Exams for access to our course offerings Entrance Exam for the Studienkolleg and KSK
Page Overview
Basic information
Please note:
- Before attending the German language courses at the Kolleg für deutsche Sprache und Kultur, students take a written placement test.
- Admission to the subject-specific core courses ("Schwerpunktkurse") at the Studienkolleg is regulated by means of a written entrance examination. The exam is identical for all core courses and only tests your German language skills, not any subject-specific knowledge.
- The placement test and the entrance examination are identical. Both exams are mandatory.
What is the exam format?
Part I: Grammar and Vocabulary (45 min)
The grammar tasks are typically arranged in levels of ascending difficulty: basic level (A1, A2) → intermediate level (B1, B2) → advanced level (C1). You may be asked to fill in missing verb forms, word or sentence elements, to do C tests, exercises dealing with syntax or the reconstruction or transformation of texts.
Part II: Writing (45 min)
You will be asked to express yourself coherently and independently about a given topic by way of description, comparison, or comment. The task may be based on a graph/diagram, caricature, or photograph.
How is the exam assessed?
- Parts I and II of the exam count equally (50%/50%).
- The placement test for the German language courses at the KSK will be assessed according to a specific grading points system. You will be assigned to the course level (A1 to C1) matching your test performance.
- The number of students in the different subject-specific core courses ("Schwerpunktkurse") at the Studienkolleg is generally restricted to 20 each. Admission to these courses requires German language skills at a level of B2/C1.
How can I prepare for the Studienkolleg entrance exam?
We strongly recommend that you first familiarize yourself with the sample exam on this page. This will give you a very good idea of the format and difficulty of the entrance exam. Experience has shown that at least a good B2 level is required to pass the exam. You can therefore practise with comparable grammar and text production exercises from textbooks or other sources for at least that level. Please understand that we do not recommend any specific textbooks or sources.
If you have not yet reached at least level B2 or feel insecure, we recommend that you attend our Kolleg für deutsche Sprache und Kultur. The intensive German lessons here will enable you to optimally prepare for the Studienkolleg entrance exam.
When and where does the examination take place?
Please bring with you:
- either your Studienkolleg letter of admission / invitation for the Studienkolleg entrance exam or your letter of admission for the Kolleg für deutsche Sprache und Kultur
- a valid official ID document (passport / national ID card / resident title)
- ballpoint pen(s)
Dates:
When and where will the results be published?
The exam results will be published online on Thursday, 10 Apr 2025, at 03:00 pm.
