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TestDaF vs. DSH – Quick Comparison & Targeted Exam Tips
1. Quick Difference Between TestDaF and DSH
| Item | TestDaF | DSH |
|---|---|---|
| Organiser | TestDaF Institute (external, internationally valid) | German universities (internal, differs by university) |
| Exam dates | Fixed dates, about 6 times per year | Dates depend on each university |
| Where to apply | Certified test centres worldwide | Directly at the university where you want to study |
| Score format | Levels TDN 3–5 per skill | DSH-1, DSH-2, DSH-3 |
| Typical requirement | Usually TDN 4 | Usually DSH-2 |
2. Exam Sections (almost identical in both)
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Listening comprehension (Hörverstehen)
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Reading comprehension (Leseverstehen)
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Academic writing (Schriftlicher Ausdruck)
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Oral expression (Mündlicher Ausdruck)
3. Tips for Each Part
Listening
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Listen every day to German audio, e.g.:
“Langsam gesprochene Nachrichten”, ARD Mediathek, podcasts, etc. -
Train instant summarising right after each audio.
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Focus on main ideas, not every single word.
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Develop your own symbols and abbreviations for note-taking.
Reading
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Read academic-style articles regularly (science, politics, society).
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Practise:
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Finding the main idea
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Identifying different viewpoints
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Distinguishing opinion vs. fact
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Learn typical linking words such as:
Jedoch, Darüber hinaus, Im Gegensatz dazu, Insgesamt
Writing (Academic Essay)
Remember the standard exam essay structure:
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Introduction
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Main part – arguments with examples
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Conclusion
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Practise common topics: education, environment, technology, migration, society.
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Use academic phrases, e.g.:
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In my opinion …
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It can be stated that …
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To conclude, it can be said that …
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Speaking
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Practise speaking aloud in front of a mirror or with a partner.
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Record yourself answering old TestDaF or DSH tasks.
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Use a clear structure:
Introduction → Opinion → Argument → Example → Conclusion
4. Time Management During the Exam
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Don’t get stuck on a difficult question – skip it and return later.
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Use all the exam time – don’t leave early.
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For the writing section, for example:
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5 minutes: planning & outline
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30 minutes: writing the text
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5 minutes: checking and correcting
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5. How to Prepare Effectively
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Download official sample exams (Modelltests) and practise them.
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Use speaking and pronunciation apps like “Speechling” or Anki with audio.
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Enrol in a preparation course (online or in person) if possible.
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Join study groups (e.g. on Telegram or Discord) to practise together.
6. Useful Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning in English |
|---|---|
| These | Thesis, main statement |
| Gegensatz | Contrast, opposition |
| Schaubild | Chart, graph |
| Zusammenfassung | Summary |
| Stellung nehmen | To take a position, state your view |
| Hörtext | Listening text (audio) |
7. Golden Takeaway
The key to passing is not just learning German, but learning the exam format:
know the structure in detail, practise it again and again, and analyse your mistakes.
The editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and several sources. However, errors or incomplete information may still occur. Please treat this text as a first orientation only and always consult the relevant authorities and institutions for binding and up-to-date information.
