B2 or C1 is commonly required for academic purposes. C2 is preferred for specialized professional fields.
Validity	ÖSD certificates do not have an expiry date, but some institutions may require recent results (within 1–2 years).
Preparation Tips	Use official practice materials and sample tests provided by the ÖSD website. Enroll in German language classes tailored to ÖSD levels. Focus on building listening, speaking, and writing skills specific to academic or professional contexts.

OnSET

OnSET (Online Sprach-Einstufungstest) is a flexible online German language placement test designed to assess proficiency levels from A2 to C1. It focuses on listening and reading comprehension, making it ideal for students applying for preparatory courses or language programs in Germany. Indian students can use OnSET to quickly evaluate their German skills and determine suitable academic pathways. The following table showcases key details about the OnSET exam:

Category	Details
Test Structure	Listening and Reading Comprehension: Candidates respond to multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. The test dynamically adjusts its difficulty based on the candidate's performance. Focuses on evaluating academic and practical language skills.
Eligibility	Open to anyone with prior knowledge of the German language. Suitable for students at CEFR levels A2 to C1 looking to assess their proficiency.
Fees	₹3,500–₹5,000
Registration Process	Register online via the official OnSET website or through partner institutions. Select your test date and center. Pay the registration fee to secure your slot.
Test Centers	Offered at authorized test centers globally, but availability in India may be limited. Check with partner institutions for options.
Frequency	Flexible scheduling with multiple test dates throughout the year.
Average Accepted Score	-he test provides a proficiency range (e.g., A2, B1, B2), used for language course placements or preparatory programs in German institutions.
Validity	OnSET results are typically valid for preparatory courses, but validity may vary depending on the institution.
Preparation Tips	Practice sample tests available on the OnSET website. Focus on improving your reading and listening comprehension. Take language courses to strengthen weak areas before the test.

UNIcert

UNIcert (University Certification for German Language Proficiency) is a specialized certification offered by partner universities to assess academic German proficiency. It covers levels A2 to C2 and focuses on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills tailored to academic and professional settings. Indian students can use UNIcert to fulfill language requirements for studying or researching in German universities. The following table showcases key details about the UNIcert exam:

Category	Details
Test Structure	Listening Comprehension: Understanding academic lectures and discussions. Reading Comprehension: Interpreting academic texts and articles. Writing: Composing essays, reports, or academic summaries. Speaking: Engaging in presentations and academic conversations.
Eligibility	Primarily for students enrolled in partner universities offering UNIcert programs. Suitable for CEFR levels A2 to C2, depending on the certificate level.
Fees	₹5,000–₹7,000
Registration Process	Registration is done through the university offering the UNIcert program. Submit proof of enrollment and pay the required fee to confirm participation.
Test Centers	Offered exclusively at partner universities, mainly in Germany and some international institutions.
Frequency	Test dates vary by university, usually conducted once or twice a semester.
Average Accepted Score	UNIcert Level II or III (equivalent to B2 or C1) is typically required for academic programs. UNIcert Level IV (C2) is preferred for advanced academic or research purposes.
Validity	UNIcert certificates do not have an official expiration date, but institutions may request recent certifications.
Preparation Tips	Enroll in UNIcert preparatory courses offered by partner universities. Practice academic reading, writing, and speaking in German. Use sample materials and focus on the specific requirements of your chosen level.

How Well Do I Need to Speak German?

For Indian students aiming to study in Germany, the required level of German depends on your program. German-taught courses typically need a B2 or C1 level, as you’ll need to understand lectures, write assignments, and participate in discussions. If your program is in English, knowing basic German (A1 or A2) can still be helpful for daily life, like shopping, traveling, or interacting with locals. Speaking German not only meets academic requirements but also makes your stay in Germany more comfortable and enjoyable.

How to Decide Which German Language Test to Take?

Choosing the right German language test depends on your goals, whether academic, professional, or personal. Each test serves a specific purpose and caters to different proficiency levels. Here’s how to decide:

For Studying in Germany:
- If applying to German universities, opt for TestDaF or DSH, as they are widely accepted for academic programs.
- TestDaF can be taken globally, while DSH is only conducted at German universities.
For Work or Migration:
- Choose TELC or Goethe-Zertifikat, as they are recognized for job applications and visa processes in Germany and Europe.
- For Austria-specific requirements, consider the ÖSD certification.
For Quick Placement or Preparatory Courses:
- Take OnSET, a fast and flexible test designed for assessing your current proficiency for language courses or Studienkolleg programs.
For Specialized Academic Proficiency:
- Enroll for UNIcert, available through partner universities, for advanced academic or research-related needs.
Consider Your Proficiency Level:
- Tests like Goethe-Zertifikat and TELC cover all levels (A1 to C2), making them suitable for beginners and advanced learners.
- TestDaF and DSH assess intermediate to advanced levels (B2 to C1), catering to academic goals.

Which Test Is Suitable for Academic vs. Professional Purposes?

For Indian students planning to study in Germany, TestDaF and DSH are the most suitable options. These tests are widely accepted by German universities and focus on advanced language skills like understanding lectures, writing academic papers, and participating in discussions, which are essential for German-taught programs.

If your goal is to work in Germany, tests like TELC, Goethe-Zertifikat, or ÖSD are better choices. These certifications are recognized for job applications, work visas, and integration into professional environments, as they assess practical communication skills needed in workplaces. By choosing the right test, Indian students can align their German language certification with their academic or career goals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for German Language Exams

Choose the Right Exam - Pick a test like TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat based on your academic or career goals.
Check Test Dates and Centers - Look for available test dates and locations in India on the official exam website.
Create an Account - Register on the official portal with your basic details like name and email.
Select Your Exam Level and Date - Choose the exam level (e.g., A1, B1, C1) and book a date and location that suits you.
Pay the Fees - Complete the payment online and save the receipt for confirmation.
Receive Confirmation - Get an email with all the details about your test date, center, and instructions.
Prepare for the Test - Use official study materials and practice papers to get ready for the exam.
Exam Day - Bring your ID and confirmation email to the test center and follow the guidelines.

Also Check: Tuition Free Universities in Germany For Indian Students in 2025

If you don’t meet the required German language level, don’t worry—enroll in a preparatory course like Studienkolleg or language classes in Germany. These programs can help you improve your skills and reattempt exams like TestDaF or DSH to meet university requirements. With focused effort, you can achieve the proficiency needed for a successful academic journey.