TestAS vs. TestDaF: Which Should You Take First? 2026 Guide

By Nguyen Duc Minh

TestAS vs. TestDaF: Which Should You Take First? 2026 Guide

TestAS vs. TestDaF: Which Should You Take First? The Difference You Need to Know in 2026

Many prospective students planning to study in Germany confuse TestAS and TestDaF, or assume taking one is enough. In reality, these two exams measure completely different things, and most international students will ultimately need both — the difference lies in timing and how mandatory each is, depending on whether you go through a Studienkolleg or apply directly. This article breaks down the difference clearly, who needs what, and which to prioritize.

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📊 Quick Comparison

CriteriaTestASTestDaF
What it measuresAcademic aptitude (logic, math, science reasoning)German language proficiency (listening, speaking, reading, writing)
Exam languageGerman or English (depending on version)German
Who must take itStudents applying directly to university (bypassing Studienkolleg), certain programsNearly all international students in German-taught programs
Alternative certificatesYes — onSET-Deutsch or the Studienkolleg entrance exam in some casesYes — telc C1 Hochschule, DSH
Administered byg.a.s.t.g.a.s.t.
What the result is used forAssessing academic aptitude, may waive the Studienkolleg entrance examMandatory language requirement for most German-taught programs
ValidityNo expiryNo expiry

> 💡 The core distinction: TestAS answers "Are you cognitively prepared for university-level study?", while TestDaF answers "Can you study in German?" These are independent questions.

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🧠 What Is TestAS and Who Needs It?

TestAS (Test für Ausländische Studierende) assesses: - Core test (mandatory for all candidates): logical reasoning, working with numbers and academic texts - Subject-specific module (choose one of four): Engineering, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Social Sciences & Economics, or Humanities & Cultural Studies

TestAS does not test German — you can choose to test in German or English depending on the center. Your TestAS score matters most if you: - Are applying directly to a university without going through a Studienkolleg — many universities require or strongly recommend TestAS as an evaluation criterion - Want to skip the Studienkolleg entrance exam (Feststellungsprüfung) — some Studienkollegs waive the entrance exam for sufficiently high TestAS scores - Are applying to highly competitive programs, where universities use TestAS to compare applicants coming from different education systems

🗣️ What Is TestDaF and Who Needs It?

TestDaF assesses four skills (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) using the TDN 3–5 scoring system. This is the mandatory language requirement for nearly all international students who want to study in a German-taught program — whether via Studienkolleg or direct admission.

🧭 So Do I Need Both, or Just One?

Your situationTestASTestDaF
German-taught program via StudienkollegNot mandatory (unless waiving the entrance exam)✅ Mandatory
German-taught program, direct admission✅ Usually mandatory or strongly recommended✅ Mandatory
English-taught program✅ Still required at some universities❌ Not needed
Applying to Studienkolleg, want to skip entrance exam✅ Requires a sufficiently high scoreStill requires minimum German level at some institutions

> ⚠️ Requirements vary significantly across universities and programs. Always check the admissions page of your target university before deciding to skip either exam.

📅 Which Should You Take First?

For most Vietnamese students following the Studienkolleg route: prioritize German (TestDaF) first, since it's almost always mandatory and takes longer to prepare for (typically 12–18 months from scratch to reach B2–C1). TestAS can be prepared in parallel or afterward, since its content doesn't depend on your German level if you test in English.

If you're following the direct admission route (e.g., after completing a year of university in Vietnam), plan for both exams in parallel from the start, since both are prerequisites for your application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: If I take TestAS in English, will I need to retake it in German later? Not simply because you change languages. However, some universities specifically require the German version of TestAS — check the requirements before registering.

Q2: Can TestAS fully replace the Studienkolleg entrance exam? Possibly, but not every Studienkolleg offers this, and it usually requires a fairly high TestAS score. Confirm directly with the specific Studienkolleg you're applying to.

Q3: Can I apply with only TestDaF and no TestAS? Via the Studienkolleg route, yes — TestAS is usually not mandatory in that case. For direct admission, most universities require both.

Q4: Which exam is harder? They're not directly comparable, since they measure different things. TestAS requires logical reasoning and processing speed, while TestDaF requires a strong language foundation built over a longer period.

Q5: Which should I start preparing for first if I only have 12 months? Prioritize German first, since it takes the longest to improve. Fold in TestAS preparation during the final 2–3 months once your German is stable.

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> 🎯 Prepare for both TestAS and TestDaF in one place with StudienA — realistic exam simulations, detailed answer explanations for every question, and a personalized study plan based on your remaining prep time.

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