Language Exams & Certificates
Everything about telc, Goethe, TestDaF and DSH – process, preparation and costs.
Language Exams & Certificates
Language certificates prove your level and are often required for study, work or visas. Here’s an overview of key exams, how they work and typical costs.
Popular exams
These certificates are most commonly requested:
telc German
Everyday & professional, A1–C2
2–4 hours
Often B1/B2
Goethe Certificate
Internationally recognized, A1–C2
2–4 hours
Popular for study/work
TestDaF
University admission, 4 skills
~3 hours
Usually B2/C1
DSH
University language exam
1–2 days
Usually B2/C1
Exam day process
A typical language exam includes:
- Registration & ID check
- Written parts (reading, listening, writing, grammar)
- Oral part – often individual or small groups
- Results after a few weeks
Registration & requirements
- Passport/ID
- Appropriate level (recommended)
- Observe registration deadlines
- Pay exam fee in advance
Passing & results
- Scoring by skill (reading/listening/writing/speaking)
- Certificate shows level & score
- Retakes possible – deadlines vary
Long‑term preparation
- • Study consistently
- • Create a structured plan
- • Join study groups
- • Take regular self‑tests
Exam phase
- • Review all topics
- • Practice with past papers
- • Train time management
- • Plan enough rest
Mental preparation
- • Use stress‑management techniques
- • Stay positive
- • Sleep well
- • Eat healthy
Costs & timeline
Exam fee (typical)
€130–250
By provider and level
Result time
2–6 weeks
Varies by provider
Prep time
4–8 weeks
For prep courses
After passing
- • Receive certificate
- • Use for applications
- • Set next goal (e.g., B2 → C1)
If you don’t pass
- • Analyze weak areas
- • Book targeted prep
- • Re‑register for exam
Find the right school
Find schools with exam preparation for your goal.
Go to searchFrequently asked questions about the Feststellungsprüfung
Everything about the FSP: subject streams, language requirements, the Studienkolleg and the routes into a German university.
What is the Feststellungsprüfung?
The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP, assessment examination) is a state examination taken at the end of a Studienkolleg, the German preparatory college. It certifies the university entrance qualification of international applicants whose school-leaving certificate is not directly equivalent to the German Abitur. The FSP is organised in subject streams (T-Kurs for engineering, M-Kurs for medicine, W-Kurs for business, G-Kurs for the humanities, S-Kurs for languages).
Who has to take the Feststellungsprüfung?
You need the FSP if you come from a country whose school-leaving certificate is not recognised in Germany as directly qualifying you for university study. Check your own case in the KMK's anabin database (anabin.kmk.org). Exempt are EU qualifications equivalent to the Abitur, as well as applicants who have already studied their target subject for at least 2 semesters in their home country.
What level of German do I need for the Studienkolleg?
Admission to a Studienkolleg usually requires at least B1, often B2 German. You prove it with a Goethe-Zertifikat, telc, TestDaF or the Studienkolleg's own entrance test (mostly a C-Test plus writing). During the Studienkolleg (1–2 semesters) your level is raised to DSH-2 / TestDaF TDN 4.
How long does the Studienkolleg take?
The regular Studienkolleg takes 2 semesters (one year). In that time you cover subject content (mathematics, physics, chemistry, German and so on, depending on your stream) and deepen your German. If you already have B2/C1 German and solid subject knowledge, you can sometimes be placed straight into the Feststellungsprüfung without attending the full course.
How difficult is the Feststellungsprüfung?
The FSP is demanding and comparable to the German Abitur in the core subjects. It consists of written exams in German plus 2–3 subject exams (depending on your stream) and oral components. Depending on the Studienkolleg, 20–40% of candidates fail. You can usually repeat it once.
Which subject streams are there, and which one do I need?
There are five streams: T-Kurs (engineering and technology), M-Kurs (medicine and biology), W-Kurs (business and social sciences), G-Kurs (humanities) and S-Kurs (languages). Your choice follows the degree you want to study. After the FSP, moving between related subjects is often possible — between unrelated streams (from T to M, for example) it is not.
Does the Studienkolleg cost anything?
State Studienkollegs are free of charge in many federal states — you only pay the semester contribution of roughly €100–350 per semester, which usually includes a semester travel pass. Private Studienkollegs (at private universities, for instance) cost €3,000–10,000 per semester. Places at state colleges are competitive, so an early application (6+ months ahead) is recommended.
Can I take the Feststellungsprüfung externally?
Yes. The external Feststellungsprüfung (without attending a Studienkolleg) is possible, but more demanding — you prepare on your own or in a private preparatory course. You register directly with the Studienkolleg or the responsible examination office. The external route is an option if no college place is available or if you have already prepared in your home country.