TestDaF paper format, B2 to C1
Practise for the paper TestDaF
The paper TestDaF has four parts and 3 hours 15 minutes of exam time: reading 60 minutes, listening 40, writing 60 and speaking 35. Faust has 24 practice papers in this format, each with a PDF and answers or guidance. One scored online paper is free for Lesen, Hören and Schreiben, and every PDF is free.
Updated 21 October 2026, Faust Academy team
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Work through a practice paper in your exam format. Check your reading and listening answers, or submit a writing response for feedback on the task and your language. Download the papers and listening audio to practise away from the screen.
This practice follows the paper TestDaF format. Speaking offers timed recordings, replay and feedback on the task and the language in your response.
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The paper TestDaF: official format
| Part | Texts and tasks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Leseverstehen (reading) | 3 texts, 30 items | 60 minutes |
| Hörverstehen (listening) | 3 recordings, 25 items | 40 minutes |
| Schriftlicher Ausdruck (writing) | 1 text with a graph description and an argument, by hand | 60 minutes |
| Mündlicher Ausdruck (speaking) | 7 tasks, recorded on a computer | 35 minutes |
TDN 3, TDN 4 and TDN 5
The three TestDaF levels, TDN 3, TDN 4 and TDN 5, lie at B2 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. Your TDN decides which degree programmes you can enter.
Points for TDN 3, 4 and 5 in reading and listening
| Level | Reading, of 30 points | Listening, of 25 points |
|---|---|---|
| TDN 5 | from 24, 25 or 26 | from 19, 20 or 21 |
| TDN 4 | from 20, 21 or 22 | from 15, 16 or 17 |
| TDN 3 | from 14, 15 or 16 | from 10, 11 or 12 |
Writing and speaking in the paper TestDaF
In the paper TestDaF, Mündlicher Ausdruck runs on a computer: you hear each task through a headset, read it on screen, get a set time to prepare, and your answers are recorded. There is no conversation with an examiner. You write Schriftlicher Ausdruck by hand.
Trained raters mark Schriftlicher and Mündlicher Ausdruck against set criteria in three areas: the effect of the text or answer as a whole, how it handles the task, and the language it uses. Each of the 7 speaking tasks is set at TDN 3, TDN 4 or TDN 5.
Paper or digital
The TestDaF-Institut also offers a digital TestDaF with its own set of tasks. It is a different exam format from the paper TestDaF. Faust practice papers follow the paper format.
See what your answers show
Reading and listening feedback uses the questions you answered. Skipped questions are not treated as evidence of a weakness. Writing review keeps the selected task and your response together and names the capabilities assessed.
Use Gym to practise individual reading, listening, writing and speaking skills, with feedback on each response.
Paper downloads
Frequently asked questions
- Which PDFs and online papers are free?
- The published PDFs, answer keys, guidance and listening files are free to access. One scored online paper is free for Lesen, Hören and Schreiben, and every PDF is free.
- What feedback do I get on my speaking recording?
- You receive feedback on each recorded task, including the requirements your response meets and the language it demonstrates. You can also replay your recording.
- How long is the paper TestDaF?
- The paper TestDaF has four parts and 3 hours 15 minutes of exam time: Leseverstehen (reading, 3 texts, 30 items, 60 minutes), Hörverstehen (listening, 3 texts, 25 items, 40 minutes), Schriftlicher Ausdruck (writing, one structured text with a graph description and an argument, 60 minutes) and Mündlicher Ausdruck (speaking, 7 tasks, 35 minutes). There is a break after each part.
- How many points do I need for TDN 4 in reading and listening?
- Each part of the paper TestDaF gets its own result. In Leseverstehen and Hörverstehen each correct item gives one point, and the minimum for each TDN is set again for every test version. TDN 5 needs 24, 25 or 26 of 30 points in reading and 19, 20 or 21 of 25 in listening. TDN 4 needs 20, 21 or 22 and 15, 16 or 17. TDN 3 needs 14, 15 or 16 and 10, 11 or 12.
- Which CEFR levels do TDN 3, TDN 4 and TDN 5 match?
- The three TestDaF levels, TDN 3, TDN 4 and TDN 5, lie at B2 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. Your TDN decides which degree programmes you can enter.
- Is there a speaking interview in the paper TestDaF?
- In the paper TestDaF, Mündlicher Ausdruck runs on a computer: you hear each task through a headset, read it on screen, get a set time to prepare, and your answers are recorded. There is no conversation with an examiner. You write Schriftlicher Ausdruck by hand.
- Are these official exams?
- They are independent Faust practice papers in the exam format.
Ready? Start a practice paper now.
Sources
- TestDaF-Institut: Aufbau des papierbasierten TestDaF
- TestDaF-Institut: Auswertung des papierbasierten TestDaF
- TestDaF-Institut: Das müssen Sie können