Skip to content

Exams & Tests

German Language Classes

DSB follows the school's own curriculum based on the curriculum for Elementary school and Gymnasium in Baden-Württemberg, and the Common European Framework of Reference for the German language.

Exams Offered By The DSB

* American Association of Teachers of German

2023 - 2024
Exam Schedule

Exam
Date
AATG National High School Exams (Level 2-4)
December 14, 2023
AATG National High School Exam (Level 1)
April 25, 2024
IVA1 International Comparison Test
March 20/21, 2024
IVA2 International Comparison Test (Written Exam)
April 10, 2024
IVA2 International Comparison Test (Oral Exam)
May 4, 2024
DSD I (A2/B1), Written Exam
March 13, 2024
DSD I (A2/B1), Oral Exam
April 12-14, 2024
DSD II (B2/C1), Written Exam
November 29, 2023
DSD II B2/C1), Oral Exam
January 12-13, 2024
* AATG = American Association of Teachers of German
* DSD I = Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe 1 / German Language Diploma Level 1
* DSD II = Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe 2 / German Language Diploma Level 2
German Proficiency Tests Michigan
DSD II Testing Team with Susanne Dreyer (ZfA)

German Based Tests for German Proficiency
(International school comparison tests)

On Your Way To DSD II (Deutsche Sprachdiplom)
International School
Comparison Test (IVA1)
200h
Grade 3-4
Age 9-10 Years
HV 15 min
LV 15 min
SK 15 min
MK 2-3 min
SK related writing
(Personal invitation card, letters, email)
Impulse:short text impulse with pictures and key box
International School Comparison Test (IVA2)
400h
Grade 7-8
Age 12-14 Years
HV 20-30 + 10 min
LV 45 + 10 min
SK 45 min
MK 15 min
SK coherent text production/personal letter
Impulse: Text impulse on a topic
Writing based on a template and 4 key questions
German Proficiency Test (DSD I)
600h
Grade 9-10
Age 14-16 Years
HV 40 + 10 min
LV 60 + 10 min
SK 75 min
MK 15 min
SK related text production
(Letter to the editor or similar)
Impulse: Situational embedding and 4 short statements
Writing based on a template and 3 key questions
German Proficiency Test (DSD II)
900h
Grade 1-12
Age 16-18 Years
HV 40 + 10 min
LV 75 + 10 min
SK 120 min
MK 20 + 20 min
SK related text production
Impulse: factual text plus graphics
Text and graphic description with subsequent discussion
HV = Listening comprehension, LV = Reading comprehension, SK = Written communication, MK = Oral communication

IVA1: In 4th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-5

The “International comparison test IVA1” is taken in 4th grade Native Speaker and 5th grade German-as-a-second-language class. This test consists of a written and an oral part, which is taken during the class time.

IVA2: In 7th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-8

The “International comparison test IVA2” is taken in 7th grade Native Speaker and 8th grade German-as-a-second-language class. The written test is taken during class time, while the oral exam (including creating a poster board with an approved topic) takes place on a weekend in April. This is a great preparation for the German Proficiency Test (Deutsche Sprachdiplom DSD I).

German Based Exams for German Proficiency:
(Deutsche Sprachdiplom DSD I / DSD II)

The DSD I / II is offered by the "Central Agency for Schools Abroad".

 The ‘Kultusministerkonferenz’ (KMK – Ministry of culture) annually creates new exams, which are then recognized accordingly in all German states. Upon passing the highest level (DSD II), the student receives the necessary language proficiency to study at a German university. The written examinations are sent to Germany for correction. The oral examination is chaired by the teaching adviser (BDU) from Germany, who presides over each oral examination. Only enrolled students can take part in the various tests.

The level of difficulty between the DSD I and DSD II is vast, very demanding and not easy. It requires a lot of preparation and willingness of the student to regularly take part in class and do homework in order to successfully pass. The DSB reserves the right to internally test the student’s readiness for the exam.

DSD I:

In 9th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-9 (9th grade German-as-a-second language), students are prepared for the DSD I German Proficiency Test (DSD) exam. The date of the written exam is set by the KMK worldwide and usually carried out in March. The oral exam (preparation of an approved topic including creation of poster board) takes place on a weekend in March.

DSD II:

In 11th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-11 (11th grade German-as-a-second language), the students are prepared for the DSD II German Proficiency Test (DSD) exam. The date of the written exam is set by the KMK worldwide and usually takes place at the end of November, the oral exam (preparation of an approved topic including creation of poster board) takes place on a weekend in December or January.

US Based Tests for German Proficiency

AATG Tests

In DaZ-5 to DaZ-8 German-as-second-language classes only, the ATTG tests (American Association of Teachers of German) are taken annually in 4 different levels in December and in April.