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Exam Comparison

Which C1 Exam Fits You?

Compare TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1 and telc C1 Hochschule in one place.

TestDaF

Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache

60 min
digital 200 + 100-150 words
Passing level: TDN 4
All German universities

Best for: International students, standardized scoring

DSH

Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang

70 min
~250 words
Passing level: DSH-2
Issuing university + partners

Best for: Already in Germany, university-specific

Goethe C1

Goethe-Zertifikat C1

75 min
350+ words
Passing level: 60%
Worldwide

Best for: Professionals, visa, bookable by module

telc C1 Hochschule

telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule

70 min
350+ words
Passing level: 60%
Most German universities

Best for: Alternative to TestDaF, dates per center

Preparing for B1 or B2 (DTZ, telc, DTB, Goethe)? An honest writing assessment for these levels is in development. Join the waiting list (page in German)

Side-by-side comparison

Key differences in writing tasks and recognition.

FeatureTestDaFDSHGoethe C1telc C1
Writing duration60 min70 min75 min70 min
Word countdigital 200 + 100-150~250350+350+
Exam parts43-445
Certificate validityValid indefinitelyUniversity decidesPlease check goethe.deNo validity period on certificate
Test datesSeveral per year (list: testdaf.de)Per universityPer test venuePer test center
Exam fee (as of 03.10.2026)€210 digital, €215 paper (Germany)approx. €80–160 per universityapprox. €205–350 per test venueapprox. €229–239 per test center

Which exam should you choose?

Choose TestDaF if

  • You need a standardized exam accepted by all universities
  • You prefer fixed exam dates with clear scoring
  • You want predictable task formats

Choose DSH if

  • You are already in Germany and can take the local university exam
  • You want potentially lower exam fees
  • You can prepare for a university-specific format

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