DSH Exam & FAQ

Dear applicants,

The DSH exam – the German language exam for foreign students applying for admission to German universities – indicates that your German skills are sufficient to pursue and successfully complete higher education in Germany.

This includes the ability to follow lectures and seminars, prepare proper notes, read and understand academic texts, and to sufficiently prepare for class and follow up. And, of course, you have to be capable of writing academic texts.

Please note that there is no DSH exam in March 2024.

Application form

Do I need the DSH exam to study at Leuphana University as a foreign student?

Which competence should I have before I register for the DSH-exam?

How long is the exam?

When and where does the DHS exam take place?

How much does the DSH exam cost?

Can I download example tests?

Can I retake the DSH exam?

Is the Leuphana DSH certificate valid at other German universities?

How can I practice for a DHS exam?

How can I register for a DSH exam?

When do I receive the test results and the ceritifcate?

Will the result automatically be forwarded to the registration office of Leuphana University?

How long is the result valid?

Do I need the DSH exam to study at Leuphana University as a foreign student?

All foreign students wishing to study at Leuphana University Lüneburg have to take the DSH-Exam 2 or the TestDAF–4 or 5 exam. (See the DSH site for further details).

Which competence should I have before I register for the DSH-exam?

C1 level is recommended.

How long is the exam?

The written part takes about six hours. If the written exam is passed, an invitation for the oral exam will be issued. The oral exam lasts about 35-45 minutes (including preparation time).

When and where does the DHS exam take place?

The DSH exam is normally offered in March and September at Leuphana University Lüneburg. Please note that there is no DSH exam in March 2024.

How much does the DSH exam cost?

The DSH exam costs 100,- Euro for Leuphana students and 150,- Euro for external students.

Can I download example tests?

The internet provides a variety of "Model Tests." Please keep in mind that these tests are just for practicing and often don't match the necessary level of the exam.

Can I retake the DSH exam?

The exam can be retaken once within a certain time period.

Is the Leuphana DSH certificate valid at other German universities?

Yes, the Leuphana certificate is acknowledged by all other universities since Leuphana University belongs to the German universities with registered DSH exams. Please note that often DSH exams 2 and 3 are required.

How can I practice for a DHS exam?

The Langauge and Culture Team offers seminars and workshops to prepare for the DSH exam. Additionally, you can use materials provided at the Self-Access Center in building 5, room 104.

How can I register for a DSH exam?

During the registration time, you can register via a form on the DSH site. All candidates receive a slot on the waiting list since the Language and Culture Team can only admit a limited number of participants to the DSH exam. About one month before the exam, all confirmations and cancelations will be sent out via email to the registered candidates. In this email, the exam procedure will be explained. Payment has to be completed five working days after receiving the invoice.

For any questions regarding the registration process, please contact Frau Sonja Tommrich .

When do I receive the test results and the ceritifcate?

If you pass the written exam, you will be invited to the oral exam. If you pass this as well, the certificate will be issued right after the exam.

Will the result automatically be forwarded to the registration office of Leuphana University?

No, the certificate has to be handed in at the registration office by the students themselves.

How long is the result valid?

At the present moment (05/2015), the DSH-Certificate never expires.

If you have any further questions about exam preparation and the DSH, please contact the coordinator for German as a Foreign Language,  Reinhard Werner.