What's on the Ergänzungsprüfung Deutsch, when it happens, and what you need to pass.
First the written part, then the oral. You need at least 60% on the written to get to the oral.
Fill in sentence parts from a list of options, find synonyms for phrases in a text
Rephrase sentences using different grammatical constructions, complete sentences
Essay on one of two topics (e.g. based on a short text or a chart)
Choose one topic from given options (quote or chart), 20 min to prepare notes, then present for ~5 minutes
Speak on the spot about a picture or quote given by the examiner. Examiners may ask follow-up questions.
Result announced immediately after the oral exam.
You need at least 45 out of 75 points (60%) overall, and no less than 8 out of 25 in any single section.
Reading, grammar, essay — 1 hour each. To pass you need 45/75 overall, and at least 8/25 per section.
If you passed the written, you get a date for the oral: 5-min monologue (20 min to prepare) and 5-min spontaneous conversation.
Written results come by email in ~1.5 weeks. Oral result — right away. Certificate pickup date depends on the session.
€66
Per exam attempt. Maximum 4 attempts allowed.
Written part: 75 points total (25 per section). Minimum 45 points to pass.
Three dates available right now. Registration closes about two weeks before the exam.
The written part has 3 sections (1 hour each): Reading (Lesen) — 25 points, Grammar (Grammatik) — 25 points, Writing (Schreiben/essay) — 25 points. The oral part includes a 5-minute prepared monologue and a 5-minute spontaneous conversation.
The written part is 3 hours total (1 hour per section). The oral exam is about 10 minutes, with 20 minutes of preparation time for the monologue beforehand.
You need at least 45 out of 75 points (60%) overall, and no less than 8 out of 25 in any single section. If you pass the written, you proceed to the oral exam.
Only a monolingual German dictionary (Deutsch-Deutsch) is allowed. Bring your own — very few are available in the exam room. Bilingual dictionaries are not permitted.
The exam fee is 66 euros per attempt. This covers both the written and oral parts.
You can retake the exam up to 4 times (maximum 5 total attempts). Each attempt costs 66 euros.
Written exam results arrive by email in about 1.5 weeks. The oral exam result is announced immediately after you finish.
First, you choose one topic from given options (quote or chart), get 20 minutes to prepare notes, then present a ~5 minute monologue. After that, the examiner gives you a picture or quote for a spontaneous ~5 minute conversation.
We're working on a practice tool for EPD — grammar drills, reading exercises, essay prep. Not ready yet, but it's on the way.