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Exam Comparison

Which C1 Exam Fits You?

What do you need C1 for? Study in Germany, or work and authorities?

For studying in Germany

German universities accept these exams. Your university tells you which level you need.

TestDaF

Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache

60 minTo pass: TDN 4
DSH

Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang

70 minTo pass: DSH-2
telc C1 Hochschule

telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule

70 minTo pass: 60%

For work, recognition and the authorities

A general C1 certificate for work, recognition or authorities. Universities usually ask for a different exam.

Goethe C1

Goethe-Zertifikat C1

75 minTo pass: 60%
telc C1

telc Deutsch C1

70 minTo pass: 60%

Preparing for B2 (telc, DTB, Goethe)? An honest writing assessment for this level is in development. Join the waiting list (page in German)

Side-by-side comparison

Key differences in writing, speaking and recognition.

FeatureTestDaFDSHGoethe C1telc C1 Hochschuletelc C1 (general)
Writing duration60 min70 min75 min70 min70 min
Word countdigital 200 + 100-150~250350+350+~350
Speakingon a computer, no conversationshort talk, then conversationtalk, then discussionpresentation, then conversation in pairspresentation, then conversation in pairs
Exam parts43-4455
Practice with usWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock exam
Practice with usWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock examWriting, speaking, reading, listening + mock exam
Certificate validityValid indefinitelyUniversity decidesPlease check goethe.deno expiry date on the certificateno expiry date on the certificate
Test datesSeveral per year (list: testdaf.de)Per universityPer test venuePer test centerPer test center
Exam fee (as of October 2026)€210 digital, €215 paper (Germany)approx. €80–160 per universityapprox. €205–350 per test venueapprox. €229–239 per test centerapprox. €235–249 per test center

Which exam should you choose?

Choose TestDaF if

  • You need an exam that all universities know
  • You prefer fixed exam dates with clear scoring
  • You like fixed task formats

Choose DSH if

  • You are already in Germany and your university offers the DSH
  • You want to pay a lower fee
  • You are preparing for your own university's exam

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