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TestDaF vocabulary: German for studying at university

CEFR B2–C1

TestDaF shows German universities that you can study in German. Here is what each part expects, which vocabulary helps and how to build it up.

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is run by the TestDaF-Institut and taken at licensed test centres worldwide. It is one of the main ways to prove the German needed for a degree programme at a German university.

Each of the four parts is graded separately as TDN 3, 4 or 5, covering levels B2 to C1. Many universities ask for TDN 4 in all four parts. Texts and recordings come from university life and academic topics, so you need a wide everyday vocabulary plus the words for studying, research and debate.

How the exam works

Reading (Lesen)
Several texts of growing difficulty, from university notices to academic articles, with comprehension tasks.
Listening (Hören)
Conversations from university life, interviews and short lectures, with questions on details and main ideas.
Writing (Schreiben)
Texts on academic topics, for example describing data and arguing for a position.
Speaking (Sprechen)
Tasks recorded at the computer: give information, describe a graph, state an opinion and weigh up arguments.

Topics that come up most

  • University life and studying
  • Science and research
  • Education and work
  • Environment and society
  • Technology and media
  • Describing data and trends

Free word lists for this exam

Study these lists in order. Each has 25 words with meanings, example sentences and a short practice.

  1. 1Academic German for university and TestDaFB2–C1 · 25 words
  2. 2German linking words and connectorsB1 · 25 words
  3. 3German words for work and studyA2–B1 · 25 words
  4. 4Irregular German verbsA2–B1 · 25 words
  5. 5Common German verbsA1–A2 · 25 words
  6. 6German words for renting a flatB1 · 25 words

A four-week vocabulary plan

  1. Week 1

    Make sure the basics are solid: review the common and irregular verbs lists until the forms are automatic.

  2. Week 2

    Learn the academic German and linking words lists, then add your own cards for subject-specific words you meet in texts.

  3. Week 3

    Practise describing a graph aloud with your new words: steigen, sinken, im Vergleich zu, deutlich.

  4. Week 4

    Review everything due, write two timed opinion texts and turn every missing word into a new card.

Not sure where to start?

Take the free vocabulary level test. In about five minutes you get an estimated CEFR level and the lists to study next.

Take the vocabulary testPrintable flashcards

Questions about this exam

Which TestDaF score do I need for university?

Many German universities ask for TDN 4 in all four parts, but some programmes accept TDN 3 in one part or ask for more. Check the admission rules of your programme.

Are these word lists enough for TestDaF?

Not on their own. The academic German and linking words lists cover the core words for studies, graphs and arguments, but TestDaF also expects vocabulary from your own subject. Use the lists as a base and add the words you meet in academic texts to your own decks.

Can WordNest prepare me for TestDaF?

WordNest helps with the vocabulary: you learn and review words with spaced repetition. It is not a full exam course, and WordNest is not affiliated with the TestDaF-Institut.

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