Study preparation (DSH)

The Language Center offers German language courses designed to help students prepare specifically for their studies. Each course consists of 20 class hours per week and lasts 10–13 weeks. The courses take students from language level B1 to B2 and from B2 to C1.

Supplementary Exam Preparation

The three-week DSH exam preparation course is an intensive course designed to prepare students for the exam. It focuses specifically on practicing the types of tasks found on the DSH exam. The training follows the C1 course in terms of both level and timing, but is not a mandatory prerequisite for taking the actual exam. It is also open to external candidates who wish to take only this training.

To participate in the DSH exam and the preparatory courses, certain administrative and academic steps are required:

• Conditional Admission: You must have a current “conditional admission” from the University of Kassel. This official letter from the Student Affairs Office confirms that you are permitted to begin your studies as soon as you have demonstrated sufficient German language proficiency (e.g., by passing the DSH exam). Since it can take several weeks to issue this letter, we strongly recommend planning well in advance.
• Attendance Requirement: All courses and training programs require your regular in-person attendance in Kassel.
• Costs: Fees apply for both the DSH exam and the individual preparatory courses. Detailed information on costs and payment options is listed directly with each respective program.

• To participate in the exam preparation course and take the DSH exam, you must demonstrate C1 proficiency with a certificate (telc, Goethe, ÖSD) or a passed C1 language certificate with grades and 1,000 hours of German study.
• To participate in the preparatory course aimed at language level C1, you must demonstrate B2 proficiency with a certificate (telc, Goethe, ÖSD) or a B2 report card with individual grades and at least 800 hours of German instruction.
• To participate in the preparatory course aimed at the B2 language level, you must demonstrate B1 proficiency with a certificate (telc, Goethe, ÖSD) or a B1 report card with individual grades and at least 600 hours of German instruction.

• Seamless transition for current students: Anyone who successfully completes our B2 language course moves directly into the C1 course without having to take another placement test.
• Entry at any point is possible: You are not required to follow the entire roadmap. Depending on your prior knowledge and documentation, various entry points are available to you:
  • Direct entry into C1: For external applicants after passing the C1 placement test.
  • Direct entry into exam format training: For participants who already have advanced C1-level proficiency and wish to prepare specifically for the exam format.
  • Direct Entry to the DSH Exam: For external exam candidates with appropriate proof of qualifications.