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
- International School Comparison Test IVA1: Grade 4 / DaZ-5
- International School Comparison Test IVA2: Grade 7 / DaZ-8
- Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) I: Grade 9 / DaZ-9
- Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) II: Grade 11 / DaZ-11
- AATG*, National High School exams, Levels 1-4: DaZ-5 to DaZ-8
* American Association of Teachers of German
2022 - 2023
Exam Schedule
Exam | Date |
|---|---|
AATG National High School Exams (Level 2-4) | December 15, 2022 |
AATG National High School Exam (Level 1) | April 27, 2023 |
IVA1 International Comparison Test | March 2, 2023 |
IVA2 International Comparison Test (Written Exam) | April 12/13, 2023 |
IVA2 International Comparison Test (Oral Exam) | May 6, 2023 |
DSD I (A2/B1), Written Exam | March 9, 2023 |
DSD I (A2/B1), Oral Exam | March 18, 2023 |
* AATG = American Association of Teachers of German
* DSD I = Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe 1/German Language Diploma Level 1
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.
