DSH Certificate
General Information
General information about the DSH examination
The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) is a language examination for international applicants before they can be admitted to a degree programme at a German university.
The test assesses whether the candidate's language ability is sufficient to meet the demands of studying in German at a 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 18 June, 2021.
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 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)
Intensive German Courses (DSH)
German Preparatory Courses for Studying and Working (up to and including DSH)
Intensive German courses offered through the Bauhaus Further Education Academy in cooperation with the Sprachenzentrum: Centre for Language and Cultural Learning can help you acquire the language skills you need to study or work in Germany.
Courses are offered at four consecutive target levels. The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) (German language proficiency exam for university admission) is used to demonstrate the German language skills required for admission to a German-taught degree programme at a German University.
Applicants who have received conditional admission to the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar or the University of Music FRANZ LISZT are given priority when allocating course places. Should additional places be available, these will be open to applicants from other universities and guest students.
Information on the DSH Exam:
Accessing DSH Exam Results
You can request to see your written exam two days after you have received your results. This can be done by sending an e-mail to your course instructor.
You must pass the written DSH level 1 exam before you can take the independent oral component of the exam. The oral exam includes an interview/advising session.
Appeal Process
You have the right to submit an appeal against exam decisions. The appeal must be submitted to the responsible examination commission in writing or orally for the record within one month of receiving notification of the exam decision. If the examination commission determines the objection to be justified, it will be upheld. If the examination commission does not uphold the appeal, the Director of the Sprachenzentrum: Centre for Language and Cultural Learning issues the notice of appeal. This must be accompanied by information on legal remedies.
Course Format | Fee |
---|---|
In-Person Teaching ca. 20 hours/week with ca. 15 students in Language Centre classrooms | € 1,500 |
Our courses have four different target levels:
Course | Prerequisites | Target Level |
---|---|---|
Pre-intermediate German | ca. 100 hours | A2 |
Pre-intermediate German | ca. 300 hours / A2 | B1 |
Intermediate German | ca. 600 hours / B1 | B2 |
Upper-intermediate/Advanced German | ca. 1.000 hours / B2 | C1/DSH |
Below is a registration form providing further information which can be downloaded and printed/completed. Please send us the completed registration form by e-mail or fax. All relevant information can be found on the registration form.
Application Deadline:
- 15 March (summer semester)
- 15 September (winter semester)
- or when the maximum number of students has been reached.
--> Registration form for the summer semester 2025 (01.04.2025 - 11.07.2025)
DSH Examination Course
Intensive language course to prepare for the DSH examination
To prepare for the German Language Examination for University Admission (DSH) in September, the Language Centre offers a (face-to-face) preparation course if there is sufficient demand.
The exam will take place on 9 September 2024.
Please note that only prospective students of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar and the Hochschule für Musik 'Franz Liszt' with a conditional admission can be admitted to this course.
It is also necessary to prove that applicants already have a knowledge of German equivalent to the level of B 2/C 1.
Course/Examination Registration:
A registration form will be sent by e-mail upon request.
For timelines re access to completed examinations and related appeal procedures please switch to the German version of this website.