Overall of Deutsche Bank Test: Process, Guide & Examples


Deutsche Bank is a leading European investment bank, which is a desirable workplace for anyone vying for a career in the finance and banking industry. With 150 years of expertise, the company provides its staff with numerous benefits and prospective promotions in the field. Therefore, this multinational bank needs comprehensive assessment tools – Deutsche Bank Tests to pick out the best talent among a large pool of candidates worldwide.

This article will help you gain a better insight into Deutsche Bank Tests: what to expect, typical questions, and helpful tips to succeed in this challenging screening stage.

What are Deutsche Bank Tests?

Deutsche Bank Tests, often provided by SHL, are pre-hiring assessments to screen candidates for the interview stage of Deutsche Bank. The tests aim to measure your aptitude, personality, and behavior in the workplace context. Based on different criteria the hiring company wants to evaluate, online assessment tests at Deutsche are categorized into 3 main types:

  • Situational Judgment Tests (or SJT): Measure your behavior and approach towards work-related scenarios.
  • Personality Tests (or Occupational Personality Questionnaire – OPQ): Assess your preferences, motivations, and style, and how they align with your desired position.
  • General Ability Tests: Include numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning tests, focusing on candidates’ cognitive ability.

In one sitting, you will have to complete all 3 assessments, beginning with the Situational Judgment tests, then OPQ, and General Ability tests. Besides, you can progress to the next step only when you’ve passed the previous one. In other words, if you do not work well enough on SJT, you cannot move to the OPQ and aptitude tests!

 

Deutsche Bank Tests in the recruitment process

Deutsche Bank uses online tests in the second stage of its recruitment. To become a part of Deutsche Bank, you need to prepare carefully for all 4 phases in the hiring process: Online Application => Online Tests => Interview => Assessment Center.

Stage 1: Online Application

In the online application stage, you must submit a resume/CV and fill out an application form with your personal details. This stage helps Deutsche Bank filter out candidates based on their educational background, work history, and skillset. Your application status will be “under review” once you finish all the necessary steps.

Stage 2: Online Tests

After screening your application, the company will invite you to take online tests. Deutsche Bank uses 3 main types of assessment: Situational Judgment test, Personality test (OPQ), and General Ability test. Depending on your performance on these tests, Deutsche Bank can evaluate your cognitive ability, personality traits, and working behavior.

Stage 3: Interview

Deutsche Bank Interview stage comprises 2 rounds: Phone Interview and Technical Interview. The initial concerns your work experience, skills, and enthusiasm to join the company. The second is a competency-based interview, assessing technical skills related to the role you apply for. Both interviews are often conducted as a video call/phone screening.

Stage 4: Assessment Center

The last stage in the Deutsche Bank hiring process is the assessment center, in which you have to participate in several comprehensive exercises, such as role-play, in-tray exercises, or group activities. Through this, the company can gain a better insight into your competencies and working style.

 

Deutsche Bank General Ability Tests

General Ability Tests include 3 main types of aptitude assessment: numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning. As presented in the name, General Ability Tests evaluate your overall cognitive ability and problem-solving skills in workplace contexts. Each domain of aptitudes is tested by different tests, introduced as follows:

Deutsche Bank numerical reasoning tests

Deutsche Bank numerical reasoning tests ask you to perform arithmetic calculations, or comprehend and interpret data from tables and graphs. This aptitude test aims to measure candidates’ numeracy skills, which is crucial for roles in the banking and finance industry. Here are some numerical reasoning questions from SHL:

Source: SHL

Answer: C

Explanation:

The cost per pen of each box is illustrated in the table below:

So, the box of 75 has the cheapest per pen cost.

Source: SHL

Answer: D

Explanation:

The number of motors in 5 teams is presented as follows:

So, the correct answer is D.

As shown above, SHL-style Numerical Reasoning Tests comprise word problems and data interpretation questions. Among those, data interpretation is more challenging since you have to analyze the graphical or tabular information and select relevant data before conducting math calculations. Without prior practice, comprehending the chart and processing data can take a lot of time.

Fortunately, MConsultingPrep can help you master Numerical Reasoning Tests by providing interactive questions and step-by-step explanations for both types of tests. There are also practical study guides and helpful tips to ace any numerical questions, including taxing data interpretation!

Let’s begin with our free mock tests! 

FREE NUMERICAL REASONING TEST

Deutsche Bank verbal reasoning tests

SHL-style verbal reasoning tests often give you a short passage, then you have to determine whether a statement is true, false, or cannot say. This test type aims to measure your reading comprehension and how well you process written data. Let’s find out how the question will be in Deutsche Bank verbal reasoning tests:

Source: SHL

Answer: TRUE

Explanation:

The keywords of this question are “female staff” and “tailored suits”. In order to determine whether it is true, false, or cannot say, we need to look for the synonyms of these in the text.

This question is much easier since they repeat the words in the passage. We have the whole sentence “For a woman, this would be a tailored suit, with a white or cream blouse”. “Tailored suit” remains from the text, while “woman” means “female staff”.

So, the correct answer is TRUE.

Source: SHL

Answer: FALSE

Explanation:

The keywords are “studies”, “treats” and “differently”. “Studies” is mentioned in the passage; however, we can see that the human body “cannot tell the difference”, which opposes “treats” – “differently”.

Therefore, the correct answer must be FALSE.

Overall, Verbal Reasoning Tests assess not only your grasp of the language, but also your logical ability to infer whether a statement is relevant to the given text passage. Therefore, practice beforehand can help you digest the text more quickly and know how to pick out relevant information from a lengthy written piece of data.

You can try out mock tests at MConsultingPrep, which includes hundreds of questions similar to real tests from famous providers, including SHL. Along with that, we also provide you with comprehensive answer guides and tips & tricks to survive the exams.

Here are some free verbal reasoning questions for you to try out. Let’s see how good your verbal power is!

FREE VERBAL REASONING TEST

Deutsche Bank logical reasoning tests

To measure candidates’ logical reasoning skills, Deutsche Bank often uses SHL Logical Reasoning Tests including deductive reasoning tests and inductive reasoning tests. Let’s take a look inside each type and try out some practice questions to have a good grasp of these assessments:

Deductive reasoning tests

Deutsche Bank deductive reasoning tests ask you to process the given premises and draw a logical conclusion based on those statements. The tests are effective tools to assess your logical thinking skills, specifically deductive reasoning ability, which is necessary for one to make rational arguments and decisions at the workplace. Below are some SHL-style sample questions:

Source: SHL

Answer: B

Explanation:

The question asks us to find the “cannot be true” statement ⇒ The correct answer must be the statement that is always FALSE based on the given premises.

From the given premises, we can infer that:

Maria’s plane leaves at 8:45 a.m. (1)

Lauren’s plane leaves at 7:45 a.m. (2)

The latest take-off of Jessica’s plane and Kayla’s plane take off is 6:45 a.m. (3)

Option A: Kayla’s flight takes off at 5:45 a.m.

As we have inferred (3), Kayla’s plane can leave sooner than 6:45 a.m. ⇒ Option A can be true.

Option B: Lauren and Kayla take off at the same time.

From (2), we can see that Kayla has to take off before 6:45 a.m., but Lauren leaves at 7:45 a.m. ⇒ Option B cannot be true.

Option C: Lauren’s flight starts at 7:45 a.m.

As we have inferred, this statement is true.

Option D: Lauren’s plane takes off after Kayla’s plane takes off.

This statement is true since Kayla’s plane takes off sooner or at 6:45 a.m., and Lauren leaves at 7:45 a.m.

Option E: The latest that Jessica’s plane lands is 2:45 p.m.

As we have inferred (3), Kayla’s plane leaves sooner than 6:45 a.m., and each flight lasts 8 hours ⇒ The latest arrival time is 2:45 a.m.

So, the correct answer is B.

Source: SHL

Answer: C

Explanation:

£212,000 belongs to the group £100,001-£250,000,and the contract length is 24-month, which is one year or longer. So, the priority level is 3.

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Logical reasoning tests are among the hardest aptitude assessments. Therefore, it is crucial to acquire the techniques to handle all logical reasoning question types. 

MConsultingPrep provides a vast collection of deductive reasoning tests to master the skills. Here’s a free trial for you!

FREE DEDUCTIVE REASONING QUESTIONS

Inductive reasoning tests

In the inductive reasoning tests, you have to identify the relationship between abstract shapes or figures by spotting the governing rules, which often come in the format of predicting the next item in a sequence or odd one out. Through the tests, the hiring company wants to test your ability to work with unfamiliar information and interpret abstract concepts. Let’s look at some examples from SHL for this test type:

Source: SHL

Answer: D

Explanation:

Rule 1: The black arrow – up for shaded shapes, down for unshaded ones.

Rule 2: The gray arrow – indicating the time on a clock, which is also the number of sides of the figures. For example, in the 1st item, the “hour hand” points at 3 o’clock, and the shape inside is a triangle.

Source: SHL

Answer: A

Explanation:

Rule 1: The circle moves one step counterclockwise.

Rule 2: The triangle moves one step up diagonally.

Rule 3: The square moves one step clockwise.

Therefore, the correct answer is the first set.

 

Deutsche Bank situational judgment tests

Situational judgment test from SHL often asks you to rank 4 options based on their effectiveness for a given scenario, mainly about dealing with workplace problems or relations. By that, Deutsche Bank can gain a better insight into your behavior and approach in work settings and how these align with the environment of the company. Let’s look at a sample question from SHL:

Source: SHL

Answer: A-D-B-C

Explanation:

The most effective response is option A. It will be best to prioritize your assigned work, then consider helping others. This option is also optimal because other colleagues may have free time and are willing to help, so no one is disadvantaged in this situation.

The 2nd should be option D. This is also a good option; to help a colleague, you need to understand their problem. However, this response is not the best because you cannot focus on your work.

The next priority would be option B. The good thing about this option is that you know how to help and sympathize with your colleagues. On the other hand, it shows that you do not know how to prioritize tasks and ignore your main responsibility.

Finally, option C is the least effective. It may indicate that you do not sympathize with the others and have not thoroughly investigated the cause of the situation. Perhaps your coworker has a more complicated problem than what happened to you in the past.

To ace Deutsche Bank SJT, there are some guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Understand the company and the role you apply for. The ultimate aim of this test is to find well-fit candidates. Thus, if you know what Deutsche Bank is looking for and highlight those qualities in your answer, it is likely that the company will see you as a potential employee.
  • Read the scenario and each response carefully. Sometimes, you immediately see a good response for a situation, but maybe there’s a more sensible one among the rest. Therefore, take your time and read all the answers carefully, and compare one with another if necessary. 
 

Deutsche Bank personality tests

In Deutsche Bank Personality Tests, you have to rank 3 options based on how you are most likely to respond in workplace situations. Throughout the test, you can present your personality and work style, from which Deutsche Bank can assess how well you will fit into the position. Here is an example of how the questions can be:

Source: SHL

After you select the best response, the question will continue to ask you to pick out the most relevant among the remaining 2 statements. At this stage, you will finish the ranking task in the question. Here is the sample interface of how it will progress:

Source: SHL

Though there is no right or wrong answer for each question, you are encouraged to follow these instructions from SHL itself to optimize your performance in Deutsche Bank Personality Tests:

  • Avoid overthinking: Answer each question as quickly as possible. It’s usually best to respond based on your first reaction. In that way, your personality and working style will be expressed in the most accurate way.
  • Try to complete the test in one sitting: Any disruption can affect your feelings and thoughts, thereby losing the accuracy of the answers. However, taking a short break is okay to help you calm down and be more focused as the test is untimed.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I retake Deutsche Bank Tests if I fail?

There is no official policy on whether or not you can retake online tests at Deutsche Bank, but keep in mind that your attempts will be recorded, affecting your chances of getting hired. So, to avoid retaking many times, practice simulation tests as much as possible.

Situational Judgment Tests and the OCQ are personality-based, so the only proven way to ace these tests is to research the company’s culture and core values to understand the compatibility between you and Deutsche Bank. Nevertheless, aptitude tests like numerical reasoning or verbal reasoning can be improved by practicing mock tests.

Here at MConsultingPrep, hundreds of highly interactive questions are similar to those of reputable test publishers, including SHL, the provider of Deutsche Bank Tests. Besides elaborate answer guides and practical tips & tricks, we also provide you with a targeted study plan to master the skills needed for any aptitude tests, not just those from SHL.

Let’s practice some free questions beforehand!

FREE NUMERICAL REASONING TEST

FREE VERBAL REASONING TEST

FREE DEDUCTIVE REASONING TEST

2. What are the prerequisites to take Deutsche Bank Tests?

First, you must be a graduate or an intern to sign up for the application. Though relevant experience and educational background in the banking industry is not required, ensure that you are interested in a banking career. After submitting your resume and filling out an online form, you will progress to take Deutsche Bank Tests.

3. How long are Deutsche Bank Tests?

Often, you will be given 20 minutes to complete 20 questions in each section of General Ability Tests. However, Situational Judgment Tests and the OPQ have no time limit. Therefore, you should read the questions and consider the responses as carefully as possible.

4. What is the passing score for Deutsche Bank Tests?

Deutsche Bank Tests have no fixed passing score. Candidates are evaluated based on how well they compare to other applicants for the same position. As a result, it is impossible to determine what score an applicant must achieve to pass the tests.

5. How can I know if I passed Deutsche Bank Tests?

There will be an email from Deutsche Bank announcing that you’re invited to the next round – the phone interview. In contrast, the same thing will happen if you fail the tests, which means you will receive a letter informing you that the position has been filled.

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