DSH (German Language Proficiency Test for Admission to Higher Education)

DSH = Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education)

At TU Dresden the examination is held on the basis of the "Framework Regulations on German Language Examinations for Studies at German Universities" (resolution of the HRK of June 6, 2004 and the KMK of June 25, 2004 as amended by the HRK of July 23, 2020 and the KMK of November 28, 2019.) The DSH regulations of the TU Dresden came into effect on January 21, 2020.

The German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education (DSH) determines whether a student has sufficient knowledge of German to be able to study at the TU Dresden. The exam is evaluated in three levels: DSH-1 as the lowest level, DSH-3 as the highest level. In order to enroll in a German-language degree program at the TU Dresden, students must pass the DSH exam with level DSH-2.

The Teaching Centre for Languages and Regional Studies offers the DSH examination in March and September before the beginning of each semester. The oral examination (see Examination Results) is usually two weeks after the written exam.

Requirements

In order to be able to take the DSH exam, you must have successfully applied to study at TU Dresden. Here you will find all information concerning the application procedure.
If all criteria for the application are fulfilled, you will receive a conditional admission to study at TU Dresden with the invitation to the DSH examination.
The conditional admission to studies is a prerequisite for the registration for the DSH examination.

Registration

The registration and payment deadline for the next DSH exam is February 16, 2026 / 23:59 CET. Please refer to the document „Informationen zur Zulassung“ you received with your admission for the date, location, and schedule of the exam.

Costs

An examination fee of 150 € is charged for participation in the DSH.
If you are registered and do not appear for the written exam, you will not get the money back. Only if you withdraw before the registration deadline, you can apply for a refund of the examination fee minus a processing fee of 15% via .
There will be no refund of the examination fee after the official registration deadline.
Incorrect or late payments cannot be considered and will not lead to your registration for the DSH.

Pay attention to possible fees, especially for transfers from abroad. Fees must be charged to your account so that the correct examination fee is transferred.

Content and Structure

The DSH is intended to prove that you have sufficient language skills to be able to take up studies at a German university. You can find more information here under Explanations (LINK).

Sample exam

Official sample tasks provided by the Fachverband Deutsch als Fremdsprache (FaDaF e.V.) can be found here in the "Beispielprüfung" section.

Hörverstehen (Listening comprehension)

Leseverstehen und wissenschaftssprachliche Strukturen (Reading comprehension and academic language structures)

Textproduktion (Writing)

Mündliche Prüfung (Speaking)

Instructions for participation in a (written) DSH exam at the TU Dresden

• Take your seat as instructed in all parts of the exam.
• Switch off your cell phone. A ringing cell phone will disqualify you from the exam. Keep switched-off phones, tablets, smartwatches etc. together with your bag and jacket in the designated drop-off zones, never within reach of your workplace.
• Only monolingual dictionaries may be used, i.e. German - German. Please bring your own dictionary without (handwritten) notes or additions.
• Write your name and examination number clearly on all examination sheets.
• Do not write on the folders handed out during the examination.
• Please only write with a pen or ballpoint pen, pencils are not permitted. Bring your own pen.
• After the exam, put all sheets back in the folder provided in an orderly fashion.
• Organize your time. Read the tasks carefully. Only answer the questions asked.
• Clearly cross out incorrect answers and make clear corrections.
• Attempts to cheat: copying (or allowing to be copied); unauthorized aids such as electronic aids, sheets of paper, your own paper; late submission; talking to a neighbor, etc. will result in immediate exclusion from the examination.

Examination Results and Oral Examination

The results of the written examination and invitations to the oral examination will be announced on the TUD website immediately after the examinations have been marked. The DSH certificate confirming that you have passed the examination will be available for collection at the ServiceCenterStudium at TU Dresden about 4 weeks after the examination. DSH-2 and DSH-3 are recognised by TU Dresden as admission requirements for studying. A DSH 1 language certificate provides proof of B2 German language skills. 

The results for the written DSH examination of March 02, 2026 and and the dates for the oral examinations are expected to be available from March 06, 2026 here (Results DSH). Please also note the information provided by the International Office in this document.

Participants with a written DSH 2 and DSH 3 result will automatically receive an appointment for the oral exam. You will find the date and time for the oral exam in the column of your exam number in the Results DSH.

Participants with a DSH 1 result will receive an appointment for the oral exam on request. If you are interested in an oral examination and, if applicable, a DSH 1 certificate, please send an e-mail (subject: DSH 1) with your name and examination number by Monday, March 09, 2025, 12.00 noon at the latest:

If your result in the written examination is "n. b." (failed), there will be no oral examination.

Please bring your passport and your admission to the studies for SoSe 26 to the oral examination.

DSH Certificate

After passing the written and oral exams, you will receive a provisional certificate for submission to the authorities and for enrollment.

You can pick up your official DSH certificate approx. 4 weeks after your oral exam at the ServiceCenterStudium (SCS) of TU Dresden.

The certificates from the DSH examination period September 08 - September 17, 2025 are available for you to collect from October 15th, 2025 during office hours at the ServiceCenterStudium (SCS): Mommsenstr. 6, Fritz-Försterbau, foyer on the ground floor.

FAQ

• What do I need to bring to the written DSH exam?
  A copy of your passport, original passport, letter of admission with application number, ballpoint pen/pencil blue or black, monolingual German dictionary (optional)
• Can I eat and drink during the written exam?
  Eating and drinking is permitted, but please refrain from using crackling bags and packaging that could disturb other participants.
• I have registered for the DSH and transferred the fee. The payment deadline has already passed, but I don't want to take the DSH exam after all. Can I get the fee refunded?
  Only if you withdraw before the registration/payment deadline can you apply for a refund of the examination fee minus a processing fee of 15% at dsh@mailbox.tu-dresden.de.
• I do not want to study at the TU Dresden, can I still take the DSH at the TU Dresden?
  No.
• I have a "Bedingte Zulassung" including the "Zulassung zum Aufnahmetest für den studienvorbereitenden Deutschkurs". Am I allowed to take the DSH?
  No. You may not take part in the DSH with this admission. Please do not transfer a fee. You may take the entrance test for the preparatory German course free of charge on the designated date.
• When and where will I receive my DSH certificate?
  If you have passed the DSH, you can pick up your certificate from the International Office approx. 3 weeks after passing the oral exam. Please check the opening hours and make an appointment in advance if possible.

  Certificates will only be sent by the International Office on request, if you provide an A4 envelope with sufficient postage and your current address to the IO.

  However, as this certificate is unique, we strongly recommend that you collect it in person as soon as possible.

• I have lost my DSH certificate, can I get a new certificate?
  You will only receive your DSH certificate once. Please take good care of it and make a (digital) copy. A digital certificate for a passed DSH exam can be issued on request (subject to approval), but this may take longer to process and may incur fees.
• Can I see my DSH exam?
  Yes, you can request to see your written DSH exam and discuss the assessment with a member of the DSH examination board. Send your request to . Applications to inspect the DSH must be submitted within one month of the announcement of the results.

Contact