Placement tests

The English placement test is used to compare the skills of the students. Based on the results, the students are divided according to their language level. The English language test is mandatory for several degree programs.

The overview shows whether participation in the English placement test is required, recommended or optional. Students who want to refresh their knowledge somewhat before a course, can take in a compact course.

The English language test is taken online. After registering, participants receive an e-mail with further information and access data for the test. The test can be taken on any computer with an Internet connection and audio playback (speakers, headphones). It is important that pop-ups are allowed in the Internet settings.

The test for the upcoming semester can be taken in one of the test-windows in the coming winter semester 24/25 anywhere (online, computer with speakers required). About an hour is required for the test.

The students should do the test alone and without assistance. This is important because according to these results, the student is assigned to the corresponding language level. The test also includes a self-assessment of the language skills.

The results are reviewed in the first sessions by a language teacher. Should there be large discrepancies between the test results and the actual language skills, an interview will determine the assignment to the language level.

The test is conducted at the language level 2. By passing, you receive admission to level 3. Otherwise, you start studies at level 2.

Even though the participation in the English placement test is not mandatory in some degree programs, participation is often recommended. Students need verification of a language level if they, for example, want to attend a language course at the university or complete a semester abroad.

Students can get more information on the language levels and English subject during the introductory events in their degree program.

You can only participate in the test after succesfully registrating and getting confirmation via E-Mail. The placement test number has to be specifically verified by us.

After the verification of this number, you will receive a second mail with the login information and can take the test under the conditions stated above. 

In addition to the mandatory placement test, students can also participate in placement tests in other languages. This is recommended because the placement tests are used for the assignment to the language level and are required if students want to participate in language modules.

Placement tests can be taken in the French, Spanish and Russian languages at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. Foreign students can also participate in a placement test in German.

Scheduling

• French: date t.b.a.
  • Lenght: 60-90 minutes
• Spanish: 19.09.2024
  • Available: 10:00 am-18:00 pm; online
  • Lenght: 90 minutes
• Russian: date t.b.a.
• German: execution by CIS

Design of the placement tests

To get an overview of the scope and the contents of the tests, the university provides overviews to the students.

French placement test

For the French placement test, participants should have mastered everyday French and have prior knowledge of approximately 200 hours. This placement test takes about 90 minutes and the contents consist of four parts:

• Auditory comprehension
• Reading comprehension - cloze
• Written part - essay
• Grammar

Spanish placement test

The Spanish placement test is intended for all university students who already have prior skills in Spanish and want to take Spanish courses during their studies or complete a semester abroad in Spain or Latin America. It is used to assign students to the correct level of courses in the semester or as the basis for obtaining the necessary skills for a study abroad. It should be completed at the beginning of the first semester of study if possible.
Students without any previous knowledge must not take the test. For them, there are three possibilities:

• one of the two courses Spanish 1 with 4 hours per week during the semester or
• the course Spanish 1 + 2 with 8 hours per week during the semester.

The placement test consists of an electronic multiple choice part (grammar, listening and reading comprehension) and a short text production of around one page. The levels 1 and 2 can be skipped with the placement test. For students for whom Spanish is the second mandatory language, Spanish module 2 will be credited if level 2 of the placement test is passed. In this case, the grade from the placement test together with an additional short oral exam is used to calculate the grade for the Spanish 2 module.

Students from all faculties and courses at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences can participate.

German placement test

The Center for International Students (CIS) offers German courses from level A1.1, which primarily promote general language acquisition. The courses are offered in the summer and winter semester. German as a language of science is integrated into German courses C1.1 and C1.2 and is deepened and practiced in the German course "Wissenschaftssprache C1/C2" in particular.

The Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences (WiSo) offers subject-specific German modules from level B1.1 with a focus on "Business German". All German courses are listed under "Languages". in the course catalog

The German courses are aimed at international (guest) students and guest auditors from all faculties and degree programs at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

Placement test

International guest students are recommended to take the German placement test in order to be allocated a suitable course. This does not apply to students who have already taken a course at the university during the semester or as part of the international summer and winter school.

• International guest students with no previous knowledge of German do not have to take the German placement test and can attend the "German A1.1" course for beginners without course admission.
• International guest students with previous knowledge of German should take the German placement test in order to be able to start at a higher level if applicable.
• International students with a language certificate from level B2 can take part in a subsequent course (e.g. B2.2 or C1.1) without a placement test. 

The test is offered both online in a Zoom meeting and in person before the start of the semester. It consists of various texts in which matching words must be inserted.

The test can be taken on one of the three test dates either online (two dates) or in person (one date). A laptop with a camera is required for the online test. The test lasts a maximum of 90 minutes and must be taken independently and without any aids. You must register in advance using the registration form (see below or here).

After the test has been evaluated, participants will receive an e-mail with a course approval and recommendation. The results will be checked by a language lecturer in the first sessions. If there are major discrepancies between the test result and the actual language skills, the teacher will decide on a new assignment to the language level.

Dates: Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 2:00 p.m. - Room: CN 0003

Online: Friday, August 30, 2024, 10:00 a.m. and Friday, September 13, 2:00 p.m.

Duration: 15 - 90 minutes depending on language level

To participate in some of the modules in the first and second semesters, verification of basic mathematics skills is required for several degree programs.

If first semester students already have basic skills, they can take the mathematics placement test at the beginning of the first semester. The placement test is taken in written form at the university. In order to pass, participants require about half of the total number of points. In this test, participants may use a calculator as an aid. The calculator must not be programmable.

The mathematics placement test includes:

• Basics of arithmetic and algebra
• Fundamentals of functions and differential calculus (including curve sketching)

More information about place and time will follow.

Students with little previous knowledge can refresh their knowledge in a compact course before the semester begins, and then participate in the placement test.

In addition, all first semester students (except in the International Management degree course) can alternatively participate during semester courses and take the placement test at the end of the 1st semester.

Students of the English language International Management degree program must take in the English placement test, the Business Mathematics placement test.

Sample tests and solutions

To participate in some of the modules in the first and second semesters, verification of basic accounting skills is required for several degree programs.

If first semester students already have basic skills, they can take the accounting placement test at the beginning of the first semester. The placement test is taken in written form at the university. In order to pass, participants require about half of the total number of points. In this test, participants may use a calculator as an aid. This may be not programmable.

The accounting placement test include:

• Bookkeeping and closing out techniques
• Management accounting

Place and time will follow. There will be a test before the start of the following semester.

Students with little previous knowledge can refresh their knowledge in a compact course before the semester begins, and then participate in the placement test.