FAQ for the German language program

Your Department can check whether your language proficiency is sufficient for your studies. 

The CEFR level description may help you. You can also talk to the German co-ordinator.

At all non-German speaking students at Technische Hochschule Mannheim who have to or would like to improve their German. 

Participants in the international degree programs will usually begin taking intensive courses in September and continue developing their proficiency up to DSH level before obtaining their bachelor's or master's degree.

Even if you have already passed the DSH exam or equivalent, you can still improve your command of German by attending our German courses for academic purpose.

Compulsory attendance at the German language classes offered by the university depends on your department and study program. 

Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced, as well as supplementary courses. Language program

All new students take a placement test before the semester starts. Please contact the  German co-ordinator. 

They do not exceed the limit of 18 students. In general, a group has about 15 participants.

In principle German. Other languages such as English, Spanish or Portuguese can also be used if necessary, but mostly outside the German lesson. 

You are welcome to. You are treated exactly the same as regular students. 

The courses are free for Technische Hochschule Mannheim students.

Sorry, no. The first admission requirement is enrolment onto a study program at our university. 

You cannot sit the DSH examination at Technische Hochschule Mannheim, but at University of Mannheim, an institution nearby we co-operate closely with. You will have to pay a fee to take the test.

This depends on the study program. Please consult your department. 

Yes, if you have been awarded at least 4 in all sections. 

Mainly DSH (2 or 3) and TestDaf (4 in all sections). Ask the German co-ordinator about recognition of other German language qualifications.

Not yet. You can prepare for this examination at other institutions. 

Whether you need the DSH qualification before registration, before graduating or at a specific stage in your studies depends on the specific regulations for your program. Please consult your department and/or the Admissions Office. 

The DSH is generally nationality-independent. If you do not have the German Abitur school qualification or a language proficiency test comparable in standard to the DSH, you are required to pass a language proficiency test. 

Certainly, if you make good use of the courses offered, actively participate in the lessons, learn independently and, above all, foster contacts with Germans, e.g. fellow students.

Way above-average: 80-100% (compared to 40-60% for all DSH candidates).