Fatigue test results from joined thin sheet metal specimens are greatly dependent on the specimen types and test methods. For respective applications of the test results in the automobile industry several specimen types and fatigue test methods are discussed in order to determine relevant fatigue characteristics for joined thin sheet metal structures. The specimen types differ particularly in their shape and size as well as in the type of their loading. The stressing in the joined areas of the specimens is explained with respect to the relevance of the test results obtaining using different specimen restraints and types of load application. Basic principles for a suitable fixturing design are proposed. The advantages and disadvantages of the specimens for fatigue tests are outlined. The assessment was performed taking account of the criteria which must be met from the viewpoint of the engineers in the automobile industry. The specimens dealt with in this paper were designed for particular tasks of testing, i.e. geared to the demands of the automobile industry. The U-specimen is suitable for examing the fatigue behaviour of a joining element subjected mixed-mode shear/cross tension loading. Using the other specimens it is possible to determine the fatigue behaviour of joints with component effects. With the H-tensile shear specimen the shear is produced in transverse direction to the seam, and with the double-hat specimen under bending the shear is produced in seam direction. The H-tensile peel specimen allows it to realize peeling, and the double-hat specimen under torsion and internal compression enables combined mixed-mode shear/peal loading. However, relevant and comparable test results can only be obtained from these specimens when exact specifications of the specimen size, the specimen preparation, the fixturing device and of the execution of the test are observed. Such specifications have been established in a testing guideline.