The TestDaf is a German language certificate recognized by all higher education institutions in Germany.
Unlike other German language diplomas, the TestDaf is valid for life.
What is the test’s purpose?
The TestDaf offers three diplomas: TDN 3, TDN 4 and TDN 5, each corresponding to a level of German on the CEFR scale. The TestDaf is aimed at candidates who wish to start or continue higher education in Germany. This test assesses candidates’ analytical and argumentation abilities, evaluating whether they have the necessary skills to participate in a professional or academic setting. This test is only open to non-native speakers of German.
Note: no specialist knowledge is required to take the TestDaf.
What does the test involve?
This German test assesses four language skills:
- Listening: the candidate listens to audio clips and answers questions.
- Reading: candidates answer questions about a text using academic language.
- Speaking: the candidate speaks about several given topics.
- Writing: the candidate writes a text on a given topic.
How long does the test take?
The test takes 3 hrs 25 min:
- Listening: 40 minutes
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Speaking: 35 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
What levels can the TestDaf assess?
TestDaf covers levels B2 and C1 on the CEFR scale.
- TestDaf-Level 3 (TDN 3) corresponds to level B2.
- TestDaf-Level 4 (TDN 4) corresponds to level B2-C1.
- TestDaf-Level 5 (TDN 5) corresponds to level C1.
Gymglish is a training organization that offers short, personalized, fun online language lessons. At the end of the training, students receive a personalized learning report with a set of statistics for their level. This report not only includes information on the student’s level in various areas, but also charts progress in terms of learning and revision, participation, training time, lessons covered, etc.
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What grading system does the TestDaf use?
Scores range from 3 to 5 and correspond to the three levels mentioned above (from weakest to strongest): TDN 3, TDN 4 and TDN 5.
How much does the test cost? Where can you take it?
The TestDaf costs €195 and candidates take the test in approved centers, of which there are 400 in 80 countries.
The TestDaf at a glance
| Publisher | Goethe-Institut | Wunderbla (by Gymglish) |
| Name of diploma | TestDaf | Wunderbla learning report |
| Validity period | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Language skills tested | Reading, listening, writing, speaking | Reading, listening, writing |
| Target level(s) | B2 to C1 | All levels, except beginners (A2 to C2) |
| Price | € 175 | From € 21 /month |
| Duration | 3 hrs 25 min | Training for 6, 12, 24 or 36 months |
| Face-to-face / Remote | At a test center | Remote / online |
The TestDaf is not the only option for German certification. At the end of our German language training, we provide a personalized learning report.
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