What Do TDN 3, TDN 4, TDN 5 Mean? The TestDaF Grading Guide
Last updated: August 2026 · 6 min read
TDN (TestDaF-Niveaustufe) is TestDaF's own grading system. Each of the four sections (reading, listening, writing, speaking) is graded independently as TDN 3, TDN 4 or TDN 5; there is no total or average score. Short answer: most German universities require at least TDN 4 in all four sections — with important exceptions.
TDN Levels and Their CEFR Range
| Grade | Meaning | CEFR range | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TDN 5 | Very good | Within B2–C1 | Highest reported level; programme rules still apply |
| TDN 4 | Good | Within B2–C1 | The standard admission threshold |
| TDN 3 | Sufficient (baseline) | Within B2–C1 | Partially accepted by some programmes |
| Below TDN 3 | Insufficient | — | No grade issued for that section |
Which Grade Do Universities Require?
- 4×TDN 4 (most common): at least TDN 4 in every section — the standard requirement of most public universities.
- Total points model: e.g. "at least 16 TDN in total" — a TDN 3 in one section can be offset by a TDN 5 elsewhere.
- Flexible model: "at most one section with TDN 3", or a higher bar in specific sections for writing-heavy programmes.
Golden rule: read the language requirement on your target programme's international admissions page verbatim — even faculties within the same university can differ.
How Grades Are Determined
- LV and HV: by the number of correct answers — wrong answers don't subtract points, so never leave a blank.
- SA and MA: scored by trained raters on three dimensions: overall impression, task completion and language. See the SA guide for details.
From TDN 3 to TDN 4: The Fastest Route
The gap between TDN 3 and TDN 4 is usually not language level but exam skill: knowing the traps of LV/HV question types and fully executing the SA/MA task structure. A focused 6-8 week preparation therefore beats a general German course. See the 8-week study plan.
Find Out Your Current TDN Level
Complete a writing or speaking task on Zertifly and the AI estimates your TDN level against official TestDaF criteria — showing exactly where (task, language, structure) you lose points.
Conclusion
The TDN system is simpler than it looks: learn your target programme's requirement, measure your current level, and close the gap skill by skill. Focusing on the skill with the missing TDN cuts preparation time in half compared to studying German in general.