TestDaF written expression

Master TestDaF Written Expression

AI-powered evaluation oriented towards exam requirements. Instant feedback on all scoring categories.

60 min
Exam duration
250-300
Words
TDN 4
Target level
TDN 4 in all parts
To pass

Exam format: TestDaF writing

The TestDaF Written Expression consists of two tasks that you must complete in 60 minutes.

1

Task 1: Graph Description - Describe a statistic or graph on an academic topic

2

Task 2: Argumentation - Take a position on a controversial topic and justify your opinion

TDN scoring levels

How your performance in TestDaF is graded

TDN 5
80-100%

Excellent - Unrestricted university admission

TDN 4
60-79%

Good - University admission at most universities

Recommended target for university admission
TDN 3
40-59%

Satisfactory - Limited admission possible

Below TDN 3
0-39%

Not passed - Retake exam

New from May 2026

Combined Certificate: Calculate your best result

Starting May 2026, you can combine your best partial results from multiple TestDaF exams. Plus: Which errors cost the most TDN points?

Evaluation criteria

Your text is evaluated using these standard criteria

Content Processing
40%

Completeness, graph description, argumentation, and home country reference

Text Effect & Structure
30%

Readability, argumentation structure, and structural elements (intro, transitions, conclusion)

Language Resources
30%

Coherence, connectors, sentence structure, vocabulary, grammar, and orthography

Typical topics in TestDaF

These topics appear frequently in the exam

Digitalization (AI, Data privacy, Social media)
Environment & Sustainability (Climate change, Energy transition, Traffic)
Education (Equal opportunities, Bologna, Digital education)
Work Life (Home office, 4-day week, Automation)
Society (Migration, Integration, Demographic change)
Health (Pandemic, Prevention, Nursing shortage)

Avoid common mistakes

These mistakes cost you valuable points

⚠️ #1 Risk: Missing the Topic (Themaverfehlung)

Writing off-topic means 0 points — no matter how good your grammar is. GermanExam.pro checks your content relevance before you submit, so you never miss the point.

Our AI detects off-topic content instantly

Graph Description

  • No introduction with source and topic
  • Missing comparisons between data points
  • Too many unimportant details

Always start with source, topic, and time period. Focus on the most important trends.

Argumentation

  • No clear thesis
  • Arguments without examples
  • Missing counter-arguments

Formulate a clear position and support it with concrete examples.

Language Errors

  • Too simple sentence structures
  • Vocabulary repetition
  • Wrong connectors

Use complex subordinate clauses and varied connectors like 'hingegen', 'darüber hinaus'.

How GermanExam.pro helps you

AI-powered preparation for the TestDaF

Multi-Category Analysis

In-depth analysis across key exam dimensions: grammar, vocabulary, structure, content, coherence, and overall impression.

TDN scoring

Get an estimated TDN score based on publicly available criteria.

Concrete improvements

Detailed feedback with actionable suggestions to improve your text.

Not sure if you're ready?

Take our free 2-minute assessment to check your current C1 level before starting.

Frequently asked questions about TestDaF writing

How many words do I need to write?

For both tasks together, you should write 250-300 words. A response that is too short or too long can cost points.

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.

Ready for TDN 4?

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