German Placement Exam

The German language program’s placement test is designed to help incoming students determine what level course to begin at.

Take the German Placement Test

Waiver Exams for ESIA Students

Who Needs to Take the Placement Test

You do not need to take a placement test if you:

Never studied German in high school, and do not speak German at home. You can enroll in any section of first-year German I (GER 1001).

You do need to take the placement test if you:

Wish to take any course above first-year German and have not taken any German courses at GW
Have never formally studied German, but speak the language at home (heritage speaker)
Have studied “just a little,” “a long time ago” or if you feel you “did not learn anything.”
Received a score on an AP or IB exam that makes you eligible to receive credit

Instructions for Access

Visit the online test page.
For “Email,” you will need to use your entire official GW email address.
For “Student ID,” put your GWID, starting with the G.
Once you create your account and login, there will be a short pre-test survey.
There is no time limit and no need to rush! The test usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Questions About Your Results

On the first day of class, there will be a short diagnostic to verify your placement and make sure you are comfortable with the level. After you have attended class, if you feel that your placement is incorrect, please contact the director of the German language program.
If you have trouble with the placement test (technological or otherwise) but need to register for classes immediately, you may estimate the course you believe will best suit your level and contact the director of the German language program for follow-up.

College Credit Exams

Currently, GW accepts the Advanced Placement (AP) exam and the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam.

Advanced Placement Exam: The College Board offers an Advanced Placement exam in German Language. Credit for AP exams is subject to change. Please see the GW Bulletin for AP credit information.
International Baccalaureate Exam: The International Baccalaureate Organization offers German exams at two levels, A1 and B. Credit for IB exams is subject to change. Please see the GW Bulletin for IB credit information.

At this time, GW does not accept credit for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or SAT II exams. However, the score may help determine your level. Contact the director of the German language program with any questions.