DSH - German Language Examination for the admission of international applicants to higher education

DSH - German Language Examination for University Admission for International Student Applicants

The German Language Test for University Admission (DSH) determines whether the applicant has the required German language skills to apply for a German-language degree program at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg or another German university.
The DSH is an admission requirement for all those applicants who have not acquired their university entrance qualification in a German-speaking country or at a German-speaking institution and who do not have an equivalent language certificate.

BTU usually offers the DSH twice a year (February and June).

Next DSH exam date: 16.06.2025 (Places will be also allocated to external participants. Please only register during the registration period using the online form.).

Registration period: 12.05. - 13.05.2025

Oral examinations: 26.06. - 27.06.2025

Certificates from 01.07.2025

Notes for external applicants:

Please upload your German B2 language certificate (not a certificate of participation in language courses) and your letter of admission from a German university in the online form.

German B2 language certificates are e.g:
- DSH-1
- TestDaF TDN 12 to 15
- ÖSD B2
- Goethe certificate B2
- DSD II, if not all parts have been passed with C1
- etc.

The Language Center of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg does not offer separate DSH preparation courses for external applicants.

Information on exam registration

During the registration period, you will find the link to the online form at the top left of this page. Registration is only possible if you provide all the necessary information and upload the required documents (German B2 language certificate and letter of admission). Registrations by e-mail will not be considered.

  1. After successful registration you will receive information about the payment of the examination fee by e-mail.
  2. Then please transfer the exam fee within the specified period. As soon as we have received the amount, you will receive a confirmation of your exam registration and further information about your exam. Please note that the processing time for a bank transfer of the examination fee can take up to one week. If no payment has been received by two weeks before the exam date, your registration will be invalid and you will no longer be able to take the exam.

Written exam

  • The participation fee at the DSH is 130 euros.
  • The participation fee will only be refunded in case of illness upon presentation of a medical certificate.
  • Please bring your passport or residence permit with you on the day of the exam.
  • You may use German-German dictionaries. Electronic aids are not permitted.

Oral examination

  • You can see the result of the written part of the DSH and the exact date of the oral exam on this page. You will only take part in the oral exam if you have passed the written exam.
  • You will receive your DSH certificate either in person at the Central Office for Languages or by mail if you hand in an A4 envelope (with a stamp) with your address for the oral examination.