Welcome to the University of Iowa World Language Placement test in German. The UI offers WebCAPE tests that were developed by the Humanities Research Center at Brigham Young University. These tests are designed to help you decide in which course to continue your language study.
Who should take a World Languages Placement Test (WLPT)?
- If you completed four years of the same world language in high school, you do not need to take the WLPT unless you plan to continue studying the same language at The University of Iowa.
- If you completed fewer than four years of the same world language in high school, discuss what you need to take with your advisor. If your major is in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can refer to the General Education Program requirements for your major. You will need to take the WLPT if your high school course work does not satisfy the General Education Program World Language requirement for your major.
- If you are an open major and completed fewer than four years of the same world language in high school, you should take the WLPT.
The test results will help you and your advisor determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.
Placement factors considered (in addition to your WLPT score) include how long you have studied the language; strength of instruction; grades earned; experience abroad or with native speakers; and length of time since the language was studied.
Test Description and Guidelines
- The tests are multiple-choice and cover grammar, reading, and vocabulary. The tests are adaptive, meaning the question difficulty will vary depending on how you respond. You will not be able to review an item once you have submitted your answer.
- Complete the test in one sitting. There is no time limit but you should set aside a minimum of one hour.
- You may not use books, notes or any other resource materials.
German Test
If you have technical difficulties, contact the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-4357 or Help Desk Online Chat
Scoring and Placement
Your score will appear at the end of your test. Save the score page to a file to print a copy. If you do not see a score, login again and click on resume to complete your test.
| Score | Placement | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| 0-399 |
GRMN:1010 |
This review course covers the material in GRMN:1001 and GRMN:1002 (Elementary German I&II) in an accelerated format. This course is designed for students with previous study of German in high school, usually two years or more, who place below the third semester level on the placement test. The course begins with a fast-paced review of material typically covered in high school programs; the pace slows in the middle of the semester as less familiar topics are covered. |
| 400-449 | GRMN:2001 Intermediate German I |
Designed to increase students' proficiency in spoken and written German, and to increase their knowledge of and insights into the German-speaking cultures of Central Europe and their historical background. Ample opportunity is provided to increase and sharpen communicative skills. Particular emphasis is placed on the further development and refinement of reading skills. |
| 450-499 | GRMN:2002 Intermediate German II |
This course is a continuation of GRMN:2001. |
| >500 | GRMN:3501 Introduction to German Literature |
This course introduces students to the study of German literature. Readings consist of representative poems, plays, fiction, and essays from 1750 to the present. Class discussions focus on comprehension of the texts, the texts as literature (i.e., style and narrative), and the texts as representatives of major German literary trends. Discussions and assignments are designed to help students improve their linguistic skills. |
| GRMN:3103 Composition and Conversation I |
This course is designed to help students improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in German. A variety of readings will provide the basis for class discussions and writing assignments. |
Please note: These placements are recommendations only! The best placement for you depends on the strength and emphasis of your previous coursework, your motivation to learn German, and whether you have had out-of-class exposure to the language by traveling or living in a German speaking country. If your high school German program placed very strong emphasis on speaking and/or listening skills or you have spent longer than one month living in a German speaking country, you may want to consider taking a higher course. If you have questions related to course placement, contact the Academic Advising Center at: advising@uiowa.edu or contact the German Department (319-335-2285) and ask for help.