Proficiency in German for degree-seeking students (undergraduate level)

Undergraduate courses at the University of Freiburg are taught in German. Solid language skills in German are therefore an absolute requirement and have to be met before taking up a course.

Please note that language requirements differ for Master degrees. For further information, please refer to the respective websites and contact
persons: Übersicht Masterstudiengänge [de]

In order to enroll in a degree program at the University of Freiburg, applicants must present one of the following certificates:

• Completion of DSH-2 or DSH-3 (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber). This test is offered by the university’s Language Teaching Center and is usually held in late September and March.

• TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) with a score of at least 4 in all four parts (TDN 4). This test is held worldwide five times a year, which means that you can take it in your native country or after arriving in Germany.

• Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) from the Goethe-Institut

• Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom or Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom from the Goethe-Institut

• Deutsches Sprachdiplom from the Conference of the Ministry of Education and the Arts – Level II

• German as native language or German school-leaving certificate

In order to apply for a degree program at the University of Freiburg, German skills corresponding to level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages are a prerequisite for admission. Please present one of the following certificates:

• Successful completion of a language course on level C1

• Participation in a language course on level C1

• DSH-1

• TestDaF on level 3 (TDN 3)

• Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP) from the Goethe-Institut

Applicants, who cannot present certificates corresponding to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, must take part in an aptitude test. In Freiburg, this test can be taken at the Sprachenkolleg or at the Goethe-Institut. Applicants, who are still in their home countries, should contact the local Goethe-Institut or TestDaF centers.

Please notice: We only accept language certificates corresponding to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Applicants, who provide evidence of German skills corresponding to level C1 and are admitted to studies, receive the opportunity of preparing for the DSH in a two-week preparation course (in March and September) at the university’s Language Teaching Center. The DSH is held twice yearly at the start of the winter and summer semesters. Students who do not pass the DSH on levels 2 or 3 cannot enroll in a degree program at the University of Freiburg.

In this case we recommend participation in language courses, for example as an external student at the Language Teaching Center, the Sprachkolleg or the Goethe-Institut Freiburg.

Applicants who provide evidence of having already passed the TestDaF or the DSH or who have earned an equivalent language certificate (see above) have better chances of being admitted to studies!