German Language Proficiency
To study at the University of Bonn, applicants who do not hold a university entrance qualification from a German or German-language school must prove sufficient knowledge of German.
01.
Application
Applicants for degree programs that are taught in German must demonstrate an advanced knowledge of German (minimum level B2).
02.
Enrollment
Proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language is required to enroll. This proof should be provided through the results of the German Language Proficiency Test for Admission to Higher Education (DSH). A DSH 2 certificate is sufficient to start in all degree programs that are taught in German (with the exception of Master of Education degree programs requiring DSH 3).
Alternative Proof for DSH Examination
The following alternatives to the DSH examination are possible:
- TestDaF Level 4 in all 4 sub-modules
- the aptitude test from a German preparatory college (FSP)
- the German Language Diploma (level II) from the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder of the Federal Republic of Germany (DSD II)
- Goethe-Certificate C2
- Certificate telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
- Austrian Language Diploma C2 (ÖSD C2)
DSH Examination and Courses
DSH Examination
The University of Bonn offers the opportunity to complete the DSH examination prior to a student’s first semester. This requires previous admission to a degree program at the University of Bonn.
If you did not provide sufficient proof of German language proficiency with your application, then your letter of admission will also include an invitation to participate in the DSH examination.
Please note that official enrollment in the degree program can only be completed once the DSH examination has been passed with a result appropriate for the degree program, or once an equivalent proof of German language proficiency has been submitted.
DSH Preparatory Courses
The University of Bonn offers the opportunity to apply for admission to the DSH preparatory course. You can then either apply for the DSH preparatory course or for direct admission to a degree program. For the DSH preparatory course please choose "Deutschkurs" as course of study.
The DSH preparatory course is designed to be completed before the actual degree program begins, and generally lasts one or two semesters. You will be enrolled at the University of Bonn for the duration of the DSH preparatory course.
To apply for participation, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- You must hold a university entrance qualification for your desired degree program at the University of Bonn.
- You must provide proof of German language proficiency of at least level B1.
The following documents are accepted as proof:
- Goethe Certificate B1 (min. 75% in the overall result) or a higher level certificate
- telc Certificate B1 (min. 75% in the overall result) or a higher level certificate
- TestDaF Certificate showing the minimum level of TDN 3 in at least one part of the examination.
The certificates may not be older than two years.