TestDaF
Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is the German-language test for international applicants to German universities, run by the TestDaF-Institut of g.a.s.t. It has four parts (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking), each rated separately at TDN 3, 4 or 5 (levels mapped to CEFR B2–C1) with no overall grade, and is taken on computer or on paper at licensed test centres. The TestDaF-Institut states that all German universities recognize the certificate. Under the German universities’ language-test framework (RO-DT), TDN 4 in all four parts counts as proof of German for unrestricted admission to all degree programmes. Some programmes accept lower levels, so check your course. Other accepted proofs include DSH-2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule and Goethe-Zertifikat C2. The certificate does not expire, though some universities accept only recent proof.
Frequency
Many dates a year in two formats. The 2027 worldwide schedule lists 8 digital dates and 6 paper-based dates; in China you register through the NEEA.
Duration
Paper-based: 3 hours 15 minutes of test time (Reading 60, Listening 40, Writing 60, Speaking 35 minutes), with a break after each part. Digital: about 55, 40, 60 and 35 minutes for the four parts.
Format
Computer or paper
Score range
TDN 3, TDN 4 or TDN 5 (or below TDN 3) for each of the four parts, with no overall grade; the digital test also reports 0–20 points per part. TDN 3–5 correspond to CEFR B2–C1.
Eligibility
Anyone who registers with a valid passport or national ID. Used by applicants who must prove German for study in Germany because their university entrance qualification was not obtained at a German-language institution.
Conducting body
TestDaF-Institut, run by g.a.s.t. (Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung e. V.)
Registration fee
In Germany: €215 (paper-based) or €210 (digital). Elsewhere the price depends on which of three country price groups applies; the test centre or online registration shows it. In China the fee is paid to the NEEA.
Source: TestDaF-Institut, run by g.a.s.t. (Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung e. V.). Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: TestDaF (g.a.s.t. / TestDaF-Institut) — official site; TestDaF — FAQ general (formats, parts, timings, TDN, prices); TestDaF — FAQ registration (ID requirement; deadlines); TestDaF — FAQ results and certificate (valid indefinitely; CEFR B2–C1); TestDaF — structure of the digital TestDaF; TestDaF — evaluation of the digital TestDaF (0–20 points per part); TestDaF — structure of the paper-based TestDaF (3 h 15 min test time); TestDaF — proof of German for study (RO-DT: TDN 4 in all parts); TestDaF — with TestDaF to a German university (recognised by all German universities); TestDaF — dates and registration (China via NEEA); g.a.s.t. — TestDaF worldwide exam dates (2026–2027); TestDaF — imprint (g.a.s.t., operator of the TestDaF-Institut); TUM — language certificates (TestDaF level 4; DSH-2; telc C1 Hochschule; Goethe C2); LMU Munich — German proficiency (DSH 2; TestDaF level 4 in all sections; telc C1); Heidelberg University — language requirements for international students (TestDaF TDN 4; DSH-2; Goethe C2).
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
Universities that accept TestDaF
Acceptance can differ by level and programme — confirm on the programme’s own page.
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