Do I have to give the English language test as well as the German language test for admission to German universities?
No, you do not need both tests. Which one you take depends on your program's teaching language: German-taught degrees require a German test like TestDaF or DSH, while English-taught programs need IELTS or TOEFL. Many Master's programs taught in English require zero German language knowledge to gain admission.
No, you do not have to give both the English and German language tests. Which one you need depends entirely on the language your specific program is taught in, not on the country itself, so check your course listing before you book either exam.
Which Test Applies To Your Program
| Program Type | Test You Need | Accepted Tests |
|---|---|---|
| German-taught program | German language test only | TestDaF, DSH, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, Goethe-Zertifikat C1/C2 |
| English-taught program | English language test only | IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT |
| Mixed-language program (rare) | Possibly both | Check the course's Studienordnung on the university website |
When You Might Skip Both Tests
- You are a native speaker of that language
- Your previous schooling or degree was taught entirely in that language
- Your target program grants a specific waiver, listed in its own admission requirements
My Advice
Pull up the exact program page and search for the phrase "language requirements" or "Studienordnung" before you register for any test, since assuming you need both English and German is the most common way applicants waste money and prep time. If you are set on an English-taught Master's, focus your energy fully on IELTS or TOEFL and treat German as a nice-to-have you can pick up once you arrive.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
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