The definitive guide to books, apps, and online resources for Studienkolleg entrance exam and FSP preparation — organized by course type.
For the Studienkolleg entrance exam, you need two things: a German grammar book (Hueber’s “Grammatik aktiv B1-B2” at around 22 EUR is the most practical) and past exam papers from your target Studienkolleg’s website. For the FSP, add the subject-specific book for your course type: T-Kurs students need “Mathematik-Vorbereitung für das Studium eines MINT-Fachs” by Barbara Hugues (Springer, 2023, ~35 EUR); W-Kurs students need Cornelsen’s “Prüfungstraining DaF — DSH” (~18 EUR). You do not need to spend more than 80-100 EUR total on books. Everything else is free — official sample exams, YouTube channels, and the OMB+ online math course.
This guide covers what to buy, what to use for free, and what to skip entirely — organized by course type and exam.
Before buying anything, understand what the exams actually test. There are two separate hurdles at Studienkolleg:
Aufnahmeprüfung (entrance exam): This is the test to get in. It typically tests German language skills (a C-Test or written comprehension task) and sometimes basic math. The level is roughly B1-B2 German. Duration: 60-90 minutes. This varies by institution.
Feststellungsprüfung (FSP): This is the final exam after one year at Studienkolleg. It tests German at C1 level plus all subjects from your course track. This is the exam that qualifies you for university. For a deep dive into the FSP, see our Feststellungsprüfung complete guide.
The course types are: T-Kurs (MINT/engineering), W-Kurs (economics/business), M-Kurs (medicine/biology), G-Kurs (humanities/social sciences), and S-Kurs (language/social sciences). Your course type determines which subjects you need books for.
For a thorough overview of how to prepare for the entrance exam itself, read our entrance exam preparation guide.
German preparation is the one thing every student needs — regardless of course track.
Grammatik aktiv B1-B2 (Cornelsen, ~22 EUR) This is the most practical grammar workbook at this level. 256 pages of clear explanations, exercises, and answer keys. It covers everything tested in the Aufnahmeprüfung: tenses, subordinate clauses, modal verbs, passive voice. The exercises are well designed — not too long, not too short. This is the book to buy if you only buy one grammar book.
Übungsgrammatik für Fortgeschrittene B2-C2 by Hall/Scheiner (Hueber, ~24 EUR) More comprehensive than Grammatik aktiv. Useful if you want deeper grammar coverage or are aiming for C1 from day one. Some students find it overwhelming at B1 level — start with Grammatik aktiv and move to this one later.
Mittelpunkt neu B2 (Klett, ~32 EUR) A complete coursebook covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking at B2 level. Good for structured self-study. Comes with audio exercises. The downside: it is designed for classroom use, so self-study requires more discipline.
Deutsche Welle (dw.com): Free A1-C1 courses with audio and transcripts. The “Deutsch lernen” section is genuinely good — structured by level, with grammar explanations in English. Start here before spending money on books.
YouTube — Lingster Academy: University lecturer Julia covers A1 to C1 grammar with clear explanations. Over 573 videos, all free. Excellent for grammar topics you want to revisit.
YouTube — Hallo Deutschschule: 1.35 million subscribers. Animated videos with English subtitles. Good for vocabulary and listening comprehension at B1-B2 level.
Anki (app, free): The best flashcard app for vocabulary building. Download an existing German deck or create your own from words you encounter. Spaced repetition means you review words at exactly the right intervals to remember them long-term.
Prüfungstraining DaF — DSH (Cornelsen, ~18 EUR) Ten full model tests for the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang). The FSP German component is similar in structure to the DSH. This book gives you the best practice for academic German writing, text analysis, and listening comprehension. Comes with audio CD.
Prüfungstraining DaF — TestDaF (Cornelsen, ~18 EUR) Similar to the DSH training book but modeled on the TestDaF format. Both exams test academic German at B2-C1 level. If your target Studienkolleg’s FSP German section resembles either exam, this is your best preparation tool.
Mit Erfolg zur DSH (Klett, ~22 EUR) Another solid DSH preparation book. Includes two complete practice tests with worked solutions. Some students prefer it over the Cornelsen version for its clearer layout.
Math requirements differ significantly between course tracks. T-Kurs math is university-level. W-Kurs math is applied business math. M-Kurs sits in between.
Mathematik-Vorbereitung für das Studium eines MINT-Fachs by Barbara Hugues (Springer, 2023, ~35 EUR, ISBN: 978-3-662-66936-5) This is the most targeted book for T-Kurs preparation. It was written specifically for students who completed school abroad and are preparing for a MINT degree via Studienkolleg. Covers: functions, vector geometry, linear algebra, analysis (derivatives, integrals), formal logic, and complex numbers. Written in accessible German. Ideal for self-study because every concept is explained from scratch.
Brückenkurs Mathematik by Karl Bosch (Oldenbourg Verlag, ~28 EUR) A classic bridge course book used by many German Studienkollegs. Covers the math foundations needed for MINT studies. More traditional in style than the Hugues book — fewer step-by-step explanations, more exercises. Good as a second book once you have built the basics.
OMB+ — Online Mathematik Brückenkurs (free) The best free math resource for T-Kurs students. Available at ombplus.de. Covers all T-Kurs math topics with exercises and instant feedback. Many German Studienkollegs recommend it officially. Complete it before your semester starts and you will be significantly ahead of the curve.
Training Mathematik Wiederholung Algebra by Eberhard Endres (Stark, ~14 EUR) Good for reviewing algebra fundamentals. Useful if you have gaps in basic algebra before tackling the Hugues book.
For a detailed breakdown of what the math component tests, see our entrance exam math guide.
W-Kurs math focuses on applied topics: percentages, interest calculations, linear and quadratic functions, basic statistics, and financial math. You do not need the advanced calculus coverage of the T-Kurs books.
Finanzmathematik (any introductory German textbook, ~15-20 EUR) Covers compound interest, annuities, and amortization — all standard W-Kurs topics. Schubert Verlag has a good introductory edition.
Abitur-Training Mathematik (Stark Verlag, ~14 EUR) Stark Verlag has been publishing exam preparation materials since 1976. Their Abitur training books cover the math level needed for W-Kurs. Use state-specific editions if possible (Bayern or NRW editions are most comprehensive).
M-Kurs math sits between W and T levels. Topics include functions, differential calculus basics, and statistics. The Hugues book (Springer) covers more than needed, but its first half is excellent for M-Kurs preparation.
Physik: Eine Einführung by Tipler (Springer Spektrum, ~65 EUR) The standard introductory physics textbook at German universities. Comprehensive, with good problems. Expensive but covers everything from mechanics to optics and electrodynamics. If you can only afford one physics book, this is it.
Abitur-Training Physik (Stark Verlag, ~14 EUR) More affordable and more focused on the exam level. Covers mechanics, thermodynamics, optics, and electricity. Good for checking your level and practicing problem types. Use the state-specific edition for your target Studienkolleg’s state.
Free resource: Khan Academy (khanacademy.org, English) The physics section covers all introductory topics with clear video explanations. Free, searchable, with practice problems. Use it for concepts you do not understand from the German books.
Chemie: Das Basiswissen der Chemie by Mortimer (Thieme, ~52 EUR) Known as “Mortimer” in German education circles — the classic introductory chemistry textbook. Very accessible. Good explanations of atomic structure, bonding, reactions, organic chemistry, and analytical methods. Widely available second-hand for 15-25 EUR.
Abitur-Training Chemie (Stark Verlag, ~14 EUR) Covers the chemistry topics tested in M-Kurs and T-Kurs FSPs. More practical for exam preparation than Mortimer, but you need a solid conceptual foundation first.
Biologie: Campbell Biologie (Pearson, ~75 EUR) The standard biology textbook at German universities. Very comprehensive but expensive. Consider borrowing from a library or buying a used copy of an older edition.
Abitur-Training Biologie (Stark Verlag, ~14 EUR) More focused alternative for FSP preparation. Covers cell biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution at the right level.
Einführung in die Volkswirtschaftslehre by Mankiw (translated edition, Schäffer-Poeschel, ~45 EUR) The standard introductory economics textbook. W-Kurs students need microeconomics and macroeconomics basics. Mankiw’s book is clear, well-organized, and widely used. The German-language edition has the advantage of teaching you the vocabulary you will need for the FSP.
Betriebswirtschaftslehre: Grundlagen (various publishers, ~20-30 EUR) W-Kurs also includes business economics (BWL). Any solid introduction to German BWL will cover what is tested. NWB Verlag has accessible editions.
studienkolleg.org/musterpruefungen/ Our own collection of official sample exams from German Studienkollegs — organized by subject and institution. Use these as your primary practice material for both the Aufnahmeprüfung and FSP. See our free sample exams guide for how to use them effectively.
Duolingo (app, free tier) Useful for beginners building a German habit. Not sufficient on its own for B2-C1 level. Use it as a daily warm-up alongside real study. The streak mechanic is genuinely motivating for maintaining consistency.
Anki (app, free) Already mentioned under German — applies to all subjects. Create subject-specific decks for chemistry formulas, economics terms, math definitions. The algorithm remembers what you forget.
OMB+ — ombplus.de (free) Math bridge course for MINT students. Works in browser, no download needed. Covers T-Kurs math comprehensively. Includes auto-graded exercises.
YouTube — MathemaTrick German-language math explanations. Good for T-Kurs students who want explanations in the same language they will use in exams.
YouTube — TheSimpleClub German students’ favorite for science subjects. Videos on physics, chemistry, biology, and math — at exactly the right level for Studienkolleg. Free.
Babbel (German, ~8 EUR/month) Better than Duolingo for structured grammar at B1-B2 level. Includes conversations and writing practice. Useful for the first 2-3 months of German preparation.
Chatterbug (German, ~20 EUR/month) Includes live sessions with native speakers. If speaking practice is your weak point before the oral FSP, this is money well spent.
No book replaces past exam practice. Every public Studienkolleg publishes sample exams (Musterprüfungen) on their website — and they are free.
Here is the best approach:
The exams vary between states and institutions. NRW Studienkollegs test differently from Bayern ones. Download exams from the specific institution you are applying to whenever possible. Our sample exams collection covers materials from across Germany.
Overpriced prep courses from private providers Some private language schools charge 500-1,500 EUR for “Studienkolleg preparation courses.” The content of these courses is entirely available for free or cheap elsewhere. The books and free resources in this guide cost a fraction of that price.
Buying every book for your subject You do not need five math books. One focused book plus free resources is enough. More books create an illusion of productivity while actually diluting your study time.
Grammar workbooks below your level If you are already at B2, do not buy a B1 grammar book. It wastes time on material you already know. Be honest about your current level and buy accordingly.
Old editions beyond three years Exam formats occasionally change. Books older than 2020 may reference outdated formats — especially for TestDaF and DSH. Check publication dates before buying.
| Month | Focus | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | German foundation | Deutsche Welle (free), Grammatik aktiv B1-B2 |
| 2-3 | German + math basics | Grammatik aktiv, OMB+ (free), Hugues/Stark |
| 3-4 | Subject content | Subject-specific book for your course type |
| 4-5 | Integration + first sample exams | Past exam papers from your target institution |
| 5-6 | Intensive sample exam practice | Weekly timed tests, targeted review |
Here is a realistic total for buying the right books — nothing more:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| German grammar book | 18-24 EUR |
| German exam prep book (DSH/TestDaF) | 18-22 EUR |
| Subject math book | 14-35 EUR |
| Subject science/economics book (if needed) | 14-52 EUR |
| Total | 64-133 EUR |
Free resources (OMB+, Deutsche Welle, YouTube, sample exams) add zero cost. If your budget is tight, skip the science/economics book and rely on free resources for those subjects until you can assess gaps from sample exams.
For the Aufnahmeprüfung, “Grammatik aktiv B1-B2” by Cornelsen is the most practical choice. It covers the grammar structures tested in the C-Test and written comprehension tasks at B1-B2 level. Pair it with free Deutsche Welle exercises and 2-3 official sample exam papers from your target Studienkolleg. That combination is more effective than any expensive preparation course.
Yes, significantly different. The entrance exam tests B1-B2 German and basic subject knowledge. The FSP tests C1 German plus advanced subject content across your course track. For the FSP, replace the B1-B2 grammar book with the Cornelsen “Prüfungstraining DaF — DSH” and add the appropriate subject book for your course type (e.g., Hugues for T-Kurs math).
OMB+ covers the foundational math topics well. It is an excellent starting resource. However, for the T-Kurs FSP, you need more — specifically vector geometry, linear algebra, and analysis topics that OMB+ only partially covers. Use OMB+ for the basics and supplement with the Hugues (Springer) book for advanced topics.
Yes for concepts, no for exam practice. Learning physics principles from an English textbook is fine. But you must practice the German-language terminology before the FSP, because the exam is entirely in German. Use German books for the final 2-3 months of preparation, even if you used English resources earlier.
Official sample exams are published on individual Studienkolleg websites. Our free sample exams collection aggregates materials from across Germany, organized by subject and institution. Also visit the websites of your target Studienkollegs directly — most publish 2-5 years of past papers.
From B1 to C1 typically requires 400-600 hours of study. That is roughly 6-8 months of intensive study (2 hours/day). At Studienkolleg, you will receive 8-12 hours of German instruction per week for a full year — that is 300-400 classroom hours, plus homework and self-study. Most students reach C1 by the end of the Studienkolleg year. To give yourself the best chance in the FSP, aim for solid B2 before you start.
There are a few private publications, but the most effective preparation is using official sample exams from your target Studienkolleg plus a solid German grammar book. The “Aufnahmeprüfung” varies significantly between institutions. A book designed for one Studienkolleg’s entrance format may not match another’s. Your best resource is always the official sample papers from the specific institution. See our entrance exam preparation guide for institution-specific strategies.
At B1-B2 level, Deutsche Welle’s free app is the best combination of structure and cost. For grammar reference, “Deutsch Grammatik” apps (Klett publishes one) let you look up rules quickly. For vocabulary, Anki with a curated deck is the most efficient long-term tool. Duolingo is fine for maintaining a daily habit but should not be your main learning tool above A2 level.
If you are taking the Feststellungsprüfung as an external candidate (without attending Studienkolleg), the same resources apply — but your self-study needs to be more systematic because you do not have a structured course. See our external FSP guide for a complete self-study roadmap. The subject books recommended in this guide are exactly what you need.
Ready to find a Studienkolleg and start preparing?
Use our Studienkolleg finder to compare all 46 institutions by course type, city, and costs. Then download official sample exams and start working through them with the resources in this guide.
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