Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

• In the navigation bar,  please click on "Courses and learning opportunities" to see the course catalog with detailed descriptions of the current courses.
•  You can also find the DaF courses (DaF – Deutsch als Fremdsprache - German as a foreign language) in the PULS course catalog. A list of all courses can be found in the category "Special courses / Zessko / German as a foreign language".  The courses offered as part of "Studiumplus" can be found under "Foreign Language I" and "Foreign Language II" for the exam version 2013/14 as well as in Module 5 (basic phase) or Module 9 (advanced phase) for the  2009/10 exam version.
• On the notice board in front of the DaF offices (Neues Palais campus, building 19, room 3.25 / 3.26a) you will also find a current list of the entire range of German courses.

• Students (including exchange students), PHD candidates, Postdocs and employees of the University of Potsdam have the highest priority in the allocation of course places. Members of cooperating scientific institutions in the region (e.g. research Institutes like AIP, ATB, DIfE, GFZ, PIK etc.) could get admission to Zessko's German courses if spots are available.
• German studies students are only admitted in exceptional cases. The Institute for German Studies offers specific courses for these students.
• German native speakers do not get admitted to the DaF courses at the Zessko. 
• Guests (auditors) can only be admitted in exceptional cases and only if there is free capacity at the end of the enrollment period.

• Most German courses take place on the Neues Palais campus in the Zessko (building 19).
• One A1 course and the German for Law course are held at Griebnitzsee campus.

• Either you have acquired a recognized language certificate (e.g. Goethe certificate, telc, TestDaF, DSD) or
• you take our placement test.

• You do not need to register in person; you should only choose the test which suits best your current level in German: A2 or B1-C1.
• During the enrolemnt week, you can also come along to the Zessko (Neues Palais campus, building 19, media center in the second floor.

 Yes, you can take the plavcement tests from the beginning of April (summer semester) or October (winter semester). All you need is a computer with an internet connection, a browser, speakers + microphone or a headset.

• If you are a degree-seeking Bachelor student at the University of Potsdam, you can enroll directly at PULS for suitable courses (Studiumplus / Key Competence)
• If you are UP Master student, exchange student (Erasmus+), doctoral student or postdoc, please take the placement test first. For more details, see the faq placement test section above.  Then apply at the Placement and Application Gateway at Moodle-EFP for suitable German courses.  During the enrolment period at the beginning of April or beginning of October we offer specific consultations. Please check the Zessko German office for details. The German team at Zessko will check the applications and offer you a place in an appropriate course if you meet the requirements and if spots are available.
• No placement test is required for the A1 courses. You can apply directly at the Placement and Application Gateway at Moodle-EFP for suitable German courses.  During the enrolment period at the beginning of April or beginning of October we offer specific consultations. Please check the Zessko German office for details. The German team at Zessko will check the applications and offer you a place in an appropriate course if you meet the requirements and if spots are available.

• If you have registered for a course at PULS, you must also unregister in PULS. For technical reasons, the lecturers cannot do this for you.
• If you have enrolled in courses at the Zessko and would like to unenrol again, please inform your instructor and send an email to the DaF office (see contact).

• Upon successful participation, you will receive a statement of attendance with ECTS credits and a grade. The details can be found in the course commentary (courses & learning opportunities => course catalog).
• For degree-seeking Bachelor students at the University of Potsdam (who want to graduate from the UP) and who have enrolled directly at PULS (Studiumplus / Key Competence), the course performance (credit points) is recorded electronically in PULS. You then do not need an extra certificate.

• You con obtain the statements of attendance after having completed and passed the exams. As for exchange students (Erasmus etc.) we will send the "Scheine" to the International Office, where the "Transcript of Records" is filled out.

• In the Zessko media centres: on the Neues Palais campus, building 19, room 2.11 and on the Griebnitzsee campus, building 6, room 1.17.
• You may also talk to your lecturers - see contact for office hours .

• If a course uses commercial textbooks, please purchase them.
• We provide the self-developed materials on Moodle free of charge.