DSH Course Dates
New participants are admitted in April and October each year. A placement test at the beginning of the course determines the level at which you will start.
The duration of your participation in the German course depends on your previous knowledge. It ranges from a minimum of three months (for applicants with C1-level proficiency according to the CEFR) to up to 12 months (for applicants with no prior knowledge).
If you do not pass a course level, you will have to repeat it. This may extend the overall duration of the DSH course.
Course Schedule 2025/26*
| Course Start | April 2025 | July 2025 | October 2025 | January 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Deadlines | 01.09 - 30.11.2024 | Application period for April. | 01.03 - 31.05.2025 | Application period for October. |
| DSH Course Enrollment Deadline | 03.02 - 03.03.2025 | 12.05 - 06.06.2025 | 11.08 - 05.09.2025 | 10.11 - 05.12.2025 |
| Placement Test | 12.03.2025 (online) | 18.06.2025 (online) | 18.09.2025 (online) | 15.12.2025 (online) |
| Course Start | 02.04.2025 | 08.07.2025 | 07.10.2025 | N/A |
*Subject to change.
For refugee applicants who are already residing in Paderborn and the surrounding area, additional deadlines apply. Please contact the Refugee Coordination Office or visit the site here.
After your arrival, please check again for the applicable teaching, exam, and holiday periods on the website of the Language Teaching Center (ZfS).
