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 the DSH exam is not being held in Lüneburg until further notice.

Frequently asked questions

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

All foreign students wishing to study a German taught program at Leuphana University Lüneburg have to take the DSH-Exam 2 or the TestDAF 4 x 4 or higher. (Check DSH examination regulations for more details)

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?

Leuphana University of Lüneburg is not currently offering any DSH exams. If necessary, please contact other providers. You can find a list of external DSH exams here.

Can I download example tests?

Sample exams are available on the FaDaF website and can be downloaded there.

Is the Leuphana DSH certificate valid at other German universities?

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

How can I practice for a DSH exam?

The Language and Culture Team offers courses for learning German. In addition, exam materials for the DSH are available at the Self-Access Center (SLZ) in Building 5, Room 104, which you can use to prepare on your own.

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?

As things stand at the moment (07/2026), the DSH-Certificate does not expire.

Do you have any further questions?

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