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German PrepGerman Prep
TestDaF-Institut (g.a.s.t. e. V.)

Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache

A standardised academic German test for university admission, taken on a computer (digital TestDaF) or on paper.

Results per part: TDN 5, TDN 4, TDN 3 or “below TDN 3”

Who it is for

  • Applicants to German-taught degree programmes who need proof of German proficiency
  • Learners at about B2–C1 who want a standardised result with separate scores for each skill

Format

PartGerman nameDurationDetails
ReadingLesenapprox. 55 min7 tasks, 34 items (digital TestDaF).
ListeningHörenapprox. 40 min7 tasks, 30 items.
WritingSchreibenapprox. 60 min2 tasks.
SpeakingSprechenapprox. 35 min7 tasks.

According to the TestDaF-Institut, the working time and the number of tasks can vary per part, but every participant receives a test of the same length.

Scoring

  • Each of the four parts is reported on a scale of 0–20 scaled points (0–80 in total).
  • 0–4 points = below TDN 3, 5–9 = TDN 3, 10–15 = TDN 4, 16–20 = TDN 5 — in every part.
  • Reading and listening answers are scored automatically (short answers in listening by trained raters); writing and speaking are rated by trained assessors.

Calculate your result

TestDaF (digital) score calculator

Official rules

Every threshold comes from the official document listed below. Results are estimates for planning — only the exam provider issues results.

Enter the scaled points (0–20) for each part, as shown on a result report or a practice test.

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Fill in all four parts to see the result.

What this calculator does not do
  • Starts from scaled points (0–20 per part). The conversion of correct answers into scaled points is not published and is not simulated.
  • Universities can set other profiles (for example lower requirements for particular programmes). Always check the programme's own rules.

Recognition

  • RO-DT 2020 § 4 (5): TDN 4 or better in all four parts counts as proof of German proficiency for admission to all degree programmes.
  • RO-DT 2020 § 4 (6): TDN 5 shows particularly high proficiency, above the level required for admission.
  • Universities may set different (lower) requirements for particular study purposes — always check your programme.
Requirements change and differ between universities and programmes. The university's own admission rules are always decisive.

Preparation tips

  • Train each skill separately: one weak part below TDN 4 is enough to miss the 4×4 profile.
  • Practise typing in German if you take the digital test.
  • Use the listening library and timed reading practice at B2–C1.

Practise for this exam

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

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