FAQ German language courses

Who can register for the German courses offered by the International Career Service?

The courses offered by the International Career Service are EXCLUSIVELY for students enrolled at the Otto-von-Guericke-University. Both bachelor´s and master´s students are allowed to participate.

When do the courses start?

The German courses start two times a year within the beginning of the semesters.

It means:

Around March (intensive part) and during the summer semester;
Around August (intensive part) and during the winter semester

Which proficiency levels are offered as courses?

We have courses for the proficiency levels A1, A2, B1 and B2.

Are the courses free of cost?

The German courses offered by the International Career Service are free of cost as are the books used in the course.

Are the courses integrated with the semester’s curriculum? Will my study schedule and German course overlap?

The dates of the German courses are coordinated with the dates of the English-language degree programs. This means that you do not have to worry if you attend a German course offered by the International Career Service, as your timetables will not overlap.

When should I take the placement test?

The placement tests are offered two times a year by the end of the semester.

If you find yourself currently in the Summer Semester, you can take a placement test in June (German courses start in August/September with the intensive part).

If you find yourself currently in the Winter Semester, the placement test will follow in January (German courses start in March with the intensive part)

All the appointments for the placement test will be available for booking in the Language Centre´s Moodle Book appointment.

Preparation for the placement test is mandatory. Click here for more information.

Where and how can I enroll?

In order to be able to register for a course, you need either a placement test or a proficiency certificate.

If you need a placement test:

1. register for a placement test appointment in the Language Centre´s Moodle Book appointment.

2. Make the appropriate preparations for the test. Click here for more information.

3. Register after the test on Moodle for the course corresponding your test result and suitable schedule. Please be aware to choose a course offered by the International Career Service.

4. We will validate your registration and you will receive a confirmation mail with further details.

If you have a proficiency certificate issued by the University´s Language Centre, MDWI or OVGU GmbH:

1. Register on Moodle for the course corresponding your proficiency certificate and suitable schedule. Please be aware to choose a course offered by the International Career Service.

2. Upload your proficiency certificate for validation.

We will validate your registration and check your certificate. You will receive afterwards a confirmation mail with further details.

PLEASE NOTE: if the German courses for the next semester are not yet available on the Language Centre´s Moodle, it means that we are still working on the schedule before we release it! We therefore ask for your patience. All new information will be communicated either on this website or directly on Moodle

Will the courses take place online or in person?

The courses are held in person only.

How many slots are available on a course?

We have a maximal number of 20 slots pro course offered.

How much does it cost to take part in a placement test?

The placement test is free of cost.

Can I hand in a certificate of my proficiency instead of taking part in the placement test?

Yes, but only if your certificate was issued in the last 6 months before the course starts. Otherwise, you will have to take the placement test to proof your current German proficiency.

I received my proficiency certificate a year ago. Can I still hand it in or is there an “expiration date” for my certificate?

No, we accept a proficiency certificate for only 6 months after it has been issued.

I took part in one of the courses last semester. Do I still need to take part in a placement test, or can I join the next course directly?

If you participated in a German course that was offered by the International Career Service or the University´s Language Centre, then you don´t have to take a placement test or present your proficiency certificate. If you participated in a course in another Language school, then you have to take a placement test offered by the University´s Language Centre.

Where can I get more information?

All the information about the German course offered by the International Career Service is listed directly on the university´s website under International Career Service.

How are the courses structured? What can I expect?

The courses consist of two phases: The first half is the intensive part which will take place during semester break. The second part will take place during the semester.

During the intensive part, which will be roughly 2 to 4 weeks, the course will take place every workday. During the semester it will take place 1-2 days a week.

In some exceptions, the semester part will take place first, followed by the intensive part. More information on the procedure can be found in the respective course on Moodle.

Do I need to buy any study books for the courses are any necessities provided by the course itself?

All the books and materials are provided by the course. You will receive it on your first day of the course.

Is there a minimum attendance necessary?

The courses will be held on site.

Unfortunately, my study courses and the German course I enrolled in overlap. Can I switch courses?

Only if there are still slots available in another German course offered. The we could try to change your registration to another group. Therefore, you have to contact the course administration by sending an email to

There were no slots available for the courses I wanted to enroll in. Is there a waitlist for next semester?

Yes, there is. If you couldn’t secure a spot, you have the chance of getting in the waitlist for the next courses of the next semester. More information can be found here

Are there any other ways to get in one of the courses during the semester? E.g. in case someone drops out of the course and leaves their slot vacant.

If it is still at the very beginning of the semester, we could try to contact a few students from the waitlist. If the courses are already going for a while, we are not able to give the spot to another students, since there would be a lot of attendance missing (the attendance rate is at 75%).

I am finishing the first part of my current proficiency (i.e. A1.1) at the University´s Language Centre or in another language school. Can I join the International Career Service´s German courses starting by A1.2?

No. All the German courses offered by the International Career Service consist of two mandatory parts: the first one (i.e. A1.1, that is offered as an intensive course) and the second part (i.e. A1.2, that takes place during the semester). Therefore, you cannot only choose to participate in one part of the proficiency level you are at.