If your master's programme is taught in German, the university will ask for proof that your German is good enough for lectures, seminars and a thesis. This page lists the certificates German universities accept, shows which ones open every programme, and explains when a master's needs no German at all.
German-taught master's programmes take the bachelor's proofs — DSH-2, TestDaF 4 in every part, DSD II, Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule — but each university sets its rules: some accept Goethe or ÖSD C1, and some postgraduate programmes need no German.
Source: daad.de ·
Many applicants expect a separate German test for postgraduate study. There is none. A master's programme taught in German accepts the same proof of German, called Sprachnachweis, as a bachelor's programme. The same certificates open both levels, and the same programme-by-programme rules apply.
The German Rectors' Conference (HRK) and the education ministers of the federal states (KMK) agreed a common framework. Inside that framework, each university decides what it accepts for each programme. Two universities can treat the same certificate differently.
The DAAD, Germany's academic exchange service, tells every applicant to contact the university for the rules of the exact programme. Read the admission page of your master's before you book an exam, not after.
If you already looked at our guide to the German level for a bachelor's degree, the certificates below will look familiar. What is different at master's level: besides international programmes, certain postgraduate programmes need no proof of German at all.
The table starts with the proofs that open every programme and ends with those that only some programmes take. The last column shows the source.
| Certificate | Result needed | Where it counts |
|---|---|---|
| DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) | DSH-2 | Admission to every degree programme (HRK) |
| TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) | TDN 4 in all parts | Admission to every degree programme (HRK) |
| Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) | Level II | Recognised by all German universities (HRK) |
| Goethe-Zertifikat | C2 | Usually recognised (DAAD) |
| telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule | Passed | Usually recognised (DAAD) |
| Goethe-Zertifikat or ÖSD Zertifikat | C1 (some also accept B2) | Some programmes only (DAAD) |
A school leaving certificate from a German-language school abroad also counts: the DAAD says you then need no language test. If you went to such a school, ask the university how it treats your certificate for a master's.
The DAAD names two exceptions to the German requirement: international degree programmes and certain postgraduate programmes. If such a programme is taught in English, the language you prove is English, not German. The DAAD does not name an English test or a score; the university sets both.
Lectures, exams and the thesis are in German. You need one of the certificates in the table above, usually at C1 level or higher. This page is for you.
Teaching is in English and German is usually not an admission condition. Universities ask for an English certificate instead, often IELTS Academic. Our page on IELTS for a master's in Germany covers the scores universities ask for.
The DSH is taken in Germany, at a university. If you want to prove your German before you travel, you can take TestDaF in your home country, or a Goethe or telc certificate if your programme accepts it. Here is what the three Goethe and telc options involve.
Reading has 4 parts and 30 items in 65 minutes. Listening has 4 parts and 30 items in about 40 minutes. Writing takes 75 minutes: a forum post of about 230 words and an email of about 120 words. Only some programmes accept C1, so check yours first.
The top Goethe level, the Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom. Reading has 4 parts and 30 items in 80 minutes; listening has 3 parts and 30 items. Writing takes 80 minutes: a text rewriting task and an essay of about 350 words. Universities usually recognise it.
A C1 exam built for university entry (Hochschule means university). The DAAD lists it among the certificates universities usually recognise. Our telc C1 exam guide explains the telc C1 family.
Goethe C1 and C2 are modular. You pass each module with 60 out of 100 points, and you can book or repeat a single module on its own. Fees are set locally by each Goethe-Institut or telc exam centre; check the price list where you plan to sit the exam.
Open the programme page and check whether it is taught in German, in English or in both. This decides whether you prepare for a German exam, an English one, or both.
Note which certificates the programme names and the result it needs. If Goethe C1 is not on the list, aim for a certificate that is, such as Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule, TestDaF or DSH-2.
Find out whether the university wants the certificate with the application or only at enrolment, then book an exam date that leaves time for the result to arrive and, with Goethe, for repeating one module if needed.
Full mock exams with real timing show which module still needs work, so you know which module you are ready to book and which one needs more weeks.
For a master's taught in German, plan for C1 or higher. DSH-2 and TestDaF with TDN 4 in every part are valid for every degree programme, DSD II is recognised by all German universities, and Goethe C2 and telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule are usually recognised. Some programmes also accept Goethe or ÖSD C1. The admission page of your programme has the final word.
No. A German-taught master's asks for the same certificates as a German-taught bachelor's. What stands out at master's level is the DAAD's exception: international degree programmes and certain postgraduate programmes need no proof of German.
Only for some programmes. The DAAD says the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 and the ÖSD Zertifikat C1 are recognised for some degree programmes, not all. If your programme does not list Goethe C1, choose Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule, TestDaF or DSH instead.
Usually not for admission. International degree programmes and certain postgraduate programmes are exceptions to the German requirement. You then prove English instead, often with IELTS Academic, at a score each university sets. Our page on IELTS for a master's in Germany covers the scores.
Yes, with TestDaF or a Goethe or telc certificate, if your programme accepts it. The DSH is different: it has to be taken in Germany and is offered by many universities.
Goethe C1 and C2 are modular. Each module is passed with 60 out of 100 points, and you can repeat a single module on its own instead of the whole exam. Check that your programme accepts results from separate sittings.
Fees are set locally and differ between countries and exam centres, so check the price list of the Goethe-Institut, telc centre or TestDaF centre where you plan to sit the exam. For Goethe C1 and C2, a single module costs less than the full exam.
Language proof for German-taught bachelor's degrees
English scores for English-taught programmes
The full guide to studying in Germany
Format and scoring of telc Deutsch C1
Text rewriting and the essay at C2