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TestDaF: writing and speaking
TestDaF Preparation: Writing and Speaking Practice
Practice writing and speaking and get an honest assessment like on exam day: do you reach TDN 4 or 5? Reading and listening in the exam format. Free.
Not sure where you stand? Placement test: free, about 25 minutes
Quick answer
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is the most common language exam for studying in Germany. You need TDN 4 in all four sub-tests (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) for standard university admission. Duration: paper 3 h 15 min, digital approx. 190 min. Results: approx. 3 weeks (digital) or approx. 6 weeks (paper). Fee in Germany: €210 digital, €215 paper (as of 03.10.2026).
M
Margarita Votteler
Experienced TestDaF / DSH / Goethe / telc C1 examiner since 2009
How GermanExamPro works
60 min
Exam duration
digital: min. 200 + 100–150 words (paper: no official minimum, approx. 300 recommended)
Words
TDN 4
Target level
TDN 4 in all parts
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.
TestDaF has no exam conversation; you only speak into a microphone. So your recording shows exactly what is assessed there.
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: TestDaF writing
Digital: two tasks in about 60 min in total (timing may vary). Paper-based: one 60-min task with graph, argumentation and home-country reference.
1
Digital — Task 1: Write an argumentative text (min. 200 words) — take a position on a socially relevant topic
2
Digital — Task 2: Summarise a reading text + graph (approx. 100–150 words) — in your own words, no opinion
3
Paper-based: 1 combined task (60 min) — graph description + argumentation + home-country reference
TDN scoring levels
How your performance in TestDaF is graded
TDN 5
Particularly high German skills (TDN 5 in all parts)
TDN 4
Admission proof if reached in all four parts (universities may differ)
Goal for university admission
TDN 3
Admission only if the university allows it for the degree programme
Below TDN 3
Below TDN 3 - no admission proof; the exam can be retaken
Since May 2026
Combined Certificate: Calculate your best result
Since May 2026, you can combine your best parts from several TestDaF exams. Work out your best result here.
Evaluation criteria
This is how examiners grade your text
1
Content Processing
Completeness; digital: argumentation (Task 1) + summary of reading text & graph (Task 2). Paper: additionally home-country reference.
2
Text Effect & Structure
Readability, argumentation structure, and structural elements (intro, transitions, conclusion)
3
Language Resources
Logical flow, linking words (connectors), sentence structure, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling
Practice topics for TestDaF
Our own practice tasks, built like the real exam. Nobody knows in advance which topic comes up on exam day.
Studentische Nebenjobs
Auslandsstudium und internationale Mobilität
Verpflichtende Teamarbeit im Studium
Digitalisierung an Hochschulen
Fahrrad im Stadtverkehr
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.
TDN scoring
You see roughly which TDN 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.
Graph Description
No introduction with source and topicMissing comparisons between data pointsToo many unimportant details
Always start with source, topic, and time period. Focus on the most important trends.
Argumentation
No clear thesisArguments without examplesMissing counter-arguments
Formulate a clear position and support it with concrete examples.
Language Errors
Too simple sentence structuresVocabulary repetitionWrong connectors
Use complex subordinate clauses and varied connectors like 'hingegen', 'darüber hinaus'.
Frequently asked questions about TestDaF writing
How many words do I need to write?
Digital: Task 1 min. 200 words, Task 2 approx. 100–150 words. Paper-based: no official minimum word count; approx. 300 words is a recommendation (house rule).
Can I use a dictionary?
No, no aids are allowed in the TestDaF. That's why it's important to practice academic vocabulary beforehand.
How often can I retake the TestDaF?
You can retake the TestDaF as many times as you like. There is no waiting period between exams.
Free
Free downloads for TestDaF
Templates and checklists as PDF
Practice exam
Free
Full practice exam for digitaler TestDaF (unofficial) — set 1
A full practice exam with audio files and answers — free by email.
50 pagesZIP (PDF + mp3)
Writing
Free
Graph description: same graph, three grades
TDN 3, 4 and 5 on one graph — plus the number grammar that gets noticed.
2 pages227 KB
Writing
Free
TestDaF Writing: the 60-Minute Plan
What the examiner wants to see in every minute — with a price tag for each structure mistake.
2 pages173 KB
Writing
Free
The 10 tell-tale signals: B2 or C1?
How the examiner spots B2 in 30 seconds — and how to lift every signal to C1.
2 pages207 KB
Printable practice exam
Full practice exam TestDaF digital
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, 50 pages
See the bookletUnofficial practice material, not from the exam provider. Sold via Gumroad.
Official information:
Explore TestDaF in depth
Answers to the most common questions.
TDN levels explained: TDN 3, 4, 5 compared
Which TDN level do you need for your degree? With concrete university requirements.
Mehr erfahren
TestDaF digital vs. paper: which version is better?
10 features compared side by side: dates, result times, fee, combined certificate, typing vs. handwriting.
Mehr erfahren
Combined certificate: merge your best results
Three parts at TDN 4 and failed just one? You cannot retake a single part, but for the digital TestDaF you can combine your best results.
Mehr erfahren
TestDaF experiences (Reddit): what an experienced examiner says
The most common Reddit worries — writing, speaking, "TDN 4 everywhere" — sorted out by an experienced C1 examiner.
Mehr erfahren
Articles about TestDaF
More tips for your preparation
Ready for TDN 4?
Start your TestDaF preparation now
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