Germanic Languages Placement Exams

The online placement exam is required if you plan to study German at Washington University and have prior German language experience; it can be taken from any location, at any time. If, for some reason, you are unable to take it prior to your arrival on campus, you can take the exam in the Arts & Sciences Computing Lab in the lower level of Seigle Hall, room 012, or in the Creative Lab in Eads 007.

This is a self-diagnostic test to help place you into the level of our foreign language program that is the best fit for you. It is not possible to “fail” this exam, so do not be worried about failure! On the other hand, intentional underperformance serves little purpose other than to deny you the opportunity to earn credit that you deserve.

You will not receive any credits solely from taking this exam – you may, however, earn back credits at WashU later, by earning a B- or better in the German language class into which you are placed.

You may not use textbooks, dictionaries, the internet, or other reference materials to help you with this test. Failure to abide by this policy will simply result in a score that will be of little assistance to you or to us in placing you in the proper course.

If you need to stop taking the test for any reason, you may re-enter your information at a later date and resume the exam exactly where you left off.

Your score and placement on this exam will not appear anywhere on your transcript; therefore, you should not worry that your performance here has any bearing on any future academic status at WashU. While we will retain it as part of your permanent departmental record, this record will be for the purposes of placement and/or back credit and will in no way impact your academic status within the university or the German department.

Online Placement Exam Instructions

When you are ready to take the exam, email our academic coordinator for a unique departmental ID number. In the same email when you receive your departmental ID, you will also receive a direct link to the exam. We strongly recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox browsers, for best results. Once you have clicked the link in your email, you will be asked to enter your name and email address to create an account. Upon successful registration, you will be asked to log into the account with your new credentials. You will see a screen with the available placement test. Click the button labeled "take test" and follow the instructions from there. Please note: you should plan to save your login information in a safe place.

Policy on Placement

The placement exam is just one of the ways we determine the appropriate course for incoming students. If you have any questions about your placement or would simply like to talk with us about courses, please reach out to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Placement Testing Accommodations

Students who need testing accommodations on placement exams due to a disability must submit their request to Disability Resources by completing a New Student Application, along with any necessary documentation. When accommodations are supported, Disability Resources will generate a verification letter students may provide the placement test coordinator.

Learn more about the Program in Germanic Languages and Literatures

Visit the Program Page