DSH
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang
University German language examination with written and oral parts, organized by individual universities and examination centers.
Each university
DSH-2 or higher
Written and oral
14 slots
About DSH
A DSH passed with at least DSH-2 counts as proof of German for unrestricted admission to all degree programmes, under the HRK and KMK framework rules (RO-DT).
A written exam (listening, reading and academic language structures, text production) and an oral exam. The result is DSH-1, DSH-2 or DSH-3.
Apply through the university that runs the exam. Each university decides whether it admits external candidates and sets its own registration window.
How to Book a DSH Exam
Check you may register
Some universities admit only their own applicants (Trier, for example). Others, such as Göttingen, also take external candidates.
Check the level you need first
Göttingen, for example, requires a completed B2 level and strongly recommends C1.
Register in the university's window
Each university sets its own dates, registration period and fee. Our list shows the dates; the university page has the window.
Take the written, then the oral exam
Your certificate shows DSH-1, DSH-2 or DSH-3 with the result of each part.
DSH Slots by City
DSH FAQs
What is the DSH?
The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang is the German test run by individual universities and Studienkollegs for study in Germany. It has a written part (listening, reading and academic language structures, text production) and an oral part.
What do DSH-1, DSH-2 and DSH-3 mean?
DSH-2 or higher is proof of German for unrestricted admission to all degree programmes. DSH-3 shows especially high German, above what admission needs. DSH-1 counts only where a university has set a lower level for certain programmes.
Can I take the DSH at a university I have not applied to?
It depends on the university. The framework rules leave it to each university whether to admit external candidates, so check the DSH page of the university you want before you register.
Which German level do I need before the DSH?
Each university sets this. Göttingen, for example, requires a completed B2 level and strongly recommends C1.
How much does the DSH cost?
Each university sets its own fee. The framework rules allow a fee that covers no more than the cost of running the exam, and admission for externals may not depend on booking a paid course.
Can I take the DSH in India?
The DSH is normally held at the university in Germany. A German university may run a registered DSH abroad under its own responsibility, but none of the DSH dates we list are in India.
Where your path goes next
The exam is one step. Pick your goal, go straight to the next one.