What is a good TDN score for university admission?+
TDN 4 in all four sections is required by almost all German universities. Some accept TDN 3 for conditional admission. TDN 5 is the highest result and is preferred by top-tier universities. The score is reported per-section — you receive a TDN level for Leseverstehen, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, and Mündlicher Ausdruck individually.
Digital vs paper TestDaF — which is better?+
The digital TestDaF (since 2020) uses a computer at the test centre with forward-only navigation, 7 tasks per section, and you type your answers. Results arrive in ~3 weeks. The paper TestDaF uses a booklet with free navigation within sections, 3 tasks per section (except Mündlicher Ausdruck), and results take ~6 weeks. Choose based on your comfort with typing and timed-per-task format. Both are equally recognised by universities.
How long is the TestDaF?+
Digital TestDaF: 3 hours 10 minutes (Leseverstehen 55 min, Hörverstehen 40 min, Schriftlicher Ausdruck 60 min, Mündlicher Ausdruck 35 min). Paper TestDaF: 3 hours 5 minutes (plus 10 minutes for answer transfer in Leseverstehen). Pausenzeit is included in the total exam duration.
How much does the TestDaF cost?+
The digital TestDaF costs approximately €210, and the paper-based TestDaF costs approximately €215. Prices may vary slightly by test centre and country. Check the official g.a.s.t. portal for exact pricing at your chosen centre.
How long are TestDaF results valid?+
TestDaF results have no expiry date — they are valid indefinitely. This is one of the key advantages over some other language certificates. However, individual universities may have their own policies, so always check with your target institution.
Can I retake individual sections?+
Yes. The new combined certificate feature through the g.a.s.t. portal allows you to digitally combine your highest section scores from multiple exam attempts. This means if you score TDN 5, 5, 4, 3, you can retake only the section you scored TDN 3 on and combine it with your previous passing scores.
How many exam dates are there per year?+
In 2026 there are 8 digital TestDaF dates and 3 paper-based dates. Digital dates: Jan 20, Mar 3, Apr 21, Jun 11, Aug 25, Sep 22, Nov 12, Dec 10. Paper dates: Feb 10, May 19, Jul 9, Oct 15. Registration typically closes 4–6 weeks before the exam date.
How can I prepare for the TestDaF?+
Effective preparation involves practising all four sections under timed conditions, familiarising yourself with the task types (matching, cloze, ordering, multiple choice, short answer), learning academic vocabulary (Wissenschaftssprache), and getting feedback aligned to the TDN rubric. DaFTrainer offers AI-generated practice exams, criteria-based TDN feedback, and personalised study plans to help you prepare.