What is the purpose of the DSH exam?

 The DSH exam is your golden ticket into German higher education! Designed for non-native speakers, this exam is all about assessing your German language prowess, particularly in an academic setting. So, in simpler terms, it's a test to ensure you can confidently express your thoughts, understand complex concepts, and actively participate in academic discussions—all in German. 

What does it look like?

  Picture an exciting journey of language exploration, segmented into a few key phases. The DSH exam typically has both written and oral parts. In the written part, you'll find yourself navigating through reading and listening comprehension tasks, a text production task, and a scientific structuring task. The oral part is like an engaging conversation where you discuss a specific topic. But don't worry, you'll get some preparation time before this chat!

Here you can find a few sample exams that after having worked through this course you can use to test how ready you are for the real thing. MICHAEL: ADD LINKS

What levels are there and what do they mean?

 The DSH exam levels are essentially your badges of German language mastery. They roughly align with the following levels of the CEFR system - the globally recognized language proficiency scale. You've got

DSH-1 (CEFR B2),
DSH-2 (CEFR C1), and
DSH-3 (CEFR C2).

Each level signifies a higher degree of language fluency. So, for instance, if you achieve a DSH-3, it means you're basically a wizard in German, able to comprehend, speak, and write the language with great precision, even in complex situations. How cool is that?

As DSH exams can be crafted within individual institutes, assigning the results to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) isn't a straightforward deal.

What benefits can I reap from each level?

With a DSH 1 level, you might need to lace up for additional language courses and a re-examination before enrolling, and it's usually enough for admission into bilingual (for instance, English-German) courses without further conditions.

For the majority of programs at German-speaking universities, you'll need to achieve a DSH 2 level. Only for specific studies like Human or Dental Medicine and some other courses with higher language requirements, will you need to climb to the DSH 3 level. It's a wise move to explore the specific DSH prerequisites of your dream university before setting sail on this adventure. Having a clear target in mind will surely fuel your journey towards it.

What's good to know

According to the DSH framework (version from June 8, 2004), each university designs the exams autonomously but within a standardized framework. Hence, the task set-ups can vary among different universities. Still, each university's DSH must be recognized by other universities if it has been accredited by the Conference of University Rectors based on the new framework. Cool, right?

Now, you're equipped with the information to conquer the DSH exam! Let's get to it!

How does the Test-DaF differ from the DSH

The TestDaF and the DSH share a common goal, which is assessing your German language proficiency for university study. However, there are some key differences that set them apart.

The TestDaF, or Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, is a standardized test accepted by all universities in Germany. It has a fixed format with four sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Depending on your performance, you receive a level TDN 3 to 5, corresponding roughly to B2 to C1 in CEFR.

On the other hand, the DSH, or Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, tends to be more university-specific. Each university designs its own DSH exam within a standardized framework, so the format can slightly vary from one university to another. It also has a written and an oral part, and it measures your proficiency in three levels: DSH-1 (similar to CEFR B2), DSH-2 (CEFR C1), and DSH-3 (CEFR C2).

In essence, both are valid proofs of your German proficiency for university admission, but the choice between the two might depend on the specific university and course requirements, your current language proficiency, and the format you feel more comfortable with.

How are the TestDaF levels related to the DSH levels?

The TestDaF and DSH exams are relatable to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels but have their unique scoring system.

For TestDaF, you receive a level TDN 3 to 5, where:

• TDN 3 corresponds roughly to the B2 level in the CEFR.
• TDN 4 and TDN 5 correspond roughly to the C1 level in the CEFR.
  

Meanwhile, the DSH exam offers three proficiency levels: DSH-1, DSH-2, and DSH-3. Their correlation to the CEFR is as follows:

• DSH-1 signifies a B2 level in the CEFR.
• DSH-2 signifies a C1 level in the CEFR.
• DSH-3 aligns with the C2 level in the CEFR, indicating near-native proficiency.
  

So, while both exams are geared towards assessing your German language skills, their grading systems have different mappings to the CEFR levels.

Which exam is easier: DSH or TestDaF?

Deciding which exam, TestDaF or DSH, is easier can be quite subjective and largely depends on your personal strengths and comfort with different test formats.

The TestDaF has a standardized format, which some students find more predictable and easier to prepare for. Additionally, its grading system is less severe; even with a few mistakes, you can achieve a satisfactory level.

On the other hand, the DSH is university-specific, meaning the test format can slightly vary from one university to another. Some students prefer this as it might be more in line with their specific university's expectations. The DSH can potentially be considered harder because it requires a higher level of language proficiency and its grading can be stricter.

Ultimately, you should consider your personal language proficiency, learning style, and the requirements of the university you are applying to when deciding which test to take. Also, remember that thorough preparation is the key to succeeding in either exam!

Do all universities accept DSH as well as Test-DaF?

In general, all universities in Germany accept both the TestDaF and DSH exams as proof of German language proficiency for non-native speakers intending to study there. However, the specific score or level requirements may vary from one university to another, or even between different courses within the same university.

It's important to note that while the TestDaF has a standardized format and scoring system, the DSH exam can vary somewhat between universities as each institution designs its own exam within a standardized framework.

Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific language requirements of the course and university you're interested in before deciding which exam to take.

Outlook

Although we do plan on offering a TestDaF preparation course in the future (likely not before 2025), currently, we only have this DSH prep course available. However, seeing that you're already here, it seems like you've probably already chosen to focus on the DSH, perhaps based on the needs of your chosen university. It's great to have you onboard for this journey! Let's get started, shall we?