DSH Courses + - Frequently asked questions

a course in the scope of the ESiSt network - Successful start in university studies for international students in the state of Brandenburg
for prospective students of the University of Potsdam, University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg
financed by the state of Brandenburg
Regulations

How much does it cost to take the DSH Course+?

The fee for the course is based on the currently valid "Schedule of Fees for the Use of Services of the Center for Languages and Key Competences of the University of Potsdam".
The course fee is currently €400.00.

What difference is there between DSH and TestDaF?

The most important difference between DSH and TestDaF is that the TestDaF is centrally executed by the TestDaF Institute, whereas the DSH is an internal examination conducted by individual universities. The TestDaF is a standardized exam that is held around the world on the same day in hundreds of TestDaF centers. The format of the TestDaF exam is always the same.
The DSH is conducted individually by the University of Potsdam. It is recognized nationwide, since the local examination regulations are registered with the German Rectors Conference.
There are also differences between TestDaF and DSH in the sections of the exam and in how the exam is conducted. The TestDaF consists of the exam sections listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written expression (text production), and oral expression; these are all conducted on one day, one after the other. The oral exam (oral expression exam section) of the TestDaF is carried out at the computer. This means you have to "talk to the computer".
The DSH consists of three written exam sections -- listening comprehension, reading comprehension / scientific/academic language structures (grammar), and text production, as well as an oral exam. This takes place approx. ten days after the written exam and is administered by employees of the group Beginning studies for international students at the Zessko.

Where do I find the DSH Regulations?

You will find the regulations in the Services area of the Zessko website.

Must I pay a fee for the repeat exam?

Yes, the examination fee must also be paid for the repeat exam.

Can I repeat the DSH if I didn't pass it?

Yes, you can repeat the DSH, at the earliest at the next examination date.

Do I need to pay a fee for the certificate to be issued?

No, the fee that you pay in conjunction with registering for the exam already includes the amount for having the certificate issued.

When and how do I get the certificate for the DSH I have passed?

You will get the certificate for the DSH you have passed approx. two weeks after the oral exam in the International Office of the University of Potsdam or in the corresponding institutions at the cooperating universities.

What DSH level do I need for my subject?

Generally, enrollment in a subject is possible with DSH 2 (see also the preceding question).
Please inform yourself about exceptions at the Office of Student Affairs of the University of Potsdam.

With what percentage have I passed the DSH?

The DSH is issued in three categories:

DSH 1 is passed from 57% upwards and certifies knowledge of German at a level that suffices in specific subjects at a few universities for "conditional enrollment". The examination must be repeated to achieve DSH 2.
DSH 2 is achieved from 67% upwards and certifies adequate knowledge of German for university studies in almost all subjects.
DSH 3 is issued from 82% upwards and certifies knowledge of German that exceeds the level required. The category DSH 3 is required by some subjects as a degree program prerequisite.
The written exam is passed if overall at least 57% of the requirements are satisfied.
The oral exam is passed if overall at least 57% of the requirements are satisfied.
The whole examination is passed if both the written and the oral exams have been passed.

Who can register for the DSH at the University of Potsdam?

You first need to apply for acceptance at the University of Potsdam or at a cooperating university in the region (information via the International Office of the University of Potsdam).

If you are already enrolled at the University of Potsdam (e.g., as an exchange student), you can take part in the DSH without submitting a new application. In this case, registering for the DSH in the Zessko will suffice.

Do I need to pass an admission test?

Yes, as a general rule a C test must be passed. The test result determines whether a place is allocated in the DSH Course+. To the Training for the admissions test.

How can I register for a DSH Course+?

Requirements for Applying to the DSH Course+:

If you would like to take part in the DSH Course+, you need to

seek to study at one of thecooperating universities,
have a direct university entrance qualification for studying in Germany,
be able to prove German level B2,
apply by Jan. 15 (summer semester) or by July 15 (winter semester)
via uni-assist and
pass an admission test in early March (summer semester) or mid-September (winter semester).

You will get exact information on applying on the web pages of the Office of Student Affairs of the University of Potsdam. In addition, you will find the contact to the relevant university here.

DSH without Participation in the Intensive DSH German Courses

The University of Potsdam will send you an invitation for the German Language Examination for University Admissions (DSH), if you:

are applying to study at the University of Potsdam through uni-assist e.V. (please select "Anmeldung DSH"),
seek to study at one of thecooperating universities,
have not yet been able to provide the necessary evidence of German language proficiency required for studying
but have at least
- Level C1 of theCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or
- the certificate "Deutsch Mittelstufe II" of a recognized language school in Germany or
- a TestDaF language certificate of at least 13 points, in which no section is below 3 points.

Please note the application deadlines:

May 31 (examintion in summer semester)
Nov. 30 (examination in winter semester).

You will find the contact to the relevant university here.

Where do I find suitable material for preparing for the DSH?

On the websites of German universities, e.g., via the Deutschlerner-Blog
DSH materials in the Zessko Media Centers (Neues Palais Campus, Building 19, Room 2.11; Griebnitzsee Campus, Building 6, Room 1.17).
DaF Virtual Media Center
Moodle courses for the students enrolled in the DSH courses

Where/How can I prepare for the DSH examination?

You can attend DSH courses at various universities. You will find information on them using Internet search engines.
As a general rule, the Zessko offers one course for preparing for the DSH each semester. One prerequisite for taking part is successfully applying to study at the University of Potsdam or a cooperating university in the region. You can get more information on applying for a place on a course from the employees of the International Office of the University of Potsdam.
Zessko makes available sample examinations for your individual preparation. You will find these examples here.

How much does the DSH cost at the University of Potsdam?

The fee for the DSH is based on the currently valid "Schedule of Fees for the Use of Services of the Center for Languages and Key Competences of the University of Potsdam".
The fee also includes the issuing of the certificate for a successfully passed DSH.
The course fee is currently €400.00.
The examination fee is currently €160.00.

How can I register for the DSH examination at the University of Potsdam?

Applicants to study at the university will receive a written invitation from the International Office of the University of Potsdam. This letter contains all details for registration.
Participants in the DSH courses register through their course instructors (information provided directly in the courses).

When will the next DSH take place?

The University of Potsdam is currently offering the DSH twice a year - in February / March and in July / August.

You can find the exact dates here.