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DSH: writing and speaking
DSH Exam: What It Is, Levels and Preparation
Most German universities require DSH-2. Write your text or record your answer and see honestly whether it reaches DSH-2 or DSH-3. Reading and listening in the exam format.
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Quick answer
The DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is the university-specific C1 exam. You get DSH-2 (unrestricted admission to all degree programmes) when you reach at least 67% in both the written AND the oral part; DSH-1 needs 57% in each, DSH-3 needs 82% in each. There is no weighted overall score. (Varies by university.)
M
Margarita Votteler
Experienced TestDaF / DSH / Goethe / telc C1 examiner since 2009
How GermanExamPro works
70 min
Exam duration
approx. 250 words
Words
DSH-2
Target level
DSH-2: written and oral each at least 67%
To pass
The two parts you can't grade yourself
Whether your text and your speaking are enough, you otherwise only learn on exam day.
AI imageAI imageSpeaking
You get a task and speak your answer into the microphone. With time like in the exam.
In the DSH you give a short talk, followed by a conversation. We assess your short talk, not yet the conversation.
Reading and listening: You practise with tasks like in the exam, also as a full mock exam. You see right away what is correct.
Exam format: DSH writing
DSH Text Production is materials-based: you process given source materials (e.g. a graph, table or short quotations) into your own academic text. It does not draw on the listening and reading texts from the other exam parts.
1
Text Production: Write a coherent, science-oriented text based on given source materials (e.g. graph, table or quotations) and take a reasoned position
DSH Level scoring levels
How your performance in DSH is graded
DSH-3
82-100%Above the standard level; some universities require DSH-3 for certain programs
DSH-2
67-81%Proof of language proficiency for all programs
Goal for university admission
DSH-1
57-66%Entry level, only where the university has set lower requirements
Not Passed
0-56%No university admission
Evaluation criteria
This is how examiners grade your text
1
Content & Task Completion
Complete processing, factual accuracy, and independent opinion
2
Text Structure & Logical Flow (Kohärenz)
Intro-body-conclusion, logical order and linking words (connectors)
3
Expression & Vocabulary
Varied vocabulary, natural phrasing, and good style
4
Linguistic Accuracy
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Practice topics for DSH
Our own practice tasks, built like the real exam. Nobody knows in advance which topic comes up on exam day.
Klimaschutz in Großstädten — wer muss handeln?
Soziale Medien — Gefahr oder Gewinn für junge Menschen?
Bildungsgerechtigkeit — hängt der Schulerfolg vom Elternhaus ab?
Integration in den Arbeitsmarkt — was hilft wirklich?
Psychische Gesundheit im Studium — ein unterschätztes Problem?
Automatisierung — verlieren wir unsere Arbeit?
Vier-Tage-Woche — ein Modell für alle?
Studiengebühren — gerecht oder ungerecht?
Vegetarisch als Standard in der Mensa?
Präsenz oder online — wie soll an Hochschulen gelehrt werden?
Click a topic to practice with your Agent →
AI imageHow GermanExamPro helps you
Honest like the exam. And practice until it is enough.
Every criterion on its own
Content, structure, vocabulary and grammar: you see where you stand.
DSH Level scoring
You see roughly which DSH Level level your text reaches.
Practice with your Agent
Your agent practises exactly your weak spots with you. Until you pass.
Jump right in
Write a text. Your agent shows you honestly whether it is enough.
Avoid common mistakes
These mistakes cost you points
Risk no. 1: off topic = 0 points
The AI checks whether your text fits the task. You see it right away.
Text Processing
Information from templates not integratedLiteral copyingImportant points omitted
Put the source material in your own words and connect it to your text.
Scientific Style
First person usedColloquial languageEmotional expressions
Write objectively without „ich“ and use subject-specific vocabulary.
Structure
No introductionMissing transitionsNo conclusion
Organize into introduction, main part, and conclusion with clear transitions.
Frequently asked questions about DSH writing
What is the difference between DSH-2 and DSH-3?
DSH-2 counts as proof of language proficiency for all programs. Some universities require DSH-3 for certain programs (e.g. medicine) — check the admission rules of your university.
Is the DSH the same at all universities?
No, each university creates its own DSH. However, the level is comparable through the framework regulation.
Can I retake the DSH?
Yes, you can retake the DSH. How often and after what waiting time is set by your university's examination regulations.
Free
Free downloads for DSH
Templates and checklists as PDF
Printable practice exam
Full practice exam DSH
Every exam part as on exam day, with an answer section and a reason for every answer. Audio files online.
€5.25 incl. VAT (Germany) · PDF, 28 pages
See the bookletUnofficial practice material, not from the exam provider. Sold via Gumroad.
Explore DSH in depth
Answers to the most common questions.
DSH 1, 2, 3 - what do the levels mean?
Which DSH level do you actually need? A direct comparison with degree-programme recommendations.
Mehr erfahren
The 57 / 67 / 82 percent thresholds
Why both the written and the oral part must each reach the threshold - and where most candidates narrowly fail.
Mehr erfahren
Text production: structure, sample text and common mistakes
A 250-word sample text at DSH-2 level, all required elements, source citation.
Mehr erfahren
Articles about DSH
More tips for your preparation
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