Germany attracts a huge number of candidates every year, as the score requirements of language tests, as well as the standardized tests, are quite low. However, the applicants need to have a fair grip over German language to study in Germany, and to prove their German language proficiency, they need to take TestDAF or Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache or Test of German as a Foreign Language. This article highlights all the details of this exam.
TestDAF – An Overview
TestDAF grades the test-takers on six-levels ranging from B2 to C1 in the Common European Framework of reference for language. This exam has 4 sections (reading, listening, writing, and speaking) just like other common English Language Tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
TestDAF – Section Details
TestDAF syllabus shows 4 sections of the test: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Check the following sections for the details of each section.
TestDAF – Reading
the reading section of TestDAF consists of 3 reading passages, each consists of 8 short paragraphs. Each passage consists of 10 questions. The first passage is comparatively easy and here the candidates will have to match 10 statements with paragraphs.
The second paragraph will be a scientific text or journal and the task is 10 MCQ. The third passage will be a more complicated scientific text with 10 true/false questions.
All these doables of TestDAF Reading are to be completed in 60 minutes.
TestDAF – Listening
In the listening section, the first audio text is a simple one and it comes with 8 questions. After listening to the second audio text, the candidate needs to answer 10 true/false questions. This audio text is harder than the first one.
The third audio text is a more complicated one and it comes with 7 questions to be answered in German. The most important part of TestDAF listening section is the audio will be played only once.
The approx., time of this section is 40 minutes.
TestDAF - Writing
The writing section of TestDAF comes with a topic, mostly a graphical image or a table. The candidate has to write his or her understanding of the graph in 60 minutes. This has to be analytical and different viewpoints of the graph or table must be represented in the writing.
TestDAF - Speaking
TestDAF speaking section asks the candidates to speak on 7 different topics. The duration of each speech will be 2-3 minutes. A preparation time of around 2 minutes will be given for each task.
Fluency, proficiency, and analytical ability of the candidates will be the prime focus and grammar will be the secondary focus here, as it is believed that correct grammar cannot solely decide the proficiency. This section checks how a candidate justifies his/her claim and how clearly he/she can gather information for the presentation.
This section has a duration of around 30 minutes.
TestDAF – Duration
The duration of TestDAF is 3 to 3.5 hours.
TestDAF Registration Process
In Germany, TestDAF is managed by TestDAF institute and in India, Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan conducts this test. By clicking on www.testdaf.de/ candidates can register for the exam online.
TestDAF Exam Dates
In a year, TestDAF is conducted 6 times and currently, two dates of TestDAF are announced: 09.02.2021 and 20.04.2021. For the exam date of 09.02.2021, the start date of online registration 17.11.2020, and the last date of registration is 12.01.2021. For 20.04.2021, online registration time is 23.02.2021 - 24.03.2021.
TestDAF Centers
Presently, 450 test centers can be found for TestDAF in 90 countries. Check the nearest TestDAF India centers here.
In India, Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan of the following cities are the only test centers of TestDAF.
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- New Delhi
- Pune
TestDAF Fees
Presently, TestDAF fee is €100,00 and this fee has to be paid online only.
TestDAF – Retaking
It is possible to retake TestDAF as many times as a candidate wants, but it is recommended to take the test when they are fully prepared.
Eligibility of the Exam
As it is a German language test, and by qualifying the exam certifies that a candidate can handle day-to-day communication in Germany, it is expected that the candidate has sufficient knowledge of German. Completing an intermediate level course (700-1000 hours) on German from any recognized institute is ideal here.
Who Takes TestDAF?
TestDAF is ideal for candidates who are willing to study or research or pursue a career in Germany.
TestDAF Score
After 6 weeks of the exam, the candidates will receive the TestDAF certificate where the score of each section will be mentioned. Each section of TestDAF is graded over 5 points which means the total score is 20. German universities generally ask for a TestDAF score between 16-18.
Candidates here obtain a score between TDN 3 – 5 in this exam, which corresponds to B2-C1 level of CEFR. TestDAF certificate shows the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate.
TDN 5 Denotes an excellent command over German and a candidate with TDN 5 and TDN 4 can get scope for any German university. TDN 3 is alright for the arts and music courses as well as for the technical colleges – not for the universities.
So, if a candidate’s study goal is to pursue higher education in Germany, they need to aim for a TestDAF score of TDN 4 or TDN 5.
As the certificates are available after 6 weeks of the exam, the candidates need to be very calculative regarding the application deadlines of the universities and book their tests accordingly.
TestDAF Score Validity and TestDAF Certificate Validity
The score and certificate of TestDAF are valid for lifetime; however, some universities require the recent score. In these cases, universities want a TestDAF score and TestDAF certificate not older than 1-3 years. So, it will be better to check the university’s requirements before applying to TestDAF.
TestDAF Practice Paper
The official practice papers of TestDAF can help the candidates to prepare for this exam. Check TestDAF practice materials here. TestDAF preparation is difficult and time taking as German language is not a language that the candidates study as a first or second language in their high schools.
To find the TestDAF question types of different sections, click on this link. For a free download of TestDAF question papers click here. TestDAF preparation books are also available and the candidates can order these.
To book a preparatory course for TestDAF, click here. It is possible to crack TestDAF without the Preparatory course – in that case, the candidates need to study very seriously from the very beginning.
So, TestDAF is an important exam if you are looking for higher study in Germany. It is undoubtedly a difficult exam, but TestDAF practice materials are available easily which can guide the candidates to obtain a good TestDAF score.
