German Language Requirements for University

German-taught vs English-taught programmes

The language requirement to study in Germany depends entirely on the language your programme is taught in, not on the country itself. Many Bachelor's degrees and a large share of professional and traditional academic programmes are taught in German, so they require proof of German-language ability. At the same time, German universities now offer a wide and growing range of Master's and some Bachelor's programmes taught fully in English.

Before you do anything else, check the official page for your specific programme on the university's website: it will state whether the language of instruction is German, English, or a mix, and exactly which proof it accepts. The same university can have German-taught and English-taught versions of similar degrees.

What level of German is usually expected

For a German-taught degree, universities generally expect a high level of German — commonly around the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), because lectures, exams and coursework are all in German. Some programmes or preparatory routes may accept a slightly different level, and a few fields specify their own standard.

The exact level required, and which certificate satisfies it, is set by each university and each programme and can change. Treat C1 as a general guide only, and confirm the precise requirement on the official programme page rather than assuming a single fixed level. This is general guidance, not a guarantee that a particular score will secure admission.

• German-taught programmes: typically a high level of German (often around CEFR C1) — verify per programme
• English-taught programmes: usually no German required for admission, but an English-test score (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) is
• Exact level and accepted proof are set by each university — always confirm officially

Which German proofs universities accept

For German-taught admission, German universities commonly accept several recognised proofs of German. The most widely seen are the TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language), taken at licensed test centres, and the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), taken at German universities. Other recognised certificates include certain Goethe-Institut and telc examinations, and the German Language Diploma (DSD) at the relevant level.

Not every university accepts every certificate, and some accept a proof only at a specific level. Use the university's own admissions page or the uni-assist information to confirm which certificate and level your target programme accepts.

• TestDaF — taken worldwide at licensed test centres
• DSH — taken at a German university
• Recognised Goethe-Institut / telc certificates (at the required level)
• German Language Diploma (DSD) at the relevant level

When you may be exempt from a German test

Some applicants do not need a separate German test. Common situations include holding a German school-leaving qualification, having completed prior education in German, or applying to a programme taught entirely in English. A small number of programmes may also waive a formal German certificate under their own rules.

Exemptions are defined by each university and are not automatic, so never assume one applies to you. Check the official admissions page for your programme and, if anything is unclear, contact the university's international office to confirm in writing.

How to plan your language proof

Plan backwards from the application deadline. If your programme is German-taught and you do not yet hold an accepted certificate, you will usually need months of structured study to reach the required level, plus time to register for and sit the exam and receive results before the deadline. If your programme is English-taught, focus on the required English test instead and confirm whether any basic German is needed for daily life rather than admission.

For the most reliable, up-to-date guidance on language requirements across German universities, use the official study-in-Germany portal and uni-assist, and always cross-check against your specific programme page.

• Confirm the language of instruction and required proof on the programme page first
• Allow time to study, register, sit the test and receive results before the deadline
• Cross-check requirements on official portals — they can change each year