TestDaF @ GLS Berlin: FAQ

Viktoria is our expert for TestDaF and telc German certificates at GLS Berlin. Below, she answers the most frequently asked questions about the TestDaF exam.

Exam Support:

• +49 30 780089 - 12
• exam@gls-berlin.de

When should I register for the TestDaF exam?

To ensure your university application is successful, timing is everything. Because it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the TestDaF Institute to issue your certificate, we recommend the following timeline:

• For Winter Semester (Starting October): Take the exam in February or April.
• For Summer Semester: Take the exam no later than November (September is even better).

How to Register

We are happy to assist you with the registration process!

• Standard Registration: Simply visit our office on the first day of your preparation course.
• Special Note for April: The April exam date is extremely popular and fills up fast. For this specific date, you must register online before you arrive in Berlin to secure your spot.

How long does the TestDaF exam take?

The TestDaF lasts a bit longer than 3 hours (plus time for breaks). Usually you will sit the exam in the morning, with the last part - speaking - being tested after lunch:

• Reading: 60 minutes
• Listening: 40 minutes
• Writing: 60 minutes
• Speaking: 30 minutes

What result do I need to pass?

TestDaF is a bit like TOEFL: you cannot fail or pass, it asseses your current level of German, and you need to reach a certain minimum level. These are the possible results:

• TDN 5 = more than ok
• TDN 4 = level C1, the level you need for university
• TDN 3 = not enough, ok only for studies in music or art

What if I manage reading, but fail the oral part?

Then you will have to repeat the TestDaF exam - a very good result in "reading" does not compensate for a very bad one in "speaking". You need to reach TDN 4 in all 4 tested fields.

How often can I do TestDaF?

As often as you like, there is no limit. But you will have to pay the examination fee every time, no discounts for "frequent flyers" ...

How do I best prepare for TestDaf?

You can get ready for TestDaF by yourself, by using these self-study materials. But it definitely makes sense to take a prep course beforehand. There you´ll have a teacher, a real person, you can talk to and who can coach you. And you will have the company of others who also prepare for TestDaF, and that can be very helpful.

Why do I need level B2/C1 to do the TestDaF course?

Because the prep course is meant to "condition" you for the exam - the focus is not so much on vocabulary and grammar repetition but on the exam itself. The exam certainly is doable, but it is demanding, and the aim is to get you ready to deal with that.

Many test centers demand German on level C1 for their prep courses. GLS admits you with B2/C1, because the GLS prep courses consist of two parts: 2 lessons daily focussing exclusively on exam preparation and 4 lessons daily on general German. The general German part will help you to raise your level a bit, so that a very good B2 is ok for the TestDaF course.

When will I get the TestDaF certificate?

6 to 8 weeks after having taken the exam. To be sure please keep a waiting period of 8 weeks in mind when scheduling the exam and/or a prep course

• back to TestDaF courses and exams in Berlin

TestDaF and telc C1 Hochschule - what is the difference?

• TestDaf has 10 testing dates per year, while you can do a telc C1 Hochschule exam every month (see testing dates at GLS)
• Exam fees are lower for telc C1 Hochschule than for TestDaF.
• Results for telc C1 Hochschule are issued faster than those for TestDaF.