ZESS - Zentrale Einrichtung für Sprachen und Schlüsselqualifikationen

Einstufungstests (Fremdsprachen)


Placement test

  • If you wish to attend a language module and already have previous knowledge of the language, you need to take a placement test. This also applies if you hold a language certificate. (If you already have a UNIcert® certificate, please contact the examination office of ZESS.)
  • If you have no prior knowledge of the language, 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 follow-up 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 enroll in language modules at Beginner II level or above via FlexNow after you have completed the placement test and received your results.

  • 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. While the placement tests are offered, you may practice using the test format to prepare 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 details.

Key Aspects:
  • You need to register in order to take the placement test.
  • You either take the placement test onsite at our Resource Centre or online. Japanese and Russian placement tests are currently only offered onsite at the Resource Centre.
  • Please bring your student ID to the test.
  • Certificates of placement test results are not issued.
  • Placement tests do not issue credits.

Further questions:
Please contact the Testing Centre.
Do you require special accommodations? Then the examination office of ZESS is the right point of contact.