TestDaF
The TestDaF is a central, standardised test for German as a foreign language in a university context and takes place in 2 formats: digital and paper-based.
In the digital TestDaF, the entire test is taken on the computer, the programme sets the speed and the sequence of the tasks. It is no longer possible to linger for a longer period of time or to jump back and forth between individual tasks. The digital TestDaF includes more but smaller tasks. For example, in reading and listening comprehension there are 7 tasks each instead of 3. New in the digital TestDaF are also integrated tasks, e.g. a read text must be summarised orally.
The TestDaF certificate is recognised by all German colleges and universities.
TestDaF at a glance
- Examination fee digital TestDaF: € 210.00; Examination fee paper-based TestDaF: € 215.00
- The examination will take place at TANDEM Hamburg. The paper-based TestDaF starts at 10:00 a.m. (identification check from 9:00), the digital TestDaF starts at 10:45 a.m. (identification check at 10:30).
- The examination consists of four parts and lasts approx. 195 minutes without breaks and preparation.
- You can register directly on the website of the TestDaF Institute
- For this exam we offer a preparation course
- Further details on TestDaF (model sentences, preparation materials) can be found here
Dates TestDaF and further information
Dates 2024
| Examination format | Exam date | Booking period | Exam will be online* |
|---|---|---|---|
2024 |
|
|
|
| Fit for the exam: We offer a preparation course at a special price for both examination formats. | |||
| Digital | 06.02.2024 | 01.11.2023 - 25.01.2024 | from 05.03.2024 |
| Paper based | 12.03.2024 | 01.11.2023 - 08.02.2024 | from 23.04.2024 |
| Digital | 26.03.2024 | 01.11.2023 - 14.03.2024 | from 23.04.2024 |
| Digital | 18.04.2024 | 02.01.2024 - 09.04.2024 | from 16.05.2024 |
| Paper based | 16.05.2024 | 02.01.2024 - 18.04.2024 | from 27.06.2024 |
| Digital | 06.06.2024 | 02.01.2024 - 27.05.2024 | from 05.07.2024 |
| Paper based | 17.07.2024 | 02.01.2024 - 13.06.2024 | from 28.08.2024 |
| Digital | 06.08.2024 | 02.01.2024 - 25.07.2024 | from 03.09.2024 |
| Paper based | 15.10.2024 | 02.01.2024 - 12.09.2024 | from 26.11.2024 |
| Digital | 12.11.2024 | 02.01.2024 - 30.10.2024 | from 10.12.2024 |
* The date given here refers to the publication of the results in the participant portal at www.testdaf.de.
You can find this information here as a PDF.
Dates 2025
| Examination format | Exam date | Booking period | Exam will be online* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper based | 15.05.2025 | 06.01.2025 - 16.04.2025 | from 26.06.2025 |
| Paper based | 16.07.2025 | 06.01.2025 - 13.06.2025 | from 27.08.2025 |
* The date given here refers to the publication of the results in the participant portal at www.testdaf.de.
The small print: Cancelling your exam
In case of withdrawal before the registration deadline, we will refund the examination fee minus a processing fee of € 50.00. A later withdrawal is not possible.
Publication of your exam result on the online participants' portal
You will receive your certificate directly via the participants' portal (download).
When choosing an examination date, please note that the evaluation for the paper-based TestDaF usually takes 6 weeks. For the digital TestDaF the evaluation time is approx. 4 weeks.
