Registration & regulations

Placement Test

The placement test is offered during the last week before the semester starts and helps instructors place students in the appropriate proficiency level. The placement test is neither graded nor does it affect the final grade of the language course. The test specifies the level of proficiency based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The test is done online (spring and fall semester) and must be completed independently until two days before registration ends. To take the placement test, please read the instructions carefully (download 'Instructions for the Placement Test') and do the exercises without using extra sources or materials.

Placement Test Fall Semester 2023 Instructions.pdf

Instructions for the Placement Test German

Students without any prior knowledge of German can register for A1.1 without taking a placement test. Please note that it is an infraction of the Code of Academic Integrity if students with pre-existing knowledge of a language attend the beginners’ level(s). Students who already passed a language course in the previous semester can register for the next level directly without taking a placement test.

German native speakers or students with C1 proficiency level may directly choose the Humanities lectures.

All other students need to take the placement test.

These are:

Students with prior knowledge of German joining the language program for the first time
Students whose placement test results are older than one semester and who haven’t passed a language course in the previous semester
Students who managed to improve their language skills, e.g., through an internship, private study, or an intensive course other than at Constructor University

Course registrations without a valid placement test cannot be accepted.

Registration Procedures for Staff

Constructor University staff & faculty is welcomed to improve their German language skills. We offer specific staff courses for the beginner and intermediate level. For advanced levels you may join student classes, if places are available. Please take the placement test at the beginning of the semester and register with the HR Department for the level you have been placed in.

Language Course Redesignation

If you and your language instructor agree that you were placed in the wrong level and you need to register for a different language level, both of you have to complete the Language Course Redesignation Form (download) and return it to the Registrar Services.

180911_new_language_course_redesignation_form.pdf

Language Course Redesignation Form

Guidelines for Class Attendance

Students currently have two options for registering for language courses:

(1) Course for Credits:

Attendance is mandatory.
With more than three unexcused absences, the student will not be admitted to the Final Exam.
Students can attend the follow-up course for each proficiency level they have passed.

Please be advised that you need an official excuse in case you cannot attend your language course session. Please follow the provided instructions: Excuse from Academic Obligations

(2) Course as an Audit:

Students do not receive credit points or a grade.
If students attend at least 80% of the course (five absences are allowed), they are assigned a “pass“ and the course appears on the transcript as an “audit“.
Students can attend the follow-up course for each proficiency level they have attended.

Special guidelines regarding the audit status: students who have an overlapping mandatory course may miss up to a maximum of seven sessions in the language course.

Guidelines for Examinations

Generally, all students who expect to receive credit points for the module have to pass their exams, in case of a fail, the assessment needs to be repeated. If a student cannot attend the exam due to illness, he or she can take a make-up exam if the following criteria are met:

There is an official excuse with the Registrar Services.
The student has informed the instructor before the exam that he/she cannot attend.
The student has to attend the make-up exam during the make-up exams period in August respectively January.

If any of the above-mentioned criteria is not met, the student may not take a make-up exam (see the official policy here).