ZESS - Zentrale Einrichtung für Sprachen und Schlüsselqualifikationen

Einstufungstests (Fremdsprachen)


Placement test

  • If you wish to attend a language module and already have previous knowledge, you must take a placement test. This also applies if you hold a language certificate. (Exception: If you have a UNIcert® certificate, please register at the examination office of ZESS.)
  • If you wish to start a language without prior knowledge, please register directly for a module at the beginner level I without taking a placement test beforehand.
  • If you have already successfully completed a language module with us, you may register for the next higher (partial) module in the same language. Once a language module has been attended at ZESS, a new placement test in the same language is not possible, as the purpose of the placement test is to determine your starting level.

Registration is required to participate in the placement test. Please use the registration form. We offer placement tests during the following periods:

    Mon, 01.06.2026 – Fri, 30.10.2026

You can only enrol in language modules at Beginner II level or above via FlexNow after you have completed the placement test and received your results.

  • Planning to take a course in September or October? Make sure you complete the test by Wednesday, 29 July.
  • If you would like to join the lottery for semester-long courses in the Winter Semester 2026/2027, we recommend taking the test by Monday, 12 October 2026.

Preparation: The placement tests are conducted via the ZESS learning platform. During the placement test periods, you can familiarize yourself with the test format to prepare optimally for the actual test. You will also find sample tests that provide a first rough assessment of your language level. We recommend completing the sample tests a few days before your actual test date. For registration, you will need your eCampus login credentials.

The most important points summarized:
  • You must register to take the placement test.
  • You have a choice: Take the placement test at our Media Library or at a location of your choice. Exception: Japanese and Russian, which are currently only offered at the Media Library.
  • Please bring your student ID with you to the test.
  • Certificates of placement test results are not issued.
  • Placement tests do not carry credits.

Have further questions?
Please contact the Test Center.
Do you require special accommodations? Then the examination office of ZESS is the right point of contact.