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, see further down below):  as of Oct 19, 2020, 09:00 a.m. until Nov 08, 2020, 18:00. Will reopen for the registration period of the summer semester of 2021.
  • 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 (EXCEPT LAW STUDENTS!)

  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 - will be available as of April 01, 2021.

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

  1. 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 office.  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.
  2. The placement test for the English department is valid for at least three years, or as long as the result is shown under “My Placement Tests” in your personal PULS account or via EES.

Law students

For law students in the third-semester and higher who have not yet taken the English placement test, the next date is Friday, October 9, 2020 at 11:00 in lecture hall H05 in Griebnitzsee. Registration is required. Link

For 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.

  • Prior registration is required for all tests for law students.

 

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. 

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 at least 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.