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TestDaF: format, TDN points, fees and free practice

TestDaF is a German exam for people who want to study at a university in Germany. It tests reading, listening, writing and speaking at levels B2 and C1. This page explains how the digital TestDaF works and what the TestDaF levels (TDN) mean, and lets you practise for free with our own exercises.

Practise for TestDaF

How the exam works

  • Reading7 tasks with 34 questions in about 55 minutes
  • Listening7 tasks with 30 questions in about 40 minutes; you hear each text once
  • Writing2 tasks in about 60 minutes, typed on a computer; the argumentative text has at least 200 words
  • Speaking7 tasks in about 35 minutes, recorded on a computer
  • Pure exam time195 minutes; the digital TestDaF adds 30 minutes of trial tasks that do not count
  • Result0 to 20 points and a TestDaF level (TDN 3, 4 or 5) in each part
  • Fee in Germany€210 (digital) or €215 (paper)

Digital or paper

TestDaF is offered on computer and on paper; both versions are equivalent. The four parts carry equal weight and are taken on one day. You cannot take single parts on their own, but you can retake the exam as often as you like. In the digital TestDaF the tasks run in a fixed order with a timer, and you cannot go back. The paper version has 30 reading and 25 listening questions.

The seven reading tasks

  • Complete a gapped text
  • Put text sections in order
  • Multiple choice on a longer text
  • Identify what the author is doing in a passage
  • Sort statements into categories using a text and a graphic
  • Assign statements to a pair of concepts
  • Spot errors in a summary

The seven listening tasks

  • Complete an overview
  • Note points for a pair of concepts
  • Spot errors in a summary
  • Match statements from a discussion to speakers (video)
  • Complete a lecture outline (video)
  • Multiple choice on a talk
  • Compare what you hear with the written text

Points and TestDaF levels (TDN)

  • 0 to 4 points: below TDN 3
  • 5 to 9 points: TDN 3
  • 10 to 15 points: TDN 4
  • 16 to 20 points: TDN 5

What result do I need to study?

TDN 4 in all four parts gives you unrestricted language access to all degree programmes. Some universities accept TDN 3 in some parts or use the sum of the four TDNs. A weak part is only offset if the university allows it. There is no overall grade; the certificate also shows the total of up to 80 points. Check what your university requires.

Results and certificate

Digital TestDaF results arrive after about three weeks, paper results after about six weeks. The certificate does not expire, but some universities want a recent one. Since 12 May 2026 a combined certificate brings together your best part results from digital tests taken within six months; it costs €29. A review of your result costs €40 for the first part.

How to prepare

FreeExamPath writes its own exercises from the public structure of the digital TestDaF. They are not official model tests, and FreeExamPath is not affiliated with g.a.s.t. e.V. or the TestDaF-Institut. TestDaF® is a registered trade mark of g.a.s.t. Our scores are practice estimates; we do not compute a TDN. Practise with the sample tasks and tutorials on the official TestDaF website as well.

Official information

Questions about TestDaF

How long does TestDaF take?

The pure exam time is 195 minutes, plus a break after each part. The digital TestDaF takes 30 minutes longer because of trial tasks that do not count.

Which TDN do I need to study?

TDN 4 in all four parts gives unrestricted access to all degree programmes. TDN 4 means 10 to 15 of 20 points in a part. Some universities accept TDN 3 in some parts.

How much does TestDaF cost?

In Germany the digital TestDaF costs €210 and the paper version €215. Other countries have other prices, shown when you register.

Are these exercises official model tests?

No. They are FreeExamPath's own exercises in the format of the digital TestDaF. You can find official sample tasks and tutorials on the TestDaF website.

Official sources (8) · last checked 18 October 2026