Languages

Placement Test Dates

  • Reason why the placement test is obligatory: English courses are offered at six different levels. The prerequisite for taking English courses at Zessko is therefore, without exception, a valid placement test result.
  • Online test open (for students of all subjects EXCEPT LAW STUDENTS, see further down below): as of 09.04., 10:00 a.m. to 16.04., 05:00 p.m. Will reopen for the registration period of the winter semester of 2021/22, on October 04, 2021, 10:00 a.m.
  • Duration of the online test: 35 minutes.
  • Availability of online test results in PULS (so that students can apply for a place in a course): on the following working day, from 10:00.
  • Note: This test is not suitable for students enrolled in "Anglistik/Amerikanistik" and in "Lehramt Englisch" programs.

Students from all departments

  1. Before you start, make sure you can work on the placement test for up to 35 minutes without disturbance or interruption. It is not possible to quick-save the test and continue later or to repeat it. This test can only be taken again at the beginning of the next semester, at the earliest. We recommend using a PC or notebook with a stable internet connection.
  2. The result of the placement test is binding and has to match the score listed as a prerequisite for the course you wish to enroll in.
  3. Please work independently and without a dictionary or any other help.
  4. Students who would like to repeat the placement test must present proof before they take the test again that they have in the meantime successfully completed a language course of at least 4 semester hours (60 x 45 minutes) or have studied abroad.
  5. The test result as well as information concerning course registration will be displayed when the test has been completed and submitted.

    Link to the Sample Test (Short version to illustrate examples of test items)

    Link to the Placement Test - Enrolment Key: Place21

    You can contact our staff in the English Department if you have any questions concerning  course enrollment.

    For technical support, please contact Frau Blum, Head of the Zessko Mediothek at the Griebnitzsee campus, between 10:00 - 12:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 0331 977 36 94 or e-mail her at any time.

  6. The placement test for the English department is valid for three years, or as long as the result is shown under “My Placement Tests” in your personal PULS account or via EES.
  7. Students who are registered at other universities (visiting students), University of Potsdam staff and alumni as well as interested others (auditors) who would like to take an English course at the University of Potsdam should contact our secretary's officeup until April 05, 2021, in order to sign up for the placement test for external participants, which will be open on April 06, 2021, from 10:00 - 12:00.  Auditors and visiting students also have to submit a formal application to the Offfice of Student Affairs and will only be allowed to participate in the courses when this formal application has been granted and if there are still remaining seats in the course after the first week of the lecture period.

Law students

Students in the 3rd semester and higher who have not yet taken the placement test, please follow the link to sign up on the information list.

Students in the 2nd semester please follow this link to sign up on the information list.

Important information on the placement test

The placement test is a prerequisite for taking any English course at Zessko. This means that only students and staff, if applicable, who have already taken a placement test for English / Key Competences at the University of Potsdam and whose results are in the electronic system can register for English courses. BA students who are enrolled at the University of Potsdam and can receive credits for this course will be given priority over other applicants, following certain admission criteria. The maximum number of seats (currently 20) must not be exceeded.

The result of the placement test is binding and has to match the score listed as a prerequisite for the course you wish to enroll in. Students who would like to repeat the placement test must present proof before they take the test again that they have in the meantime successfully completed a language course of at least 4 semester hours (60 x 45 minutes) or have studied abroad. 

APPLICABILITY OF THE PLACEMENT TEST: 

The placement test for the English department is valid for three years, or as long as the result is shown under “My test results” in PULS or EES.

The placement test is used exclusively for the placement in the language courses at Zessko at the University of Potsdam. It is therefore not possible to use the placement test results for broader assessments of language fluency or to confirm the attainment of specific language skill levels. For this purpose, it is recommended to take the UNIcert exams offered at the Zessko.