Introduction
Who Should Take This Test? When? How Often?
- Any student planning to enroll in a German course at UM-Ann Arbor who has previously learned some German (in class, at home, or in a German-speaking country) needs to take the test.
- If you have no prior knowledge of German, or you have only learned a few words and phrases informally, you do not need to take the placement test. You may enroll in German 101 (4 credits) or German 100 (8-credit intensive course combining German 101 and 102, offered in Fall and Winter through the Residential College, and in Spring through LSA).
- If you are a first-year or transfer student, you must complete the test before your orientation session, in order to be allowed to register for a German course during your orientation. We recommend taking the test at least ten business days prior to the start of your orientation program in order to be sure to receive your results in time.
- You do NOT need to study for this test, and you do NOT need to worry about doing poorly. If you are confident that your placement is too low, you may enroll in a course above the level at which you were placed. You may NOT enroll in a course below your placement level. It is in your best interest for the test to place you accurately, so that you are not required to take a German course that is too difficult for you.
- You may only take the placement test ONCE. Continuing students may need to take the test again in certain situations, e.g. after study abroad or self-study, in order to decide which course they should take next. Students interested in this option may contact the German department advisors at germanadvising@umich.edu.
- Since you may only take the placement test once, you are encouraged to take the test under optimal conditions, i.e. in a quiet space with no potential interruptions and a reliable internet connection. You may want to use a headset for the listening test.
Video Overview
Please watch the following video, which explains the placement test process, and briefly outlines what you can do with German at the University of Michigan. Pause/"Rewind" as needed!
Placement Test Video.mp4 Download Placement Test Video.mp4
Accommodations
If you require accommodations for taking the test, contact the German department at germanplacement@umich.edu. Please use the subject line: "Accommodations." We will contact you within two business days.
Please note: There is no time constraint for the vocabulary/reading/grammar segment of the placement test.
Troubleshooting
If you have any technical difficulties with the link to the test or website, or while taking the test, DON'T WORRY :) Contact the German department at germanplacement@umich.edu. Please use the subject line: "Technical difficulties." We will contact you within two business days.