DAAD – Leibniz Language Centre – Leibniz University Hannover

What is the DAAD Language Certificate for?

If you plan on studying or interning abroad or would like to apply for a scholarship, you usually need to show proof of sufficient language proficiency in the respective target language. The DAAD language certificate is one of many options to obtain such a proof.

It does not, however, valid as a replacement for a standardised test such as TOEFL or IELTS (English tests), DSH or TestDAF, DELE (Spanish test), or DELF (French test). We cannot assess whether the DAAD suffices for your plans. To obtain those information, please contact the responsible office for your stay abroad.

The Leibniz Language Centre offers DAAD Language Certificates for the following languages:

English
French
Spanish

Italian
Portuguese
Russian (Attention: Cancellation of the offer in WS 2023/24)

Who can take the DAAD Language Test?

You need to be either matriculated as a student at the Leibniz University or employed by the Leibniz University to obtain a DAAD Language Certificate at the Leibniz Language Centre.

Which levels are tested with the DAAD Language Certificate?

As a general rule, we offer the DAAD Language Test at all levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The DAAD Language Test is an individual examination which is tailored to the topic and needs of its purpose.

How much does the DAAD Language Certificate cost?

For registration for a DAAD Language Certificate, an administrative fee of 50,00 € is charged in any case (!) (as of 01.10.2021), which usually has to be paid by bank transfer and in advance. You will receive concrete information on the method of payment during your registration procedure. Please pay special attention to the regulations regarding cancellation and rebooking in the current table of charges of the Leibniz Language Centre.

How do I register for a DAAD Language Test?

You may register for a DAAD Language Test via Stud.IP.

Please log in to Stud.IP. with your personal access data at https://studip.uni-hannover.de/. Search for “DAAD” in the search bar in the top right hand corner.

You will be shown a number of “Praktische Übungen” named “DAAD Sprachnachweise”. Choose the course with the respective language in which you wish to be examined.

Click on “Zugang zur Veranstaltung” on the menu on the left and follow further instructions. A detailed description of the registration procedure with many important notes is available as a PDF document (in German, download).

How is the DAAD Language Test structured?

The DAAD Language Test assesses three competences:

writing
reading
speaking

For the writing, you are ask to formulate a short text in which you outline your motivation and give reasons for your stay abroad. You will write this letter of motivation at home prior to your test and take it with you on the date of your examination. Please write your letter of motivation on a PC using the font “Arial” and size 12pt, single lined. Your letter should be between 400 and 500 word, which equates about one DIN A4-page text. An example for the correct format can be found here: Letter of Motivation as PDF (format sample).

For the reading part you will answer questions about a text.

During the oral examination you will need to answer questions about your current studies, your intentions for going abroad and your future academic goals.

In total, the test takes about 45 minutes.

Is it possible to receive a test date on short notice?

Because it takes some time to administer, conceptualise, and assess an individual examination, we ask you to sign up at least three weeks prior. Please consider this time frame for your time management. We would like to mention that there may be a limited offer during the semester break.
What do I need to bring to the DAAD Language Test?
a proof of ID
a receipt of your payment (e.g., a transfer copy)
your letter of motivation (cf. “How Is the DAAD Language Test Assessed?”)
the completely filled out and signed copy of your the DAAD forms (Download)
Can I take the test again?

Yes, you may take the test again, but earliest three months after your initial examination to allow for reasonable improvement in your learning process. Each repeated test cost another €50.
How long is the DAAD Language Certificate valid?

The validity is two years.
Can I receive a copy of my DAAD Language Certificate?

Yes, you may receive a second copy of your DAAD Language Certificate within the two year validity of your certificate. The second copy will have the date of your examination. To receive a second copy, an administration fee of €20 will be charged. Please contact the respective examiner for your target language.