Verification of German Language Proficiency
The following information does NOT apply to you if your application is for an English-language master’s degree programme!
In order to begin a degree programme taught in German at the University of Bamberg, you will need to pass the German Language University Entrance Examination (DSH) or a comparable exam.
You must therefore verify that your language proficiency is sufficient. There are various certificates that fulfill this requirement.
Credentials
The University of Bamberg recognises the following credentials as verification of sufficient German language proficiency.
- German Language University Entrance Examination with a final score of at least DSH-2 or DSH-3; the certificate must bear the German Rectors’ Conference’s (HRK) registration endorsement and registration number (direct admission to the University of Bamberg is not possible with a score of DSH-1)
- Test-DaF with proficiency level 4 in all skill sections. In this case, the four individual subjects must be passed on the same examination date.
- German language certificate, level II, from the Standing Conference of the State Ministers of Education and the Arts (Kultusministerkonferenz)
- Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (issued beginning in 2012)
- The Goethe-Institut’s Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) (issued prior to 2012)
- Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) or Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS) (issued prior to 2012)
The University of Bamberg’s DSH Examination Regulations
If you have not yet reached the C1 level, you may still be admitted to the university under the condition that you verify your DSH status or a comparable language exam at the time of your enrolment. You can take the DSH at the University of Bamberg prior to beginning your studies. Studies and/or a completed degree in German language and literature do not exempt you from language proficiency requirements!
If, at the time of your application, you have not yet reached the C1 level, admission to a master’s degree programme taught in German is not possible.
Preparatory Language Courses:
DSH Preparation Course: If you wish to take the DSH exam at the University of Bamberg, and if you have already reached the C1 proficiency level and have been admitted to a master’s degree programme, you can participate in a four-week DSH preparation course.
Intensive German Course: Students with language proficiency at or above the B2 level have the opportunity to participate in a semester-long intensive German course at the University of Bamberg. As soon as you begin taking part in an intensive German course, you may apply for admission to a master’s studies beginning the following semester.
German Language Proficiency
* Admission is possible to some of our International Degree Programmes:
- M.Sc. International Software Systems Science
- M.A. General Linguistics
- M.A. English and American Studies
- European Joint Master's Degree in English and American Studies
- M.A. Double Degree Sociology and Demography (Barcelona)
- M.A. Double Degree Sociology (Tilburg)
- all M.A. Double Degrees' in Political Science
** Admission to masters' degrees which require level C2 GER CEFR is already possible with level C1 GER CEFR. Admission then is granted under the condition that level C2 GER CEFR is reached within the first two semesters.
Most masters' degrees require German language level B2 GER of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is not possible to get admission to a master's degree with a lower level! If you wish to improve your level you can apply for a DSH preparation course (find details here).