FAQ
All information about the German courses can be found here:
German courses for international students at Paderborn University
DSH- preparatory German courses for international applicants
How do I register?
Registration takes place via PAUL. The dates of the enrolment phases will be announced under News.
If you would like to have the language course credited to a module of your degree programme, please follow the instructions for registration.
I am a student. The enrolment does not work / I do not have PAUL access yet / My PAUL access does not work. Can I register by e-mail?
No.
I am not a student. I don't have PAUL access yet. Can I register by e-mail?
Yes, more information here under Registration for employees & guest students.
I have registered for a language course via PAUL, but my registration is "pending". What does that mean?
- In the first registration phase, all registrations are first collected and treated as "applications" for a course place; the registration is "pending".
If there is too much demand, the decision will be made by lot after the end of the 1st registration phase. - Pending registrations for courses with a placement test are either confirmed or rejected shortly after all placement tests have been completed.
I registered for a language course via PAUL at the very beginning of the first registration phase / as the first to do so, but my registration was rejected. Why is that?
Enrolment is not based on speed. If there is too much demand, the decision is made by lot at the end of the 1st enrolment phase.
I have been rejected. Do I automatically move up if a participant deregisters?
No, please register again in the 2nd registration phase.
I am applying for a place to study abroad and need a DAAD language certificate. What do I have to do?
All information on the procedure can be found under Certificates & Language Certificates .
My result in the pre-assessment was not as good as I had hoped. Can I repeat the pre-assessment?
The pre-assessment can only be taken once per semester. In the meantime, take advantage of the various programmes offered by the ZfS to improve your language skills: language courses, autonomous learning in the media library and other language learning opportunities.
Who has to take the placement test?
- All those who wish to take an English course at the Centre for Language Teaching must take the placement test, unless:
- You have successfully completed the corresponding previous course a maximum of three semesters ago and would like to attend the follow-up course. To successfully complete a course, you must attend it regularly and pass the exam. For example, if you successfully completed the B2.1 course in the summer semester 2015, you can take the follow-up course (B2.2) in the winter semester 2016-17 at the latest without having to take the placement test again
- Based on the result, you can register for an English course that corresponds to your level in the 2nd registration phase (see table at www.upb.de/zfs/sprachkurse/englisch).
- The DAAD certificate replaces the placement test, provided that the test was taken no more than one semester ago.
Important: You will not be admitted to the ZfS English courses without a placement test.
How do I register for the English placement test?
- Registration takes place in the 1st registration phase via PAUL. The course has the number L.ZfS.04444. Attention: Registration is ONLY possible in the first registration phase!
- By registering, you agree that your e-mail address will be passed on to the provider Oxford University Press(www.oxfordenglishtesting.com) for the sole purpose of the placement test. When you register for the placement test, you decide on a date on which you will take the test in one of our multimedia laboratories.
How does the placement test work?
- The test consists of two parts, "Use of English" (grammar part) and "Listening" and is carried out in one of our multimedia labs.
- The test takes about 40-60 minutes.
- You can view the results immediately after completing the test and then register for the relevant course.
Important: It is not possible to take the placement test on a date other than those offered. This rule applies regardless of explanations, apologies or a medical certificate.
Will I get a place on a language course if I take the placement test?
Please note that taking the placement test does not guarantee a place on a language course, as the number of applications may exceed the capacity of the courses.
How long is the test result valid? I took the placement test in the winter semester, but then couldn't take a course. Do I have to repeat the test in the summer semester?
If you do not get a place on a ZfS language course this semester, you do not need to take the placement test again to register for the following semester. The results of the placement test will be communicated to you immediately after the test and will remain valid for the next semester. For example, if you take the test in the winter semester 2016-17, it will be valid for the winter semester 2016-17 and the summer semester 2017. You will be assigned to a level after the test.
Who has to take the placement test?
All those who wish to take a French course at the Centre for Language Teaching must take the placement test, unless:
- You are a beginner with no previous knowledge (A1 courses)
- You have a DELF/DALF or UNIcert certificateat the required level.
- You successfully completed the previous course a maximum of one year ago and would like to attend the follow-up course. To successfully complete a course, you must attend it regularly and pass the exam. For example, if you successfully completed the A2 kompakt course in the summer semester 2015, you can take the follow-up course (B1 kompakt/B1.1) in the winter semester 2016/17 at the latest without taking the placement test again.
How exactly does the placement test for French work? How long does it take? What is tested?
- The French placement test is a computer-based test that takes about 60 minutes in total. The test consists of 7 stages in which listening comprehension, reading comprehension and grammar are tested.
I have seen that three dates are offered for the PAUL placement test. Do I have to register for a specific date?
Yes, you have to choose one of the three dates in PAUL.
I have completed a French course at the ZfS, do I also have to take the placement test in order to attend the follow-up course?
Not necessarily. If you successfully completed a language course at the ZfS no more than one year ago, you may attend the follow-up course without taking a placement test. For example, if you successfully completed the A2 kompakt course in the summer semester 2015, you can take the follow-up course (B1 kompakt/B1.1) in the winter semester 2016/17 at the latest without taking the placement test again.
Will I get a place on a language course if I take the placement test?
Please note that taking the placement test does not guarantee a place on a language course, as the number of applications may exceed the capacity of the courses. As a rule, however, all interested parties will be offered a place.
Do I have to take the placement test again next semester if I don't get a place on a language course this time or can't attend?
If you are unable to attend this semester, you do not need to take the placement test again to register for the following semester. The results of the placement test will be communicated to you immediately after the test and will remain valid for the next semester. For example, if you take the test in the winter semester 2016/17, it will be valid for the winter semester 2016/17 and the summer semester 2017. You will be assigned to a level after the test.
Once I have taken the placement test, will I receive the result immediately? If so, am I the one who ultimately chooses the course or am I assigned to a course?
You will be assigned to a level after the test. If there are two parallel courses for the corresponding level, e.g. French A2 compact (group a) / French A2 compact (group b), you can of course decide for yourself which course you would like to attend.
If you feel that you have been placed too high or too low, please speak to the person who is carrying out the placement test.
Unfortunately, I am not in Paderborn for any of the French placement test dates for the coming summer semester. Is there any other way to take this test?
Please understand that for organisational reasons we are unfortunately unable to offer any additional dates for the French placement test.
I am studying IBS / have spent a semester abroad in France / have attended a language course in a French-speaking country / have taken the Romance Studies diagnostic test*, do I still have to take the placement test in order to take part in a language course at the ZfS?
For organisational reasons, we unfortunately only accept DELF/DALF or UNIcert certificates of the corresponding levels as proof of your French language skills in addition to the placement test we offer.
* Unfortunately, the Romance Studies diagnostic test only tests whether you have reached level B1 of the CEFR and does not provide any more precise information about your current level, which would be necessary for course allocation. For this reason, it is not accepted as proof of your French language skills.
I would like to attend the French Conversation course. Do I have to take the placement test?
Only applicants who have successfully completed the B1 course (or a course at B2 level) or have a DELF/DALF or UNIcert certificateat the corresponding level - or a higher level - may attend French Conversation without first taking the placement test.
I regularly attended a French course at the ZfS last semester and took the exam, but unfortunately did not pass. Can I simply register for the follow-up course?
No. This means that you have unfortunately not reached the appropriate language level - you should therefore repeat the course.
If you have used the semester break to improve your language skills, for example through self-study, please register again for the placement test. This may give you the opportunity to take part in the follow-up course.
Dr Sigrid Behrent will be happy to answer any further questions you may have about the French placement test.
Who has to take the placement test?
All those who wish to take a Spanish course at the Centre for Language Teaching must take the placement test, unless:
- You are a beginner with no previous knowledge (A1 courses)
- You have a DELE or UNIcert certificate at the required level.
- You successfully completed the previous course a maximum of one year ago and would like to attend the follow-up course. To successfully complete a course, you must attend it regularly and pass the exam. For example, if you successfully completed the A2 course in the summer semester 2015, you can take the follow-up course (B1) in the winter semester 2016-17 at the latest without taking the placement test again.
How exactly does the placement test for Spanish work? How long does it take? What is tested?
The Spanish placement test is a computer-based test that takes about 20 minutes in total. The test consists of three parts: Grammar and vocabulary, reading comprehension and listening comprehension.
I have seen that three dates are offered for the PAUL placement test. Do I have to register specifically for one date?
Yes, you may only register for one of the three dates in PAUL.
I have completed a Spanish course at the ZfS, do I also have to take the placement test in order to attend the follow-up course?
Not necessarily. If you successfully completed a language course at the ZfS no more than one year ago, you may attend the follow-up course without taking a placement test. For example, if you successfully completed the A2 course in the summer semester 2015, you can take the follow-up course (B1) in the winter semester 2016-17 at the latest without taking the placement test again.
Will I get a place on a language course if I take the placement test?
Please note that taking the placement test does not guarantee a place on a language course, as the number of applications may exceed the capacity of the courses.
Do I have to take the placement test again next semester if I don't get a place on a language course this time?
If you do not get a place on a language course at the ZfS this semester, you do not need to take the placement test again to register for the following semester. The results of the placement test will be communicated to you immediately after the test and will remain valid for the next semester.
If I have taken the placement test, will I receive the result immediately? If so, am I the one who finally chooses the course or am I assigned to a course?
You will be informed of the results immediately after the placement test and they will remain valid for the next semester. For example, if you take the test in the winter semester 2016-17, it will be valid for the winter semester 2016-17 and the summer semester 2017. You will be assigned to a level after the test. If there are two parallel courses for the corresponding level, e.g. Spanish A2 (group a) / Spanish A2 (group b), you can of course decide for yourself which course you would like to attend.
Unfortunately, I will not be in Paderborn on any of the dates for the Spanish placement test for the coming summer semester. Is there any other way to take this test?
Please understand that for organisational reasons we are unfortunately unable to offer any additional dates for the Spanish placement test.
I can only take the placement test on the last date, but I have seen that the language courses start before that.Will I have to miss the first lessons?
The last date is usually after the courses have already started. If you can roughly estimate your level, please attend the first lesson of the course that you think corresponds to your level. However, the placement test is still required in order to continue attending a course. Please note that there are only a limited number of places in the courses and we cannot guarantee you a place.
I am studying IBS / have spent a semester abroad in Spain / have attended a language course in a Spanish-speaking country / have taken the Romance Studies diagnostic test*, do I still have to take the placement test in order to take part in a ZfS language course?
For organisational reasons, we unfortunately only accept DELE or UNIcert certificatesof the corresponding levels as proof of your Spanish language skills in addition to the placement test we offer.
* Unfortunately, the Romance Studies diagnostic test only tests whether you have reached level B1 of the CEFR and does not provide any more precise information about your current level, which would be necessary for course allocation. For this reason, it is not accepted as proof of your Spanish language skills.
I would like to attend the Comunicación oral course. Do I have to take the placement test?
Only applicants who have successfully completed the B1 course (or a B2 level course) or have a DELE or UNIcert certificateof the corresponding level - or a higher level - may attend Comunicación oral without first taking the placement test.
I regularly took part in a Spanish course at the ZfS last semester and took the exam, but unfortunately did not pass. Can I simply register for the follow-up course?
No. This means that you have unfortunately not reached the appropriate language level. However, if you would like to continue learning Spanish at the ZfS, you can attend the failed course again and write the exam or take the placement test for Spanish in order to be able to take part in the follow-up course.
If you have any further questions about the Spanish placement test, please contactMireya Maldonado-Cárdenasis at your disposal.
I have seen in the course catalogue that the course (e.g. Latin I or Spanish I+II) is offered twice a week. Do I have to be present on both dates or can I choose one date?
The course comprises 4 SWS, i.e. 2 sessions of 2 lessons per week. It is not possible to attend just one session per week.
How many ECTS points do I receive for a language course?
From winter semester 12/13, you will receive 3 ECTS points for a 2 SWS course and 6 ECTS points for a 4 SWS course if you attend regularly (see below) and successfully complete the course (usually by passing the final exam).
I need active/qualified participation (AqT). Do I have to take the exam?
Yes, you also have to take and pass the exam for an AqT.
I need 4 ECTS credits for a language course with 2 SWS. How can I get the additional ECTS points?
Here you will find an overview of possible additional credits.
What does "regular attendance" mean? How often can I be absent from a course?
If you want to earn ECTS points or a participation certificate, you may not be absent more than three times from a course that takes place once a week (2 SWS) and no more than six times from a course that takes place twice a week (4 SWS) (regardless of whether you are excused or not).
I do not need ECTS points. Do I still have to take the exam?
No. You will also receive a certificate of attendance for regular attendance, but without a grade or ECTS points.
Where and when can I collect my certificate?
You can collect your certificate from the ZfS media centre (I3.401) as soon as you have received notification via PAUL after the semester.
What does the tandem programme at the ZfS look like?
- Detailed information on tandem learning in general, the tandem exchange, the tandem programme (a "course" with the option of 3 ECTS) and support options can be found at Tandem Learning.
- At the beginning of the semester, non-bindinginformation meetingstake place at lunchtime. Topics: How does tandem learning work? How do I find a partner? How does the tandem programme work? What other support is available?
I can't find a partner. Are there alternatives to the tandem programme?
- Come to the information meetings - perhaps you will spontaneously find a partner there who is not yet registered in the tandem exchange or put up a notice.
- You can find alternative tandem exchanges here.
Can I use the tandem exchange as an external person?
With the tandem exchange, we primarily want to enable internal language learners at UPB to find a tandem partner. To create a profile, you therefore need an IMT account, which all students, guest students and staff receive. For alternative tandem exchanges see above.
I would like to study in tandem, but don't need ECTS. What can I do?
- You can search for a tandem partner at any time via the tandem exchange and study independently in tandem.
- You can of course still take part in the tandem programme in order to receive structured support.
- Otherwise, you will receive helpful tips for getting started at the (non-binding) info meetings as well as video tutorials on five subject areas. The Tandem portal SEAGULL also offers very good information and materials. Many of these can also be found in paper form in the media centre (I3.401).
- Individual language learning counselling is also possible and useful for a good start to tandem learning (tandem pairs are welcome to learn together).
- The International Office also offers a sponsor/buddy programme every semester to make it easier for exchange students to start at UPB. You can also use this partnership as a language tandem.
Can I take part in the strategy workshops without a partner?
Yes, the general strategy workshops are open to all foreign language learners (language course participants, language students, other interested learners) and do not only offer content for learning in tandem.
Can I earn ECTS credits in the tandem programme if my partner does not need any (or vice versa)?
Yes, when you register for the introductory workshop, you must still specify your partner (he/she will then receive a request to confirm your cooperation). You will then attend the workshops for which you register alone or together.
How do I register for the tandem programme?
Registration via PAUL is a non-binding expression of interest in learning in a language tandem. The binding registration for the Tandemprogramme(with ECTS option) and for the individual workshops is possible via our website until the Sunday before the workshop.
I missed the introductory workshop - can I still take part in the programme?
No, an introductory workshop is part of the programme for ECTS points. You can participate again in the next semester. It is of course still possible to attend individual workshops, but they cannot be credited for the following semester.
Can I take part in the tandem programme for the same language more than once?
Yes, your language skills will grow and you will set yourself new goals or improve them each time.
Can I have the Tandem programme credited to my degree course?
- Please check your respective study regulations. If ZfS language courses (e.g. in the Studium Generale) can be credited, this also applies to the tandem programme.
- Teacher training students who take the profile course "Dealing with Heterogeneity" can integrate the tandem programme into this course.
My German is not yet on an A2/B1 level. Can I take part anyway?
You can look for a tandem partner on the tandem market no matter what level you are. Nevertheless, tandem learning is recommended for intermediate/advanced learners. You need this level to take part in the tandem programme and its workshops.
You will receive 3 ECTS credits for our (2-hour) language courses. Certain degree programmes award 4 ECTS credits in the optional area FOR A COURSE WITH 2SWS.
Conditions of participation: Please check with your department first or refer to the study regulations to find out how many points you need and whether you can have 4 ECTS recognised.
This VIDEO explains how to use the additional point (primarily for lecturers).
Info session
On 26 October 2023 from 13:30-14:00 there will be an info session on the topic of additional credits.
Room: Hybrid in I3.119 and online bbb.uni-paderborn.de/b/ilk-baz-ctn-the. No prior registration necessary.
Registration for the examination
Please register for the EXAM by Sun, 12 November 2023 (the deadline ends then).
I can have 4 ECTS points recognised. How do I get 1 ECTS point extra? (within the lecture period)
1. registration: You register in addition to the language course inPAULfor the course "KURSNAME Autonomes Lernen" and for the corresponding examination (as soon as possible in PAUL).
2. additional work IN the course: You discuss with your teacher which additional work you will do IN the course (approx. 10-minute presentation, essay, etc. - will be credited with a total of 10 hours) and you take the additional work OUTSIDE the course (see point 3).
3. additional work OUTSIDE the course:
In addition to the performance INSIDE the course, you will spend 4.5 hours OUTSIDE the course dealing with the language and can and should pursue your own specialisations and interests. Either by...
a) taking advantage of various offers (see below, some with registration) or
b ) by independently engaging in various activities inside or outside the media centre (or a mixture of both). If possible, CO-OPERATE with learning partners!
Especially for b):
Helpful for getting started with autonomous learning: Tutorial 02 (General preparation) and/or an SLB, see below.
Get inspiration from experiences from previous semesters in the"language forums" in the permanent PANDA course "Language learning in the media centre" (access without password possible), in our language learning links and also with tips on language learning.
4. documentation of achievements: Please DOCUMENT your activities in this learning journal. Ask your teacher to sign the additional work in the course (or to confirm it by e-mail to Mrs Dönhoff ). The additional activities OUTSIDE the course are signed by the person who carries out the respective activity.
5. final discussion: After completing your activities (if possible as a learning team), make an appointment for the half-hour final discussion with Ilka Dönhoff. Bring the complete learning journal with you to the discussion.
IMPORTANT: You must complete all additional work within the lecture period. Unfortunately, you cannot attend a course outside the lecture period for 1 extra ECTS.