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Hochschule Karlsruhe Hochschule Karlsruhe - University of Applied Sciences Hochschule Karlsruhe Hochschule Karlsruhe - University of Applied Sciences
Hochschule Karlsruhe Hochschule Karlsruhe - University of Applied Sciences

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Overview Languages Certificates DSH

German examination for university admission (DSH)

In order to study at a German university, students are required to have a good level of German language proficiency. The DSH certificate is recognised in Germany as confirmation of language ability. The exam tests listening and reading comprehension, writing and speaking skills.

 

DSH certificate at HKA

The DSH at the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) is also open to exernal participants. The HKA is registered as an examination location by the German Association for German as a Foreign and Second Language (FaDaF) and the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), furthermore the Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences DSH certificate is recognized by all colleges and universities in Germany as proof of language proficiency.

DSH fee for external participants: €100
For participants already enrolled at HKA, the DSH is free of charge.

You can find the current dates on the German version of the website

Contact

Berit Appel
DSH Coordination

Tel: +49 (0)721 925-2993
Email: berit.appelspam prevention@h-ka.de
Inquiries regarding the DSH: dshspam prevention@h-ka.de
consultation hour: tuesdays 12:45 pm -13:30 pm

Building F, Room 307
Moltkestraße 30
76133 Karlsruhe

How can I prepare for the DSH?

DSH preparation course online

If you would like to take our DSH, targeted preparation for the DSH at our university and our examination format makes a lot of sense and is expressly recommended by us. Our online DSH preparation course is therefore the ideal way for you to prepare intensively for our DSH.
You will learn about the individual parts of the exam: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, academic language structures and text production. You can also practise exam strategies learned in the course on authentic exam materials. If you take part in the DSH preparation course, you are guaranteed a place on our DSH.
The two-week course takes place online directly before the exam. The prerequisite for participation is a B2 level.

  • Target group: People who would like to take the DSH at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
  • CEFR level: B2/C1
  • Mon-Fri, daily 10 am - 15 pm
  • Course mode: online intensive course
  • Costs: 450 €
  • Guaranteed place for DSH exam at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences

How are the DSH result levels structured?

DSH-3 (82% fulfilled) particularly high German language proficiency Admission to all degree programs

DSH-2 (67% fulfilled) linguistic ability to study Admission to almost all degree programs

DSH-1 (57% fulfilled) limited admission for certain study purposes, determined by universities. No binding effect for changing degree program or university

If less than 57% of the possible points are achieved in an examination part, this partial examination is considered "failed" 

For more information on the requirements of individual degree programs, please refer to the respective study regulations.

Who can take part in the DSH?

The language requirement for participation in the DSH is a completed B2 level (CEFR)

Both (future) HKA students and external participants can take the DSH.

(Future) HKA students and participants from our DSH preparation courses are guaranteed a place on our DSH.

If in doubt, please contact us for advice before submitting your application. Feel free to send us an email at dshspam prevention@h-ka.de .

How is the DSH structured?

The examination is divided into a written and an oral part and both parts must be passed. A monolingual dictionary can be used for all parts of the exam.

As the examination is open to students of all subject areas, no specific subject knowledge is required. However, priority is given to topics from the fields of study of the HKA.

Written examination

Parts of the exam and timetable:

09:00 - 09:45 Arrival and welcome 
09:45 - 11:00 Understanding and processing an audio textProcessing time 50 min + presentation time, the tasks will be handed out after the first listening
11:20 - 12:50Understanding and processing a reading text and scientific language structuresProcessing time 90 minutes in total, including reading time
13:35 - 14:45Specified Text ProductionProcessing time 70 minutes

There is a break between each part of the exam.

You can find a sample DSH exam here.

Oral examination

You will receive a graphic/text with questions in advance and can prepare for the examination for 20 minutes. The oral examination consists of a short presentation (5 minutes) and a discussion (15 minutes) based on the tasks.

You can find further information work on the examination procedure in the examination regulations for the German Language Test for University Admission (DSH) at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences - Engineering and Economics

German intensive