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Preparatory German courses

We can help you: In our German courses our competent teachers will prepare you for the DSH-exam (German Language Proficiency Test for the Admission to Higher Education)

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Preparatory German courses

Currently we offer language courses for the following levels (according to the CEFR):

1

Levels (20 weekly hours per semester)

Our Offer Time Period Your Goal
Language Courses B1.1 – B1.2

April – July/

October – January

B1 Exam
Language Courses B2 – C1/C2

April – August/

October – March

DSH Exam
Language Courses C1/C2

April – July/

October – January

DSH Exam
2

Costs for the Winter Semester 2026/27

  • Course fee:     500.00 €
  • Semester fee: 393.80 €


  • Total costs: 893.80 €

                  

3

Duration

While you are attending our German courses, you can be enrolled as a student for a maximum of 3 semesters

How to apply for the preparatory language courses?

Here you'll find all important information:

Applications are submitted through the unisono online portal

Please select “Other Degree” and then “German Course” as your study program

 

Application periods:

  • Summer semester: September 1 – November 15 for the following semester
  • Winter semester: March 1 – May 15 for the following semester

 

  • School and university records
    • University entrance examination certificate (if required in your home country)
    • All certificates must be submitted in their original language and as a translation to English or German by a sworn translator!
  • Transcript of Records for your previous studies (if you have already studied)
  • Language certificates (at least an A2 certificate) from an accredited institution
  • Copy of your passport 
  • TestAS certificate (if necessary)
  • If transferring from another university in Germany: Clearance certificate and proof of exmatriculation from your previous university
  • Applicants with high school diploma and/or university degrees from India, China, and Vietnam require an APS certificate.

You do not need any additional language proficiencency test to study at the University of Siegen if:

  • you hold one of the following certificates:
    • Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH2)
    • TestDaF (4-4-4-4)
    • Telc C1 Hochschule
    • Goethe Certificate C2
    • ÖSD C2
    • DSD II
  • you apply with a:
  • German Abitur from a German school abroad
  • Multilingual International Baccalaureate (GIB)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) with German language in the final exam

You can also take the DSH exam at the University of Siegen if:

  • you are not enrolled in our language courses
  • you study at another university

Requirements:

  • B2 certificate from an accredited institution
  • Proof of University entrance qualification (in German or English)

Costs: 200€

Registration:

  • Exams in July/August: Registration by the end of June
  • Exams in February/March: Registration by the end of January

Via email to:cornelia.schrudde@zv.uni-siegen.de

Please note: Places for external students are limited!

Contact

Do you still have questions? Please feel free to contact our German as a Foreign Language team in the department STARTING.

Preparatory German courses for refugees

In collaboration with the state program NRWege, the University of Siegen offers the opportunity to participate free of charge in the language courses offered by the department STARTING.  

internationale Studierende sitzen auf einer Treppe

How do I apply for the preparatory language course as a refugee?

Here you will find all the information you need:

Application:

  • Via email to:joanna.zimmermann@zv.uni-siegen.de
  • Application periods: 
    • Summer semester: September 1 – November 15 for the following semester
    • Winter semester: March 1 – May 15 for the following semester

  • Application for Admission: Application for Admission
  • Certificate of German language proficiency (at least A2) or exam certificate (TestDaF, DSH or similar)
  • Copy of passport, German ID card, or residence permit
  • Tabular CV
  • University diploma* (including transcript of records and final diploma, if available) and university entrance exam certificate*
  • High school diploma* 
  • TestAS certificate or confirmation of registration, if available

* All transcripts and diploma must be submitted in their original language along with a translation into German or English by a sworntranslator!

If you cannot provide proof of university entrance qualification, you may apply using the TestAS (Test for International Students administered by g.a.s.t. e.V.): A minimum score of 100 points  is required in both: in the core and in the subject modules.

 

During the language course, students can attend lectures as part of a trial program. The prerequisite is passing the B1 exam.

  • Available for many fields of study
  • Voluntary participation in exams and tests may be possible under certain circumstances

More information about the trial program is available here.