TestDaF results explained: what TDN 3, 4 and 5 mean
Redaktion · 7 October 2026 · 4 min read
In short
TestDaF gives you one of three levels, TDN 3, TDN 4 or TDN 5, separately for reading, listening, writing and speaking, with no overall grade. For admission to a German university you need at least TDN 4 in all four parts. Digital results arrive after about 3 weeks, paper results after about 6.
What do TDN 3, 4 and 5 mean?
TDN stands for TestDaF-Niveaustufe (TestDaF level). According to the TestDaF Institute, the three levels describe your skills in reading, listening, writing and speaking and are mapped to CEFR levels B2 and C1. Each part gets its own level; a strong part does not make up for a weak one. A result below the lowest level is shown as "unter TDN 3" (below TDN 3).
| Level | In plain words | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| TDN 5 | complex academic texts and talks fully understood, including what is only implied; speaking and writing are clear and differentiated | above the usual admission standard |
| TDN 4 | academic texts largely understood; mistakes do not block understanding in writing or speaking | standard for university admission, in all four parts |
| TDN 3 | everyday study situations handled; academic texts only partly; mistakes can still block understanding | below the general admission standard |
Which TestDaF result do universities need?
The TestDaF Institute states: for language admission to a German university you need at least TDN 4 in each of the four parts. This is also the rule in the framework regulation of the German Rectors' Conference and the education ministers (RO-DT, § 4). Some programmes ask for more, and a university can set its own rules for particular courses; check the page of your programme before you register.
How do points become a TDN?
In the digital TestDaF each part is converted to a common scale of 0 to 20 points: 0 to 4 is below TDN 3, 5 to 9 is TDN 3, 10 to 15 is TDN 4, 16 to 20 is TDN 5. The scale is a conversion, not a raw count of correct answers. In the paper TestDaF the thresholds for reading and listening are set anew for each test version; for TDN 4 in reading, for example, the TestDaF Institute names a minimum of 20, 21 or 22 of 30 points, depending on the version.
| Digital TestDaF, per part | below TDN 3 | TDN 3 | TDN 4 | TDN 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scaled points (0 to 20) | 0 to 4 | 5 to 9 | 10 to 15 | 16 to 20 |
When do TestDaF results come, and do they expire?
The TestDaF Institute gives these times: results of the digital TestDaF after about 3 weeks, of the paper TestDaF about 6 weeks after the exam. The certificate does not expire. Whether an older certificate is still accepted for your application is up to the university.
Can I retake only one part?
No. You can take TestDaF as often as you need, but always all four parts together; single parts cannot be taken alone. In Germany the fee is 210 euros for the digital and 215 euros for the paper exam, according to the TestDaF FAQ read on 7 October 2026; other countries have their own price groups.
TestDaF or DSH?
Both lead to university admission. TestDaF can be taken in many countries and as often as you like; the DSH is run by universities in Germany. The full comparison is in TestDaF vs DSH: which test for university?.
You can practise all four parts under real timing for the digital TestDaF and the paper TestDaF.
Frequently asked questions
Is TDN 4 B2 or C1?
The TestDaF Institute maps the three levels TDN 3, 4 and 5 to the CEFR levels B2 and C1 as a range, without assigning each TDN to one single CEFR level.
What TestDaF score do I need for university?
At least TDN 4 in all four parts: reading, listening, writing and speaking. Some programmes ask for more.
Does TestDaF have an overall score?
No. Each of the four parts gets its own level, and there is no overall grade.
How long is a TestDaF certificate valid?
It has no expiry date. Whether an older certificate is accepted is decided by the university.
How long do TestDaF results take?
About 3 weeks for the digital TestDaF and about 6 weeks for the paper-based test.
Sources
- TestDaF Institute: FAQ results and certificate, checked 7 October 2026
- TestDaF Institute: FAQ general (retakes, fees), checked 7 October 2026
- TestDaF Institute: Auswertung des digitalen TestDaF, checked 7 October 2026
- TestDaF Institute: Auswertung des papierbasierten TestDaF, checked 7 October 2026
- HRK and KMK: framework regulation on German tests for university study (RO-DT), 2020 (PDF), checked 7 October 2026
