FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is enrolment in language courses voluntary?

Yes, except for those attending the Bachelor (BSc.) degree programme Economic Sciences with an international profile.

2. When do the language courses start?

Semester courses begin in the first or second teaching week. The Sprazakademie is held during the lecture-free period. Please see schedule here.

3. What does an assessment test consist of (C-test)?

It is a cloze test (gap-fill) where you are required to complete the words by filling in the missing letters in short texts. The computer based test takes 25 minutes and prior registration is not required. The tests can be taken in the media library (Mediothek) at the Language Center.

4. What is a language test?

It is a 90-minute test, which tests the level of your language skills in the relevant language. The test consists of four parts: reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension and speaking. Upon completion of marking, you will receive a certificate indicating your level. Please see language test schedule here.

5. Are mock assessment tests available?

Yes, you can do a mock assessment test online.

6. How long do the assessment test study credits remain valid for? Which assessment test or study credit is considered?

Each score (point count) and placement test is valid for 3 semesters, beginning after the semester in which the language course or placement test was taken (for example, to enrol in the 2018/19 winter semester, you would require at least an placement test or score from  the 2017 summer semester or later). If you have several valid placement tests or scores, the best placement test result will be considered. If you wish to take a subsequent course and your score or placement test is no longer valid, you will need to take another placement test. Please contact the secretary’s office for courses that do not offer placement tests.

7. How often can I take assessment tests?

You can take the placement test once per semester. New placement tests will be offered at the beginning of the semester (from 1 April and from 1 Oct). A new test can be taken in the respective language at the earliest 11 days after the old placement test. Please bring your student card or ID card with you to the test.

8. Can I take a course without taking the examination?

Yes, however you will not obtain a language course certificate, if you do not do the exam.

9. What is a contact hour per semester week (Semesterwochenstunde, SWS)?

A standard unit of time for classes at universities. It means a class hour (45 minutes) per week throughout one semester. A language course usually comprises 2 contact hours (90 minutes).

10. What is the maximum number of courses I can enrol in?

You can enrol in max. 4 courses.

11. How does the waiting list work? What happens when I’m on the waiting list?

The waiting list is in the order of enrolments. When a place becomes available in the course, the first 10 people on the waiting list will be notified by email.

12. What happens if I’m absent during the first lesson?

If you are unexcused, your course enrolment will be cancelled. If you have paid and notified the secretary’s office of your absence, you will remain registered and may go to the second lesson.

13. How many times can I miss a class?

The following periods of absence also apply in the event of illness, examinations, etc.:
Maximum 6 units for a 2 SWS course; maximum 12 units with a 4 SWS course. The same applies to the courses in the Sprazakademie.
1 unit = 45 minutes

14. How much are the fees for the language courses?

It depends on the number of credits/contact hours and the student’s status. Please see the fees here.

15. Are all language courses offered during all semesters?

No, unfortunately we cannot offer every course every semester. Please see our homepage or the notice board in the Language Centre to see which courses are offered and when.

16. Can Ph.D. students enrol in language courses as well?

Yes, in this case you need to enrol as staff. However, you can enrol as a student if you have a valid student ID.

17. What is a UNIcert III examination?

Information: UNIcert III examination

18. When does the UNIcert III examination take place?

Twice a year; usually in April and October. You will find further information here.

19. Can I take the UNIcert III examination after I have completed my studies?

No, you cannot.

20. How can I obtain a certificate for UNIcert level I or II?

See our homepage to find out which courses are required for the certificate you desire. The certificate is not issued automatically, you need to apply for it.

21. When does the Sprazakademie take place?

The Sprazakademie is held during the lecture-free period.

22. Which courses and workshops are offered in the Sprazakademie?

French, English and Spanish each semester, please check our homepage or the notice board for other languages.

23. Do I need a course book?

For each language course we provide a description of the course and a list of required materials. If a course book is specified, course participants will need to purchase their own, if not otherwise indicated. The course books are also available at the university library (Garbenstrasse 15, Erdgeschoss).

24. Can I enrol in Business English II, Business French II or Business Spanish II without having taken course I?

Yes.

25. If I am currently taking a semester course, can I then register for the SPRAZakademie even if I have not yet completed the semester course?

Yes. Even though you have not finished the previous course and therefore do not have a study credit, you will be approved for online enrolment. That means you can enrol online. However, you must meet the requirements for passing the previous course (attendance) at the time of enrolment. The Language Centre will verify that you successfully completed the course prior to granting you final admission to the course.

26. What is ECTS?

ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is a term for mutual recognition of study credits achieved at European universities. ECTS credits are indicated on the language course certificates (Scheine).

27. How can I contact the Programme Coordinators?

Our Programme Coordinators have a consultation hour and can also be reached by e-mail; external language trainers can only be contacted by e-mail. Please contact the secretary’s office directly with any questions regarding enrolment.

28. Where can I find the Programme Coordinators?

In the AStA building (Alte Botanik, Kirchnerstr. 5, old reddish building just behind the Euro-Forum); English: Room 206, French and Spanish: Room 203, German: Room 217.

29. Where can I get advice for other languages (except English, French, German and Spanish)?

Danish, Chinese, Turkish, Russian, Swedish with: Ms. Weston / Ms. Löh.

Portuguese, Italian with Mrs. Chabas, consultation by appointment: sabine.chabas@uni-hohenheim.de

30. What can I borrow from the media library?

The media library (Mediothek) is a reference library which means most items cannot be lent out. German, English, French and Spanish novels, as well as, some business reports may be borrowed.

31. I have my own computer program. Can I use it at the media library?

No, the use of third party software in the media library is prohibited.

32. If wished, is it possible to receive a language course certificate (Schein) without a grade? Is it possible to receive a participation certificate?

No, all language course certificates are issued with a grade. Language course certificates are only issued if students have completed the course and course requirements.
Exception: Certificates for the SPRAZakademie workshops will be issued without a grade.

33. Should I supply my e-mail address when enroling in a language course?

We would prefer it if you provided your e-mail address when enroling. We send e-mail notifications regarding receipt of course fees, changes to schedules or rooms, cancelled classes and so on. If we do not have your e-mail address, we will not be able to notify you in such cases. We will not disclose your e-mail address to third parties.

34. If I have already taken a language course elsewhere (Uni Stuttgart, VHS, etc.), is it possible to enrol without taking a placement test test?

You need to take a placement test at the media library or contact the secretary’s office and they can advise you or redirect you to the appropriate program coordinator.

35. Will I get a refund of the course fee if I withdraw from the course?

To is only possible to withdraw from a semester course with subsequent reimbursement of the course fee during the registration period, as the course place can only be allocated to other participants during this period. In the case of a course/workshop in the SPRAZakademie, this is possible up to 14 days before the start of the course (this regulation does not apply to intensive German courses, please refer to the relevant information).

Since we do not have your bank details, we ask you to provide us with your IBAN and BIC in the event of a refund.

36. What do I have to do to enrol in the English courses from 85 points on up?

You need have a valid placement test with 85 points or hold a UNIcert II certificate for English. Students who have successfully passed "English for Business Communication" or "English for Natural Sciences“ are also eligible to enrol in the C1 English courses.