The course for preparing for the TestDaF exam is a crash course. We therefore expect a C1 certificate so that you can participate in the course. In this crash course, we discuss the individual parts of the exam in detail and our experienced teachers will give you tips on how to solve the various tasks successfully.
Our methods are there:
- Systematic practicing
- Step by step to the test
- Simulation of the examination situation
- Discussions on authentic topics
- presentations (PowerPoint)
- Video-based content
- Playful learning (Quiz)
- What is TestDaF?
TestDaF stands for "Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache" and is a language test which is mainly used for university admissions. The test consists of four parts, in which reading competence, listening comprehension, written expression and oral expression are tested. The tasks and topics relate to the university context, but are not subject-specific.
The Test of German as a Foreign Language is comparable with the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
- For whom is TestDaF intended?
The TestDaF language test is aimed primarily at members of colleges and universities. Students who have gone to school abroad or have obtained their Bachelor's degree abroad and now wish to begin a course of study or a semester abroad in Germany can prove their language skills with TestDaF. The test may also be suitable for academic professions. Participants should already have advanced language skills.
- How is TestDaF structured?
The entire test and the tasks are formulated in German. The test takes about three hours. The candidates have about one hour for the reading comprehension section. They are given three reading texts (for example, short texts from everyday life, articles from specialist journals, journalistic texts) and have to work on various tasks (for example, multiple choice tasks, assignment tasks).
The "Listening comprehension" section comprises 40 minutes with three listening texts (for example a radio interview, a conversation from everyday university life or a short lecture on a scientific topic). The listening texts become more and more difficult, whereby the tasks are mostly right/wrong tasks or short answers are required.
The participants have again one hour for the "written expression". They should show that they can describe and argue (for example, describe and interpret data from a table or graph). They should be able to argue for or against a specific topic. The descriptive part should be scheduled for 20 minutes, the argumentative part for 40 minutes.
The understanding of the text is more important than the linguistic and grammatical expression.
In the "oral examination" you will be given seven tasks within 30 minutes. The tasks can be, for example, a conversation with students, describing a graphic, taking a stand on a topic or giving advice to someone. The reason for speaking therefore again refers to the university context. To do this, you record the participants and save their answers on CD. In addition, one usually tests several candidates in one room at the same time, which can be stressful for some.
To prepare, the participants have between 30 seconds and three minutes, depending on the task, to think of an answer, then the speaking time begins, which can be between 30 seconds and two minutes.
Here you will find further information!
- How is TestDaF assessed?
There are three levels that can be achieved in the TestDaF examination:
- TestDaF Level 3 (TDN 3)
- TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4)
- TestDaF level 5 (TDN 5)
The test items pass the test in any case. Each sub-area (listening, reading, writing and speaking) is assessed individually according to one of the three levels. You can repeat the test as often as you wish. The levels TDN 3 to TDN 5 correspond to the levels B2 to C2 according to the CEFR.
- Which result do I need for university admission?
As a rule, at least TDN 4 is required to be admitted to a course of study. In any case, participants should inform themselves beforehand which result they need for their desired course of study. Each university has its own admission criteria and it is quite possible that TDN 3 is sufficient for admission. For many courses of study, however, a higher level is expected.
- How long does it take until I receive the TestDaF result?
The results of the examination are usually available six weeks after the examination date and the certificate is issued by the examination centre.
- How much does the TestDaF exam cost?
The examination costs between 90 and 180 euros depending on the country. In Germany the test costs 175 euros, in Argentina 130 euros and in Ethiopia 90 euros. You will receive the exact amount when you register.
- Where can I take the TestDaF examination?
There are over 400 test centres in 95 countries worldwide. Here you can find a test centre near you:
- How long is the certificate valid?
The TestDaF certificate is valid indefinitely, but some universities require a current result, which should not be older than one or two years. However, this varies depending on the course of study.
- How do I best prepare for TestDaF?
It is important for the preparation that the participants become familiar with the examination format. For this purpose, the candidates can look at two model sets on the homepage. There are also sound files for preparation:
Another possibility for preparation are books such as "Training TestDaF" by Gabriele Kniffka and Bärbel Gutzat.
Many language schools and examination centres as well as universities and Goethe-Institutes also offer preparation courses especially for TestDaF. You can also attend a preparation course "TestDaF" at our educational institution. Here, especially oral expression can be trained in a group.
For oral preparation you can also meet with a tandem partner or take part in a language café.
- What do the levels TDN 3 to TDN 5 mean?
At the TDN 3 level the participant can extract the most important information from the texts. However, scientific texts are still a challenge and even when writing their own texts and speaking, mistakes can occur which can lead to difficulties in understanding.
At the next level, TDN 4, learners can already handle demanding texts and understand abstract content. They do not make any mistakes that could hinder understanding the text or cause misunderstandings.
If a participant has reached level TDN 5, he or she will be able to understand texts on a wide range of topics in detail. Even implicit information, the author's attitude or humour is understood. The flow of speech is spontaneous and fluent and the participants have no problems in responding to their counterpart in a meaningful way.
