DSH Certificate

The German Language Test for the Admission of Foreign Study Applicants (DSH) is an examination which international applicants must take before being allowed to study at a German university. 

The test assesses whether the candidate's language ability is sufficient to meet the demands of German university. These include such skills as:

• Understanding lectures, taking notes and using them accordingly
• Understanding study-related written texts and applying them accordingly
• Expressing oneself verbally and in writing with regard to a given, study-related topic

For more details, please read the DSH regulations  which went into effect at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar on 30 June, 2005.
 

The written exam is comprised of four parts:

a) Understanding and processing information in an audio text (--> Sample audio text, sample audio-text questions)
The candidates are allowed to listen to a longer recording of a lecture twice. Afterwards, they are asked to complete various tasks which not only verify whether they have understood the general thrust and selected details of the lecture, but also whether they are able to apply and convey the information in written form.

b) Understanding and processing information in a written text (--> Example)
This written text resembles a typical academic text. The tasks assess whether the candidate has understood the information contained in the text, and can process and communicate it.

c) Understanding and processing grammatical structures of scientific language
The test section "Grammatical Structures of Scientific Language" assesses comprehension and the ability to produce complex grammatical structures which are often used in scientific language. This section refers to structures contained in a written text. To view a sample text, click on the link provided in b).

d) Text production based on provided information (--> Example)
This section is generally based on provided information, e.g. diagrams, illustrations, etc. The candidate is required to demonstrate that he/she can produce a written text about a certain topic expressing an opinion, describing a diagram, or some similar task.

If you have any questions about the DSH testing procedures at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, please contact us at sprachenzentrum[at]uni-weimar.de. 

For general information about studying in Germany, please visit the following pages:  

Fachverband Deutsch als Fremdsprache (fadaf) 
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)

Every September the Language Centre offers a two-week intensive language course to help students prepare for the German Language Examination for University Admission of Foreign Applicants (DSH).

Participants should already have very good German skills before taking this course, as its purpose is not to provide basic language instruction, but to give students the skills and working techniques necessary for passing the DSH examination. Therefore, in addition to registering, candidates are required to take a language assessment test on the first day of the course. The resulting score determines whether they may remain in the course.

If you feel you need more time to improve your German language skills, you can take a university preparatory language course (see section "DSH semester courses"). This course also concludes with the DSH examination.

For more information and a sample test, click DAAD Language Certificatehere.

Course/Examination Registration:
We can send you a registration form by e-mail upon request.