The TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is one of the most important exams for international students who want to study in German at a university in Germany. A good TestDaF result shows that you can follow lectures, work with academic texts, and participate in seminars in German. The certificate is recognised by all German universities, including those in Lower Saxony [1][4][5].
If you already live in Lower Saxony, it makes sense to take the exam as close to home as possible, for example in Oldenburg, Hannover, Braunschweig, Göttingen, Osnabrück, or nearby cities. However, exam centres, dates, and registration rules are organised centrally, and they can change over time. This guide explains how the TestDaF works, how to find exam centres in Lower Saxony, and how to prepare effectively while using local language learning options.
What Is TestDaF and Why Do You Need It?
TestDaF is a standardised German language test for advanced learners. It is developed by the TestDaF-Institut and run through a network of licensed exam centres in Germany and many other countries [1][4][16]. The exam is designed mainly for people who want to study at a German university and need a reliable, comparable proof of language skills.
The exam tests four skills:
- reading comprehension,
- listening comprehension,
- written production,
- spoken production [1][13].
Results are reported in three levels (TestDaF-Niveaustufen): TDN 3, TDN 4, and TDN 5. These roughly correspond to levels B2 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) [1][13]. Many universities in Germany require TestDaF with at least TDN 4 in all four components for admission to a German-taught degree programme [4][10]. Some study programmes may accept slightly lower or require higher scores, so always check the requirements of your chosen university.
If you want to study in Lower Saxony, for example at universities in Oldenburg, Hannover, Braunschweig, Göttingen, Osnabrück, or at universities of applied sciences, TestDaF is often accepted as an alternative to other exams such as DSH or telc C1 Hochschule [3][4][5][10]. That makes it a flexible choice if you are still deciding between different universities.
TestDaF Exam Centers by City in Lower Saxony
TestDaF exams are not organised by each university individually but by licensed exam centres. These centres can be universities, Volkshochschulen (VHS, public adult education centres), or private institutes. They work under quality standards defined by the TestDaF-Institut and the organisation g.a.s.t. [4][24].
In and around Lower Saxony, you can usually find exam centres in several cities. The exact list can change, but there are regular TestDaF options at universities and language institutions in the region. Below are some typical examples. Always confirm details using the official TestDaF centre search tool, because centres may be added or paused over time [2].
Oldenburg and Wilhelmshaven
According to information from Jade Hochschule, TestDaF exams can be taken at the local Volkshochschulen in Oldenburg and Wilhelmshaven, together with other higher level exams such as telc C1 Hochschule [6]. This is very practical for students and applicants who already live in Oldenburg and are used to the local VHS system.
If you live in Oldenburg, you can:
- ask at VHS Oldenburg whether they currently run TestDaF exam dates,
- check the official TestDaF centre finder with “Oldenburg” as search term,
- contact the exam centre early, because places may be limited and fill up fast.
Read more: How to combine VHS courses, private schools, and apps for German learning in Lower Saxony
Hannover and Braunschweig
In Hannover, various institutions offer German exams, including some that cooperate with TestDaF or run related exams. For example, the Bildungsverein Hannover lists TestDaF and digital TestDaF among the exams that can be taken there, with registration for some formats done directly through the TestDaF website [6]. In Braunschweig, the Technical University (TU Braunschweig) provides information about TestDaF as an accepted language exam and explains that universities often demand TDN 4 in all four skills [10].
This means that if you live in or near Hannover or Braunschweig, it is realistic to plan your TestDaF there. You should still use the official centre finder to see which exact institutions are currently licensed as centres in those cities and how many exam dates they offer each year [2].
Göttingen, Osnabrück, and Nearby Cities
The University of Göttingen and the Goethe-Institut in Göttingen are well known in the region for offering TestDaF exams and preparation courses. The University of Göttingen describes TestDaF as a centralised language test for international study applicants and recognises it as equivalent to DSH for admission [5]. The Goethe-Institut Göttingen also confirms that it runs TestDaF and points to the worldwide network of around hundreds of test centres [1][18].
In Osnabrück, language institutes such as inlingua Osnabrück explain that TestDaF covers the four main skills and that TDN levels correspond to CEFR levels B2 to C1, with TDN 4 usually sufficient for university admission [13]. For people living in western or southern parts of Lower Saxony, these centres can be attractive options, especially if dates in the closer city are full.
Because Lower Saxony borders other federal states, you can also consider nearby centres just outside the state, for example in Bremen, which is close to Oldenburg and has a Goethe-Institut offering TestDaF [19]. For many students, travelling 30 to 60 minutes for a secure exam place is acceptable if local dates are already booked.
How to Use the Official TestDaF Center Finder
The most reliable way to see which exam centres are currently active is the official TestDaF centre search tool. It is provided by the TestDaF-Institut and updated regularly so that you do not need to rely on old lists or rumours from friends [2][4].
You can access it here: official TestDaF centre finder.
Once you open the page, you can search by country, city, or postal code. For Lower Saxony, try search terms like “Oldenburg”, “Hannover”, “Braunschweig”, “Göttingen”, “Osnabrück”, or simply enter your postcode if you live in a smaller town. The search results will show you:
- the name and address of the exam centre,
- contact details such as email and phone,
- sometimes information about exam formats (paper based or digital) and available dates.
Because there is a high demand for TestDaF, do not wait until the last week before a deadline. It is better to check the centre finder early, make a list of two or three possible centres, and contact them if you have questions about registration or special conditions.
Read more: Practical guide to finding and registering for integration courses in Oldenburg and Hannover
Registration: Dates, Fees, and Important Deadlines
Registration for TestDaF is not done directly at the local centre but centrally via the TestDaF participants’ portal. The TestDaF-Institut sets exam dates for all centres and opens registration periods for each date. You choose your preferred centre when you register online [3][5][18].
Key points about registration:
- Exam dates: Several TestDaF dates are offered each year. The exact calendar is published on the official website; dates are the same for all centres, but not every centre must offer every date [5][14].
- Registration period: There is a fixed time window during which you can register. After the deadline, registration for that date closes. The portal may close earlier if all places are taken [5][18].
- Fees: The exam fee is the same in all centres in Germany for a given format. The amount and payment method are explained clearly on the official TestDaF pages when you register [5].
- Account in the portal: You need to create a user account in the participants’ portal, select a date and a centre, and pay the fee to complete registration [5].
Because places are limited, especially in popular university cities, it is smart to register on the first or second day of the registration window. If your favourite centre in Lower Saxony is already full, try another city in the region or consider a neighbouring state that is still reachable by train or bus.
Preparing for TestDaF: Skills, Materials, and Courses
TestDaF is not a beginner exam. It assumes that you already have solid German skills at around upper B2 level and aims to confirm whether you are ready for university-level tasks [1][13]. Good preparation has two parts: improving your general German and learning the specific exam format.
For general language learning in Lower Saxony, you can use options such as integration courses, VHS German classes, university language courses, and private schools. Our guide on learning German in Lower Saxony with VHS, private schools, and apps gives you an overview of how to combine these options in everyday life.
For exam-specific preparation, the TestDaF-Institut provides official practice materials and free sample tests. These show you exactly what types of tasks to expect and how the different parts of the exam are structured [23]. You can find them here: official TestDaF preparation materials [23].
Many language schools and university language centres in Lower Saxony also offer TestDaF preparation courses. For example, institutions in Göttingen advertise small group courses that focus on reading, listening, writing, and speaking tasks in the TestDaF style, often in online or hybrid format [7][22]. When choosing a course, check whether the teacher has experience with the exam and whether the course includes realistic mock exams with feedback.
On the Exam Day: What to Expect
Going to a TestDaF exam can feel stressful, but knowing what will happen can reduce anxiety. The exact schedule depends on the centre and whether you take the paper based or digital version, but general elements are similar [1][23].
Typically, you can expect:
- Check in and identification: Arrive early with your ID or passport and your registration confirmation. Staff will check your identity and tell you your seat or computer number.
- Instructions: The invigilators explain the rules, including which materials you may use, how to handle answer sheets or the computer interface, and what to do if you have a technical or health problem.
- Four exam parts: Reading, listening, writing, and speaking are done in a fixed order. Breaks may be short or scheduled between certain sections, depending on the format. You must follow the timings exactly, otherwise your answers may not be counted [1][23].
- Silence and formal behaviour: The exam room is very strict about silence, phones switched off, and no communication with other candidates. This is normal in Germany for high stakes exams and is part of academic etiquette.
If you are not used to formal exams in Germany, it can help to read our article on punctuality, politeness, and everyday social norms in Lower Saxony. The same ideas (being on time, following instructions, speaking to staff politely) also apply on exam day.
After the Exam: Results, Retakes, and Using Your Certificate
After you have taken the TestDaF, your answers are sent to the TestDaF-Institut for central evaluation. You do not get your result immediately on the day. Instead, you receive your certificate online or by post after a few weeks, depending on the exam format and the procedures in your country [1][14].
Your certificate will show a separate TestDaF level (TDN 3, 4, or 5) for each of the four skills. Many universities in Lower Saxony require TDN 4 in all sections, so read your certificate carefully and compare it with the admission rules of your target programme [3][4][5][10]. If one or more of your results are below the required level, you may need to:
- take more advanced German courses,
- do additional targeted preparation (for example writing practice or listening training),
- register again for a later TestDaF date.
You can usually retake TestDaF if you are not satisfied with your result. There is no strict national limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the exam fee each time and respect the registration deadlines. Some universities may ask you to submit a certain level by a fixed date, for example before the start of the semester, so plan your exam attempts accordingly.
Once you have the required result, you can use your TestDaF certificate as part of your university application. For universities in Lower Saxony, information pages on language requirements explain exactly which exams and scores they accept and how to upload or send your certificate [3][5]. Keep a digital copy and the original safe, because you may need it again for scholarship or visa applications.
Bringing It All Together
TestDaF is a big step, but you do not have to do everything at once. Think of the process in stages: build your German up to at least B2, choose one or two likely exam centres in Lower Saxony using the official centre finder, register early for a date that fits your university application timeline, and use official practice materials plus local courses to prepare.
If you are already living and studying in Oldenburg, Hannover, Braunschweig, Göttingen, or Osnabrück, your everyday life is a bonus training field for TestDaF. Try to read German texts, listen to local radio, and talk to classmates in German as much as possible. In combination with focused exam preparation, this everyday exposure will help you feel more confident on exam day and more ready for your future studies in Lower Saxony.
References
- [1] TestDaF-Institut. “TestDaF – the German language examination for study and research.” General description of the exam, target group, and recognition by universities in Germany.
- [2] TestDaF-Institut. “Mein TestDaF – Testzentrum finden.” Official online search for TestDaF exam centres in Germany and worldwide.
- [3] University of Oldenburg. “Sprachliche Voraussetzungen” and related pages describing accepted language certificates such as TestDaF (e.g. level 3333) and DSH for admission.
- [4] TestDaF-Institut. “Der TestDaF an Ihrer Hochschule” and information for universities about recognising TestDaF as language proof for admission.
- [5] University of Göttingen. “TestDaF” information page explaining the central, standardised nature of the exam and recognition as an alternative to DSH.
- [6] Jade Hochschule. “Bewerbung – Sprachprüfungen vor Ort.” Note that TestDaF and telc C1 Hochschule can be taken at local Volkshochschulen in Wilhelmshaven and Oldenburg.
- [7] Goethe-Institut Göttingen. “TestDaF in Göttingen.” Information about TestDaF exams and preparation courses at the Goethe-Institut in Göttingen.
- [8] TestDaF-Institut. “Vorbereitung auf den papierbasierten TestDaF.” Official practice materials and explanations of exam structure and preparation tips.
- [9] inlingua Osnabrück. “TestDaF test.” Explanation of TestDaF levels TDN 3–5 and their relation to CEFR levels B2–C1 for university admission.
- [10] Technische Universität Braunschweig. “TestDaF” information, including typical requirement of TDN 4 in all four skills for admission to German-taught programmes.
- [11] Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung e.V. (g.a.s.t.). Organisation description, highlighting the network of around 1,000 test centres for g.a.s.t. exams worldwide.
- [12] TestDaF-Institut. “TestDaF – Termine und Anmeldung.” Overview of exam dates, registration periods, and fees for participants.
- [13] TestDaF-Institut and related materials summarising that TestDaF assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking at upper B2–C1 level.
- [14] TestDaF-Institut. “Mit dem TestDaF an eine deutsche Hochschule.” Explanation that TestDaF is accepted by all German universities as language proof for all study programmes.
- [15] Official university and language institute preparation course descriptions in Lower Saxony (e.g. in Göttingen), outlining small group TestDaF preparation and mock exams.
- [16] TestDaF-Institut (via general profile). Information on the foundation of the institute, its role in exam development, quality assurance, and cooperation with universities.
- [17] Goethe-Institut and German public information pages on German language exams, confirming the widespread recognition of TestDaF and its use for university entrance.
