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.
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.
Exemption from the language test
You can be exempted from the test if you fulfil one of the following conditions:
| Degree / Certificate | Validity |
Exemption procedure (Please do not submit your certifcates with your admissions applications) |
| IELTS (Academic) overall result 7.0 or higher | max. 3 years |
Email a scanned copy of your certificate(s) verifying any of the listed exemption criteria as an attachment, with your application number and date of birth to: befreiungenglisch@sprachenzentrum.fu-berlin.de Applicants for winter semester 2021/22 need to do this between 01.06. and 31.07.2021 |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: overall score 100 or higher and at least 25 in writing | ||
| Cambridge Qualifications: B2 First (formerly FCE), C1 Advanced (formerly CAE), C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): overall score 180 or higher and at least 180 in writing | ||
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level (SL/HL): 5 in English | ||
| 1 year at a university in an English-speaking country, including successful participation on several linguistically demanding courses | ||
| A minimum of 12 points (Leistungskurs/erhöhtes Anforderungsniveau) in the written part of the Abitur exam for English. | unlimited | For more information on this please see the information in German on exemption from the language test. |
Please note that we can only exempt applicants on the grounds listed above.
You can be exempted from the test if you fulfil one of the following conditions:
| Degree / Certificate | Validity |
Exemption procedure (Please do not submit your certifcates with your admissions applications) |
| IELTS (Academic) overall result 6.0 or higher and at least 6.0 in writing | max. 3 years |
email a scanned copy of your certificate(s) verifying any of the listed exemption criteria as an attachment, with your application number(s) and date of birth to: befreiungenglisch@sprachenzentrum.fu-berlin.de Applicants for winter semester 2021/22 need to do this between 01.06. and 31.07.2021 |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: overall score 90 or higher and at least 20 in writing | ||
| Cambridge Qualifications: B2 First (formerly FCE), C1 Advanced (formerly CAE), C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE): overall score 173 or higher and at least 173 in writing | ||
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard or Higher Level (SL/HL): 4 in English | ||
| 6 months at a university in an English-speaking country, including successful participation on several linguistically demanding courses | ||
| A minimum of 9 points (Leistungskurs/erhöhtes Anforderungsniveau) or 11 points (Grundkurs) in the written part of the Abitur exam for English. | unlimited | For more information on this please see the information in German on exemption from the language test. |
Please note that we can only exempt applicants on the grounds listed above.
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. It is not sufficient to register via Campus Management. The deadline for applications via the online form is a week before the period when classes are in session.