TDN 3, 4, 5 Explained: TestDaF Scoring Guide
By Nguyen Tan Tri
TestDaF assesses the four skills of Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking separately. A high result in one skill does not automatically compensate for a lower result in another.
The exam is available as the paper-based TestDaF and the Digital TestDaF. Both formats are equivalent, but they use different scoring systems.
TestDaF levels
TDN stands for TestDaF-Niveaustufe, the language level reported separately for each skill.
- TDN 5: The highest level, demonstrating very strong academic German.
- TDN 4: Usually meets university admission requirements. TDN 4 in all four skills is sufficient proof of German for unrestricted admission.
- TDN 3: Indicates some remaining limitations but may be accepted by certain universities or degree programmes.
- Below TDN 3 (U3): The TDN 3 threshold has not been reached and the result is normally insufficient for university admission.
TDN 3 to TDN 5 cover the B2–C1 range of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Sources: TestDaF levels and the CEFR and German language requirements for university admission.
Paper-based TestDaF scores
Reading has a maximum of 30 points, while Listening has a maximum of 25 points. Each correct answer receives one point before the total is converted into a TDN level.
| TDN level | Reading | Listening |
|---|---|---|
| TDN 3 | At least 14, 15 or 16 points | At least 10, 11 or 12 points |
| TDN 4 | At least 20, 21 or 22 points | At least 15, 16 or 17 points |
| TDN 5 | At least 24, 25 or 26 points | At least 19, 20 or 21 points |
| Maximum | 30 points | 25 points |
The thresholds vary according to the difficulty of the test form. In a relatively easy Reading section, 26–30 points may be required for TDN 5. In a more difficult section, 24–30 points may already be sufficient. Similarly, TDN 3 in Listening may require 12 points in an easier test but only 10 points in a more difficult one.
There is therefore no fixed number of correct answers that always corresponds to the same TDN level.
How are Writing and Speaking assessed?
- Writing: Assessed according to structure, task completion, graph description, argumentation, vocabulary, grammar and comprehensibility.
- Speaking: Assessed according to content, fluency, pronunciation, intonation, appropriateness to the situation and use of language.
Some errors are acceptable as long as they do not significantly affect understanding.
Source: Assessment of the paper-based TestDaF.
Digital TestDaF scores
Each skill is scored on a scale from 0 to 20 points.
| Points per skill | Result |
|---|---|
| 0–4 points | Below TDN 3 |
| 5–9 points | TDN 3 |
| 10–15 points | TDN 4 |
| 16–20 points | TDN 5 |
The four skills can produce a total score of 0–80 points, but the individual skill results remain important.
For example, a result of 14–9–16–11 corresponds to:
- Reading: TDN 4.
- Listening: TDN 3.
- Writing: TDN 5.
- Speaking: TDN 4.
Although the total is 50 out of 80, the candidate has not achieved TDN 4 in all four skills.
Writing is assessed according to task completion, argumentation, source summary and language use. Speaking is assessed according to content, the communication situation, fluency, pronunciation and the ability to present viewpoints.
Some errors are acceptable as long as they do not significantly affect understanding.
Source: Assessment of the Digital TestDaF.
Are TDN 4 and TDN 5 accepted for admission?
At least TDN 4 in all four skills is sufficient proof of German for unrestricted university admission.
TDN 5 is above the usual requirement but is not mandatory for every degree programme. Some programmes may accept TDN 3 in selected skills. The final requirements depend on the university and programme.
Source: TestDaF and university admission.
What is U3 and is it accepted?
U3 means below TDN 3. The candidate has not reached the TDN 3 threshold in the relevant skill.
- Digital TestDaF: U3 corresponds to 0–4 points.
- Paper-based TestDaF: U3 is below the TDN 3 threshold for the specific test form.
U3 is normally insufficient for a German-taught university programme. Higher scores in other skills do not automatically compensate for U3.
Candidates with U3 should check directly with the university. Preparatory programmes, language courses or conditional admission may have separate rules.
Summary
- TestDaF assesses the four skills separately.
- The paper-based and digital formats use different scoring systems.
- Reading and Listening thresholds in the paper-based exam vary with test difficulty.
- The 0–20 scale applies only to the Digital TestDaF.
- TDN 4 in all four skills meets the general German-language requirement for admission.
- TDN 5 is the highest level but is not required for every programme.
- U3 means below TDN 3 and is normally not accepted.
- The university and programme requirements are always decisive.