Leseverstehen
Reading
3 reading texts, 30 items
60 minutes
Practice ReadingOfficially based paper format guide
Paper-Based TestDaF Format, Tips and Practice
The paper-based TestDaF has four separately assessed parts: Leseverstehen, Hörverstehen, Schriftlicher Ausdruck, and Mündlicher Ausdruck. The pure exam time is 3 hours and 15 minutes, with breaks between the parts. Tasks always relate to university and academic communication.
Pure exam time
3h 15min
Result model
4 separate TDN results
Task material
Printed task booklets
Speaking
Recorded on computer
Hörverstehen
Listening
3 audio texts, 25 items
40 minutes
Practice ListeningSchriftlicher Ausdruck
Writing
1 handwritten task
60 minutes
Practice WritingMündlicher Ausdruck
Speaking
7 computer-recorded tasks
35 minutes
Practice coming soonOfficial Paper-Based TestDaF Order
The official paper-based sequence is fixed: reading first, then listening, then handwritten writing, then computer-recorded speaking. This makes preparation easier because your practice plan can follow the same rhythm every time.
1
Leseverstehen
3 reading texts, 30 items · 60 minutes
- Text 1: short texts with 10 matching items.
- Text 2: journalistic text with 10 multiple-choice items.
- Text 3: specialist-journal style text with 10 Ja / Nein / Text sagt dazu nichts items.
2
Hörverstehen
3 audio texts, 25 items · 40 minutes
- Text 1: dialogue with 8 short answers.
- Text 2: interview with 10 richtig/falsch items.
- Text 3: lecture or interview with 7 short answers.
3
Schriftlicher Ausdruck
1 handwritten task · 60 minutes
- Write one structured text.
- Include a graph or chart description.
- Develop an argumentation section connected to the task.
4
Mündlicher Ausdruck
7 computer-recorded tasks · 35 minutes
- Speak in typical university situations.
- Hear tasks through headphones and answer into a microphone.
- There is no live examiner conversation in the paper-based TestDaF speaking part.
Scoring Facts
The four parts are evaluated separately. Reading and listening answer sheets are scanned; short listening answers are checked by trained raters. Writing and speaking are assessed by trained TestDaF raters using official criteria.
Level
Reading
Listening
TDN 5
at least 24, 25, or 26 of 30
at least 19, 20, or 21 of 25
TDN 4
at least 20, 21, or 22 of 30
at least 15, 16, or 17 of 25
TDN 3
at least 14, 15, or 16 of 30
at least 10, 11, or 12 of 25
The exact minimum can shift by test set because TestDaF adjusts raw-score thresholds statistically for reading and listening.
Tips Based on Official Criteria
Leseverstehen
- Use the fixed task order to your advantage: matching first, then multiple choice, then statement checking.
- Separate what the text actually says from what sounds plausible. This matters especially for Text sagt dazu nichts.
- Leave enough time to transfer answers cleanly because only the answer sheet is assessed.
Hörverstehen
- Expect Texts 1 and 2 once, and Text 3 twice; plan your notes around that official listening rhythm.
- For short answers, write compact information while listening, then transfer carefully at the end.
- Listen for the speaker purpose, key reasons, examples, and main claims, not isolated vocabulary only.
Schriftlicher Ausdruck
- Build a visible structure: introduction, graph description, transition, argumentation, and conclusion.
- Describe the important graph information accurately before evaluating or arguing.
- Use varied connectors and sentence structures because official assessment considers coherence, vocabulary, syntax, and comprehensibility.
Mündlicher Ausdruck
- Read the situation closely: your role, partner, topic, formality, and exact action decide the answer.
- Use preparation time to create a tiny structure, not a full script.
- Aim for clear, fluent, task-focused speech because official assessment considers overall effect, task fulfilment, and language resources.
Test-Day Rules to Remember
Bring the same photo ID document used for registration.
For the paper-based TestDaF, bring the printed admission letter.
Use a black or blue ballpoint pen.
Dictionaries and learning materials are not allowed.
Only answers on the answer sheets or writing sheet are assessed.
Notes or texts on concept paper and task booklets are not assessed.
Continue Practicing
TestDaF overviewCompare paper-based and digital TestDaF practice.Paper TestDaF LesenPractice all three official reading task formats.Paper TestDaF HörenTrain the three official listening text types.Paper TestDaF SchreibenWrite graph-description and argumentation responses.Digital TestDaFUse this if your test center offers the computer format.
Official Sources Used
This guide is based on official TestDaF information for the paper-based exam structure, evaluation, and examination procedure.