German language courses, German language proficiency and language certificates

Before registering for nearly all undergraduate Bachelor’s and State Examination degree programs, students are expected to have a very good command of German. More specific information on accepted proof of language proficiency is given below.

The only programs for which a knowledge of German is not required are the Bachelor’s degree programs that are taught entirely in English: Autonomy Technologies (BSc), Clean Energy Processes (BSc), International Business Studies (BSc), Artificial Intelligence (BSc) and International Economic Studies (BSc).

The following certificates are accepted as proof of language ability when enrolling at FAU:

• DSH: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (German language university entrance examination for international students). The results of the DSH examination are divided into three levels, with level 2 considered proof of sufficient proficiency in German for all degree programs. ¹
• Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) – a test that is offered worldwide. Serves as proof of sufficient proficiency in German if at least level 4 is reached in each of the four parts of the examination. You may have level 3 once in the TestDaF examination. However, if this is the case, you must compensate for this with level 5 in at least one part of the examination. For programs at the Faculty of Engineering you will need at least level 4 in each of the four parts of the examination. ¹
• Goethe certificate C2
• German part of the assessment examination (Feststellungsprüfung) at a German Studienkolleg. This examination also counts as proof of sufficient German language proficiency for all degree programs.
• Österreichisches Sprachdiplom C2 (ÖSD C2)
• Deutsches Sprachdiplom of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs level II (DSD II), if at least level B2 is obtained in all parts of the examination
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung II of the Sprachen- und Dolmetscher-Institut München
• telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule examination
• telc Deutsch C2

¹: For degree programs at the Faculty of Sciences, it is sufficient if applicants have DSH 1 (oral) / DSH 2 (written) or TestDaF with level 4 in three parts of the examination and no more than one part of the examination at level 3.

• The level of German required for applying and/or enrolling for Master’s degree programs varies greatly. Our information sheet on Master’s degree programs gives an overview of the level of German required in each case.
• FAU offers a number of international Master’s degree programs for which no German or only a very low level of German is required. An overview of degree programs taught in English is included on the page on international degree programs.

An exemption from the obligation to submit proof of language proficiency may only be granted by the head of the German Department at the Language Centre, Dr. Frank Mielke after you have been admitted to a degree program. This is usually only possible for applicants whose native language is German. A degree in German studies does not entitle an applicant to exemption from the DSH examination.

In order to sit the DSH examination you must prove German language proficiency of at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and submit evidence of having attended additional German language courses.

The following certificates are accepted as proof:

• Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or higher
• telc certificate B2 or higher
• onDaF/onSET certificate B2 or higher
• ÖSD-Zertifikat B2 or higher
• TestDaF score of 12 points or higher (no results below level 3)
• UNIcert II or UNIcert III
• DSH 1

You will receive an invitation to the DSH examination at FAU together with your admissions letter for the degree program you applied to; this examination will take place immediately before the start of the semester (late March/early April for the summer semester and late September/early October for the winter semester).

If you have applied directly to FAU to study medicine, medicine in Erlangen-Nuremberg/Bamberg, dentistry or pharmacy, you cannot take the DSH examination just before you start to study. In these instances, the proof of proficiency in German (DSH 2 or equivalent, see “Accepted proof of language skills”) required for enrollment has to be submitted together with your application for a place on the degree program. The only exception to this rule is applicants who have to apply for these degree programs via the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung (Foundation for University Admissions). You can visit our applications website for international students to find out whether this applies to you.

Shortly before the DSH examination at FAU, we offer an intensive course which is structured to prepare students for the form and content of the examination. The course costs 160 euros (including material costs). The examination is subject to an additional fee of 80 euros. You will receive the application form for the German examination and the preparatory course together with your admissions letter.

The Goethe-Institut offers an online language course to prepare for German language examinations (DSH or TestDaF). For more information visit www.goethe.com. A further online German course is offered by DUO. For more information visit www.uni-deutsch.com.

Please note that students applying for the following degree programs cannot take part in the preparatory German language course:

• Medicine
• Medicine Erlangen/Bayreuth
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Food Chemistry
• Logopedics
• Midwifery Science
• Psychology (MSc)
• Psychology with a focus on Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (MSc)
• Bachelor’s degree programs for working professionals
• Master’s degree programs for professional development
• Supplementary teaching degree programs
• International degree programs taught in English

In order to take part in a German course preparing for studies at FAU, the school and degree certificates you have submitted must entitle you to take up studies at a German university directly. Further information can be found on our page on international qualifications.

In addition, you must provide proof of a sound knowledge of German equivalent to level A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The following certificates are accepted as proof:

• Goethe certificate A2 or higher
• telc certificate A2 or higher
• onDaF/onSET certificate A2 or higher
• ÖSD certificate A2 or higher

At least level A2 must be achieved in each part of the examination for these certificates.

A placement test will take place at the University’s Language Centre before the courses begin (early April for the summer semester and early October for the winter semester). The test determines whether you are admitted to the course. This test is subject to a 25 euro fee. If the number of applications is higher than the available places, participants will be selected based on the test results. Students who are not admitted to the University’s language course can attend a language course at a private language institute