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Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK)

Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD I and DSD II)

School-based exams taken at accredited schools abroad after several years of German lessons.

DSD I: B1 · DSD II: B2/C1

Who it is for

  • Pupils at DSD schools abroad (the exams are not open to the general public)

Format

PartGerman nameDurationDetails
ReadingLeseverstehenDSD II: 75 min + 10 min transfer timeFour parts from short texts to an argumentative text.
ListeningHörverstehenset in the implementing provisions—
WritingSchriftliche Kommunikationset in the implementing provisions—
SpeakingMündliche Kommunikationset in the implementing provisions—

Scoring

  • The four parts are assessed separately and the levels reached are shown on the diploma. German Prep does not simulate DSD scoring.

Recognition

  • KMK: a DSD II diploma counts as proof of the German skills required to study at a German university (see also RO-DT 2020 § 6).
  • KMK: DSD I counts as proof of the German skills needed for access to a Studienkolleg in Germany.
  • RO-DT 2020 § 6 (6): taking part in the DSD II exams is free of charge.
Requirements change and differ between universities and programmes. The university's own admission rules are always decisive.

Preparation tips

  • Ask your school's German department about registration and the exam calendar.

Practise for this exam

German Prep material at the levels this exam targets — not official exam tasks.

Timed B1 practice

Twenty mixed questions with exam-style pacing.

Timed B2 practice

Twenty mixed questions with exam-style pacing.

Timed C1 practice

Twenty mixed questions with exam-style pacing.

Listening library

Recordings with questions from A1 to C1.

Writing tasks

Exam-style writing with the rule-based assistant.

Official sources