Semester-Long Courses
The ZfbK - Forum Languages & Cultures offers a wide range of language courses for different levels of proficiency.
Courses at level A are for those without any previous knowledge of the language. Courses from level B on are for
those who have already taken classes in the language. All course levels (A-L) correspond to the levels of the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
ZfbK - Forum Languages & Cultures Level
CEFR level course leads to
A
B, C
D
E, F, G, H
I, J, K, L
M, N, O, P
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
You can find a list of the courses and their descriptions at:
http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/fbz/zentren/zfbk/forumsprachen/sprachangebot
English courses are offered at levels D to L. For levels E, G, H and I, you can choose from courses with different
topics. You can find a list of all English courses and their descriptions at:
http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/fbz/zentren/zfbk/forumsprachen/sprachangebot/englisch/semesterkopie
The course times and room numbers will be available in the eVV (course catalogue) from 1 March on.
Please note:
You may only enroll in a course if you have passed either the exam from the previous course or the ZfbK placement
test.
Registration for Courses/Exams
Course Registration
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Registration for summer semester 2014 courses which do not require a placement test is from 1 to 9 April
(12:00) on Stud.IP.
Registration for summer semester 2014 courses which do require a placement test is from 7 April (20:00) to
9 April (12:00) on Stud.IP.
Important: If more than 25 participants register for a given course, the spots will be randomly distributed among the
registered participants after registration has closed.
Placement Tests
To enroll in an advanced course (all courses above level B) in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, you will have to
take a placement test if:
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This is your first time taking a course in that language at the Forum Languages & Cultures
You have attended a course at the Forum Languages & Cultures but have not taken or did not pass the final
exam
The last time you took a course in this language was over a year ago
•
You have vastly improved your knowledge of the language since your last course (e.g. by studying abroad or
taking an intensive course)
The courses at level A, which do not require a placement test, are designed specifically for learners without any
previous knowledge of the language. If you do have previous experience with the language, you are required to
take a placement test.
The tests are used to create relatively homogenous groups for courses with large numbers of applicants. The level
confirmed by the test is binding.
For all languages except English, French, Italian, and Spanish, you may only take an advanced course if you have
completed the previous level or can provide the appropriate documentation. Contact the instructor teaching the
course for more assistance.
If you have passed the final exam of an English, French, Italian, or Spanish course at the Forum Languages &
Cultures, you may proceed to the next level during the next two semesters without a placement test.
Dates for Placement Tests for English, French, Italian, and Spanish courses:
SS 2014: 1 March to 6 April 2014
To access the placement tests, you will need your “s-Kennung” and “Netzpasswort” (provided on the “PIN Brief” you
received with your student ID). During the above period, you will be able to take the test from home. Please log in
here: Tests for English, French, Spanish, and Italian
If you do not have an “s-Kennung” (e.g. if you are a student at the THM), you will have to apply for temporary access.
Please fill out the form available on the website and send it from your university address to the Forum Languages &
Cultures (forum.sprachen@zfbk.uni-giessen.de).
After logging in, you will proceed to the Ilias homepage. If you are using Ilias for the first time, you will have to
accept the terms of use and complete your profile. Afterwards, click on “Magazin” on the blue toolbar at the top of
the screen. Now you will be able to choose and take the appropriate language test.
Please note that you only have 35 minutes to complete the test. The test will end automatically. It is not possible to
take the test more than once and you cannot stop and restart the test after beginning. Please only begin the test
when you know you will be able to complete it, since you will not be able to access it again – even if you still had
time remaining from the total 35 minutes.
The placement test is a C-Test. You will find examples of C-Tests in the following links:
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C-Test Examples German/English
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C-Test Examples German/French/English/Italian/Spanish
Placement Level and Notification
Successfully completing the placement test does not necessarily mean that you will be admitted to the course of
your choice. If there are more students than available spots, the spots will be randomly distributed among registered
students. Students on the waiting list will then be admitted according to the order in which they registered.
The e-mails with the test results and the passwords needed for course registration will be sent on 7 April 2014
(18:00). Registration for the courses will start on 7 April 2014 at 20:00 on Stud.IP. Registration will then close on 9
April 2014 at 12:00.
The level you receive from the test is binding and your registration will be determined by your placement test before
you are admitted into the course. Changing course levels is only possible under extenuating circumstances and only
after discussing the matter with Cornelia Schneider (Cornelia.Schneider@zfbk.uni-giessen.de, romance languages) or
Judit Kepecs (Judit.Kepecs@zfbk.uni-giessen.de, English).