German language course in Germany for international students
Learning German to study in Germany: requirements, costs and your study path
Many international applicants fail not because of their academic qualifications, but because they take the wrong German language exam. Find out which preparatory German course suits your intended field of study, which exams are recognized, and whether the course is mandatory for you—so that your application in Germany doesn’t fall through because of the language.
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Key Information at a Glance
- Studying in Germany generally requires a very good command of German
- Classes and exams are primarily conducted in German
- The preparatory German course is mandatory at many universities
- The course usually lasts one semester and concludes with the DSH exam
- The DSH has three levels: DSH I, DSH II, DSH III
- DSH II is the standard requirement for most degree programs
- Prior language proficiency is a prerequisite for course enrollment
- Accepted certificates include TestDaF, telc, Goethe Certificate, or onSET
- Costs vary significantly depending on the university
- Placement tests ensure students are placed in the appropriate course level
Do I need a preparatory German course?
Yes, for the majority of German universities, the preparatory German course is mandatory. Its purpose is to specifically improve language skills to the academic level required for lectures, seminars, and exams.
Without sufficient knowledge of German, it is not possible to study at German universities.
What exactly is a preparatory German course for university studies?
A preparatory German course for university studies is an intensive language course offered at a university or college that specifically prepares students for the language requirements of a degree program. The focus is on academic German, not everyday language.
The course specifically prepares students for technical terminology, academic writing, and university exams.
Fact Box: German Language Course for University Preparation
A university-level language course designed to prepare students for a degree program taught in German, culminating in a recognized university entrance exam such as the DSH.
Which German language exam do I need for university admission?
The main exam is the German Language Test for University Admission (DSH). It is taken directly at the respective university and consists of a written and an oral section.
The DSH is a university-specific language test for international applicants.
What DSH level is required for my degree program?
The DSH has three levels: DSH I, DSH II, and DSH III. Most degree programs require DSH II. For particularly language-intensive fields such as medicine, DSH III may be required.
DSH II is the standard for the majority of degree programs in Germany.
Fact Box: DSH Levels
- DSH I: limited admission
- DSH II: regular admission
- DSH III: very high language requirements
Do I need to be able to speak German before the course begins?
Yes, prior knowledge of the language is required. The preparatory German course does not teach the basics but is designed to build on existing knowledge.
The course assumes prior knowledge of German and is intended to deepen your academic proficiency.
What language certificates are accepted for the application?
When applying for the preparatory German course, universities accept various certificates as proof of existing German language proficiency.
Typical certificates include:
- onSET certificate
- DSD
- DSH
- Goethe Certificate
- ÖSD
- telc certificate
- TestDaF
- UNIcert
Note:
Some universities accept a certain number of documented class hours as an alternative.
What other requirements are there for the German course?
In addition to language proficiency, there are formal requirements. These include certified transcripts, official translations, timely applications, and complete documentation.
The exact admission requirements vary by university.
Are there different levels in the preparatory German course?
Yes, preparatory German courses are divided into different levels. The goal is to optimally prepare all participants for the DSH exam.
The course level is determined by the individual’s language proficiency.
How does the placement test (onSET) work?
Before the course begins, applicants take an onSET test. This test measures their general language proficiency and is used to place them in the appropriate course.
Typical tasks:
- Fill-in-the-blank exercises
- Timed online tests
- Grammar and vocabulary exercises
Fact Box: onSET
A standardized online placement test for the objective assessment of German language proficiency before the course begins.
How much does a preparatory German course cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on the institution. At some universities, the course is included in the tuition fee. Other institutions charge additional fees ranging from a few dozen to a few hundred euros.
Course costs depend entirely on the specific institution.
“Language proficiency is one of the most important prerequisites for the academic success of international students.”
— German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
As a language student in Germany, how do I get health insurance?
As a language student in Germany, you are required to provide proof of valid health insurance. This proof is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa, a residence permit, and often also for participating in a preparatory German language course.
Language students are not yet legally considered regular students and therefore generally do not have access to statutory health insurance during the language course. You need special private international health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay and is recognized by German authorities. Without appropriate insurance coverage, your stay in Germany may be denied or challenged retroactively. For language students, we therefore recommend flexible health insurance that can be purchased before arrival and is valid immediately.
Our recommendation:
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