Do I need to know German to study a bachelor's at a public university in Germany?
Yes, most bachelor's programmes at public universities in Germany are taught in German, so you must show German proficiency before admission. Accepted tests include TestDaF, DSH and the Goethe Certificate. The required level varies by university, and many Studienkollegs expect roughly B2.
Yes, you will usually need German, because most bachelor's programmes at public universities in Germany are taught in German. You must demonstrate your German proficiency before admission, and many Studienkollegs also expect it before you enrol.
German Tests You May Be Asked For
| German test | Purpose or acceptance |
|---|---|
| TestDaF | Accepted by most universities |
| DSH | German university language examination |
| Goethe Certificate | Accepted by many universities depending on the level |
| telc Deutsch | Accepted by selected institutions |
Level Expectations
- The required German level depends on the university and the programme.
- Many Studienkollegs expect around B2-level German before admission, since most foundation courses are taught in German.
- If you want to avoid German, look at the smaller set of English-taught programmes instead.
My Advice
Start German early and aim for your target test well before applications open. Confirm the exact test and level on each university's official admissions page, because they differ.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
More Germany questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?