TESTDAF

TestDaF Sample Answer: How It's Graded Step-by-Step

July 1, 2026
|6 min
By Margarita Votteler · DaF teacher & C1 examiner (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1, telc C1)
TestDaF Sample Answer: How It's Graded Step-by-Step

Reading a sample answer is good. Understanding why it gets points is better — because only then can you do it yourself.

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Short Answer

You can recognize a strong TestDaF answer in the Written Expression by four things: It addresses the task completely, is clearly structured, connects its arguments, and uses C1 vocabulary. Here's a short example of what an exam-oriented grading looks for.

Weak vs. Strong — A Mini Example

Weak: "Viele Studenten arbeiten neben dem Studium. Das hat Vorteile und Nachteile. Man verdient Geld, aber man hat weniger Zeit."

The feedback on this: Topic addressed, but no position, no connection, everyday vocabulary. This remains at B1 level.

Strong: "Ein Nebenjob im Studium ist für viele eine finanzielle Notwendigkeit — doch der Preis ist oft die Studienzeit. Ob sich das lohnt, hängt entscheidend davon ab, ob der Job zum Fach passt."

The feedback on this: clear position, a balanced thought, precise phrasing. This points towards C1.

The Four Areas That Matter

Content Completeness

Have you addressed all parts of the task — including the graphic and the comparison? A missing part immediately costs noticeable points.

Structure

Does the reader recognize the introduction, main part, and conclusion? Do transitions guide through the text?

Linguistic Means

Do you vary sentence structure and vocabulary, or do you repeat the same structures?

Correctness

Grammar and spelling — important, but last. A text with few errors but no content is still not enough.

The Complete Sample Solution

You can find a complete example text with structure and phrases here: TestDaF Written Expression — Example.

Where GermanExam.pro Fits In

Instead of just reading someone else's sample solution, you can submit your own text and see how it performs in these four areas — in about 30 seconds, according to publicly available grading criteria. Check your own text →

GermanExam.pro is an independent learning tool and is not affiliated with the TestDaF-Institut/g.a.s.t.

FAQ

Where can I find a complete TestDaF sample solution?

You can find a complete example text on our page for Written Expression. Use it as a guide, not for memorization — the topics change.

Should I memorize sample solutions?

No. Learn the structure and the phrases, not the specific text. In the exam, you'll get a different topic, and memorized content can quickly sound unnatural.

How do I know if my own text is good?

By the same four areas: completeness, structure, language, correctness. Honest external feedback helps, because it's hard to see your own gaps.

Related Topics

testdaf
schreiben
musterantwort
bewertung

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