What You Should Know About the DSH German Test

Dec 7, 2022

min read

Germany is renowned for offering high-quality education in a variety of subjects. One of the best places to study abroad, the nation offers excellent professional chances in addition to excellent teaching. It is necessary to pass the DSH - Deutsche Sprachprüfung für nook Hochschulzugang, a university-level language proficiency test, in order to begin your educational journey in Germany and pursue a course in their native language, that is, German. Institutes assess applicants' comprehension and communication abilities in German before granting them permission to study in Germany. To learn more about this language proficiency test, let's read the blog.

Overview

DSH is a university-level language proficiency test and is one of the most important requirements when you are planning to seek a degree in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc. Various colleges and universities in the prior-stated countries conduct this test independently. The test aims to gauge your abilities over reading, composing, listening and talking abilities. As you would be expected to study a course in the German language, your abilities and proficiency in basic skills in German will be evaluated. The Goethe Institut in India gives preliminary courses to DSH at the University of Mannheim, however, the test is conducted in Germany.

Exam Structure of DSH

DSH exam does not have a set format like other language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc. and can vary from one institution to another. However, the more-or-less the pattern of the test remains the same. The test is entirely focused as per the classroom setup and the questions would hence be based on scenarios that you may face while pursuing the course. The exam consists of four parts as Listening, Reading and Grammar, Writing as well as Speaking. Let us have a detailed look at the specific structure of the sections-

Listening Test

This test is listening comprehension and the initial part of the test as well. It takes around 80 minutes. In this part, a short “lecture” of around 10 minutes will be played twice with a gap of 5 minutes in between, and afterward, you would be expected to answer 8 questions in 50 minutes.

Reading Test

After listening of DSH, reading comprehension is the second part of the test. It comprises two sections: Reading Comprehension and Grammar. For this segment, 90 minutes will be given. In the reading section, there are 8 questions based on the passage. In the Grammar part, you need to revise 9 sentences, without changing their significance.

Writing Test

For the writing test, you will be given 70 minutes to compose a 250 to 300 words text. In this, you are given a picture or a graphic that you have to describe in your own words and have to state the plausible reason for your depiction.

Speaking Test

The oral test is conducted about seven days after the composed test. If you got at least DSH 1 in the composed test, you will be eligible for the speaking test. This part takes around 30 Minutes. Your assignment is to depict a realistic, image or a short text. You will have 15 to 20 minutes to set up a 5 minutes “introduction”.

How to Apply for DSH?

You can enlist for the DSH examination either online or face to face at the concerned University. Fill in the enrollment structure and pay the necessary expenses. After the completion of enrollment, you will get an affirmation email. The payment receipt must be shown at the passage into the examination room. The examination expense fluctuates according to the university criteria. The expense extends between € 100 to 130 [INR 8,800-11,500] (subject to change).

Eligibility Criteria

Like the TestDAF, DSH likewise takes into account the language capability of the B2 C2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference and would require an intermediate course study of the German language of around 1000 hours. The assessment is a certification and doesn’t require any proof for the prior certifications.

Exemptions From DSH

German can be the best option for studying as it gives you access to many international scholarships to pursue your higher education. However, if you are some who can prove their ability in the German language via the below-mentioned pointers, then you may not have to appear in the DSH in the test-

Students pursuing courses in institution matching up the German higher institution level
Numerous colleges don’t request TestDAF or DSH scores from understudies who are studying there for a couple of semesters. This rule does not apply to every university. Subsequently, enquire about the particular language necessities at your prospective college.

If you have received any of the accompanyings:

Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultursministerkonferenz Level 2 (DSD II)
Zentral Oberstufenprufung ZOP from Goethe Institute
Kleines deutsches Sprachdiplom or Großes deutsches Sprachdiplom from Goethe Institute
Students those who have taken German language classes and have passed Festellungsprufung or Abschlussprufung

DSH Exam Preparation Standard Course B1

The DSH Standard course will prepare you for 240 lesson hours (20 lesson hours/week) for the DSH examination. The course takes place one week before the DSH exam so that one can take the DSH exam at the end of the course. The course has 240 lesson hours which will prepare you for the DSH exam.

Course Information

Group size: 6-12 participants
Course duration: 20 lessons/week- 12 weeks
Course time: Monday to Friday, 2:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Competence level: from B1
Price: 1740 euros

DSH Exam Preparation Standard Course B2

The DSH Standard course will prepare you for 160 lesson hours (20 lesson hours/week) for the DSH examination. The course takes place one week before the DSH exam so that one can take the DSH exam at the end of the course. The course has 160 lesson hours which will prepare you for the DSH exam.

Course Information

Group size: 6-12 participants
Course duration: 20 lessons/week- 8 weeks
Course time: Monday to Friday, 14:15 pm – 17:30 pm
Competence level: from B2
Price: 1180 euros

DSH Exam Preparation Standard Course B2+

The DSH Standard course will prepare you for 60 lesson hours (20 lesson hours/week) for the DSH examination. The course takes place one week before the DSH exam so that one can take the DSH exam at the end of the course. The course has 160 lesson hours which will prepare you for the DSH exam.

Course Information

Group size: 6-12 participants
Course duration: 20 lessons/week- 8 weeks
Course time: Monday to Friday, 2:15 pm – 5:30 pm2:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Competence level: from B2+
Price: 480 euros

Preparation Tips for DSH German Test

Since you have understood the criteria of passing the DSH test, preparing for the exam is the most crucial part of the process. When you are not a German speaker, the only thing that will make your way to the German test is curating a strong grip over the language. Since the passing percentage for this language test is low, good preparation plays a crucial role in the selection process. If you aspire to qualify for the DSH German Test with flying colors, here are some tips that will surely help you throughout your preparation time-