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English language test

The test serves to ascertain whether you have CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) C1-level proficiency in the English language.

The test is as a rule computer based. Information on the location of the test can be found under Language test dates and registration.

No content preparation is required as it is solely aimed at testing your command of the English language.

Test duration

90 minutes (+ 5-10 min. introduction to the test)

Test parts

  • Grammar (30 min.)
  • Reading comprehension (30 min.)
  • Listening comprehension (30 min.)*

(*) Listening comprehension will only be tested in the computer-based version. The pen-and-paper version of the test has no listening comprehension and hence the duration of both the reading comprehension and grammar parts is 45 minutes.

> Sample test

The test serves to ascertain whether you have CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) B2.2-level proficiency in the English language.

The test is as a rule computer based. Information on the location of the test can be found under Language test dates and registration.

No content preparation is required as it is solely aimed at testing your command of the English language.

Test duration

90 minutes (+ 5-10 min. introduction to the test)

Test parts

  • Grammar (30 min.)
  • Reading comprehension (30 min.)
  • Listening comprehension (30 min.)*

(*) Listening comprehension will only be tested in the computer-based version. The pen-and-paper version of the test has no listening comprehension and hence the duration of both the reading comprehension and grammar parts is 45 minutes.

> Sample test

Exemption from the language test

Find out here how you can get exempted from the test.

Qualifications for an exemption

University degree / school leaving certificate (validity: unlimited)
1

University degree with English as the first language of instruction - to be proven by:

  • the name of the language of instruction (English) on the Diploma Supplement or
  • a certificate from the university
2

University entrance qualification from English-speaking countries (high school diploma, A-levels, IB)

3

German Abitur: Written Abitur exam with at least 12 points (erhöhtes Anforderungsniveau). An Abitur certificate with designated level B2/C1 CEFR or higher (GER-Niveaustufe B2/C1) is not sufficient for an exemption.

Language certificates (validity: 3 years)
4
  • IELTS (Academic) (also online): overall result at least 7.0 and at least 6.0 in writing

  • TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition:
    overall score at least 100 and at least 25 in writing

  • Cambridge Qualifications: C1 Advanced (formerly CAE), C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE):
    overall score at least 180 and at least 180 in writing

  • UNIcert® III or IV

  • PTE Academic (also online): overall score at least 76 and at least 76 in writing

How to get exempted

  • regarding no. 1 (university degree):

    Please use the university's admissions website. When you apply, you can upload your documents there and ask to be exempted from the language test. You need to have provided proof of the language entry requirements at the latest when you enrol for your degree course.
    Only if you are not able to use the admissions website, please send your documents with your applicant number and date of birth by email to this address: befreiungenglisch@sprachenzentrum.fu-berlin.de.

  • regarding no. 2 + 4:
    After receiving your admission letter, submit the certificate to the Student Record and Registration Office together with the other documents required for enrollment.

  • regarding no. 3 (German Abitur):
    Please see the information in German

Qualifications for an exemption

University degree / school leaving certificate (validity: unlimited)
1

University degree with English as the first language of instruction - to be proven by:

  • the name of the language of instruction (English) on the Diploma Supplement or
  • a certificate from the university
2

University entrance qualification from English-speaking countries (high school diploma, A-levels, IB)

3

German Abitur: Written Abitur exam with at least 11 points (erhöhtes Anforderungsniveau). An Abitur certificate with designated level B2/C1 CEFR or higher (GER-Niveaustufe B2/C1) in the section Fremdsprachen is not sufficient for an exemption.

Language certificates (validity: 3 years)
4
  • IELTS (Academic) (also online): overall result at least 6.0 and at least 6.0 in writing

  • TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition:
    overall score at least 90 and at least 20 in writing. (Please note that TOEFL ITP will not be accepted.)

  • Cambridge Qualifications: B2 First (formerly FCE), C1 Advanced (formerly CAE), C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE):
    overall score at least 173 and at least 173 in writing.

  • UNIcert® III

  • PTE Academic (also online): overall score at least 67 and at least 67 in writing

How to get exempted

  • regarding no. 1 (university degree):

    Please use the university's admissions website. When you apply, you can upload your documents there and ask to be exempted from the language test. You need to have provided proof of the language entry requirements at the latest when you enrol for your degree course.
    Only if you are not able to use the admissions website, please send your documents with your applicant number and date of birth by email to this address: befreiungenglisch@sprachenzentrum.fu-berlin.de.

  • regarding no. 2 + 4:
    After receiving your admission letter, submit the certificate to the Student Record and Registration Office together with the other documents required for enrollment.

  • regarding no. 3 (German Abitur):
    Please see the information in German
Course registration (Language Skills / "Sprachpraxismodul")
To find out how to register for a Language Skills course at the Language Center after a successful test/exemption and admission, please visit Course registration.
Please note: a special application procedure via an online form applies for our courses. The deadline is a week before the period when classes are in session. You register on Campus Management only when you have already been assigned a place.