The TestDaF, also known as Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test of German as a Foreign Language), is a standardized examination of German language proficiency for non-native speakers. It is designed to assess the language skills of individuals who wish to study or work in academic or professional environments in Germany.
The TestDaF is recognized by most universities and higher education institutions in Germany and serves as proof of language competence for admission to these institutions. It evaluates language skills according to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), focusing primarily on levels B2 (upper intermediate) to C1 (advanced).
The TestDaF consists of four sections:
1. Reading Comprehension: This section assesses the ability to understand and analyze German texts on various academic topics.
2. Listening Comprehension: This section assesses the ability to understand German audio recordings on academic or general topics.
3. Writing Expression: This section assesses the ability to write a text in German on a given topic, demonstrating a good command of grammar, vocabulary, and structure.
4. Speaking Expression: This section assesses the ability to speak and communicate in German on various topics, emphasizing clarity, accuracy, and fluency.
Candidates receive a score for each section, which corresponds to a level of language proficiency: 3 (B2.1), 4 (B2.2), 5 (C1.1), or 6 (C1.2). The scores are then combined to give an overall score. Universities and higher education institutions in Germany determine their own minimum score requirements for admission.
The TestDaF can be taken at authorized test centers worldwide and is held multiple times per year.