Examinations
Tests and examinations
The Department of German as a Foreign Language offers various examinations and tests, each with a different focus.
DSH
General information
The DSH is intended for students from abroad to show that they have sufficient German skills for studying at a German university. Like at the other universities in Germany, this examination is held in Erlangen in accordance with general examination regulations passed by the German Rectors’ Conference. The certificate for passing the DSH examination is recognised at all universities in Germany. The DSH has three levels: DSH 1, DSH 2 and DSH 3. The level required at FAU may vary depending on the subject you intend to study. Please check with the Student Advice and Career Service which DSH level is required for the subject you intend to study.
Further information on registering and other aspects can be found here
TestDaF
The test of German as a foreign language – TestDaF – is an international language examination aimed at those who already have a good command of German who would like to take an examination as official proof of their language skills.
A prerequisite for studying at a German university is proficiency in the language. The TestDaF can be taken to prove a prospective student has the required language skills. Generally speaking, TestDaF level 4 is sufficient for a student to be admitted to university. You do not need to have been offered a place at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg to take the TestDaF at FAU.
TestDaF date
There will be no TestDaF examinations at FAU until further notice.
Placement test for preparatory courses (DSH courses)
Placement test for preparatory courses (DSH courses)
Please note:
You can only take this placement test if you have been granted permission for the summer semester 2025 from FAU to attend the preparatory DSH course.
News
- Date: Monday, 06 October 2025
- Time: 2 pm to 5 pm
- Room: N.N.
- Term of applications: 15 September 2025
- The examination fee of €25 must be paid by money transfer. Information will be given by email during the registration process.
Further information on registering and other aspects can be found here
Placement test for courses for students of all disciplines
Placement test for courses for students of all disciplines
General information
The placement tests are so-called C-tests and are carried out in a language laboratory of the Language Centre. The test lasts 40 minutes. Afterwards you will be informed about the result. The result is valid for one year and can therefore still be used in the following semester. Choose your German courses according to the result.
Absolute beginners do not need to take a placement test, but register for a course Deutsch A1.1: Allgemeinkurs or Deutsch A1: Allgemeinkurs (kompakt).
Placement test in Erlangen or in Nuremberg
The placement tests usually take place mainly in the last two weeks of the semester break. Before the summer semester you can make an appointment for a placement test in Erlangen or Nuremberg online on studon from mid-March, before the winter semester from mid-September.
Before you make an appointment for a placement test, please check whether it is really necessary. There are other possibilities for placement: Information on placement.
Dates
You can find the current dates here.
Course examinations (ECTS)
The German courses for students of all disciplines end with a final examination. You are entitled to take the final examination if you attend at least 85% of classes. It is usually a written test.
In courses focusing on the oral language, the final test will be replaced by a spoken assignment (usually a presentation). A protocol is written and the assignment is assessed according to the criteria.
The number of ECTS credits awarded depends on the number of semester hours. Classes held over 2 hours are awarded 2.5 ECTS credits, courses over 4 hours are given 5 ECTS credits.
ECTS credits are entered in mein campus for students who are enrolled at the University. Anyone taking the course who is not enrolled at the University can be given a paper certificate.