C-Test at Leibniz University Hannover: English placement
The Leibniz Language Centre at Leibniz University Hannover places students in its English courses with an E-Test whose format is modelled on the C-Test. You take it online through Stud.IP and ILIAS before you register for a course. Everything here comes from the Language Centre’s page.
Last checked:
C-Test Prep is not part of any university. Dates and rules can change; the university’s own page is always authoritative.
Key facts
| Format | 5 short gap texts of varying difficulty in C-Test format, drawn at random from a pool; each correct gap scores one point |
|---|---|
| Time | 5 minutes per text, 25 minutes at most in total; if you do not finish the test in that time, the attempt counts as failed |
| Where | online: join the "Einstufungstest Englisch" course in Stud.IP, then follow the instructions in the "ILIAS" tab |
| Who | required for the English courses; if you want an A1 course with no prior knowledge, do not take the test |
| Attempts | two per semester, each with a newly assembled set of texts |
| Result | a percentage straight away; by the next day at the latest a CEFR level between A2 and C2 in your Stud.IP profile |
| Validity | until the next deletion: all results are deleted on 1 March and 1 September |
Source: Leibniz Language Centre, Leibniz Universität Hannover: Einstufungstests
Rules and limits
- Stud.IP only shows you courses at your level; you cannot register for higher or lower ones.
- The E-Test is only for course placement and lateral entry into the UNIcert® programme, not for a study application or university admission.
- Other certificates do not replace the E-Test for course registration.
- Dictionaries are not forbidden, but the Language Centre advises against them: there is usually not enough time to use any aids.
- If technical problems have left you without an attempt, email the "Testen und Prüfen" coordination; in exceptional cases two more attempts are unlocked.
- A started test can block registration for an A1 course; the "Testen & Prüfen" coordination can then delete the result.
Source: Leibniz Language Centre, Leibniz Universität Hannover: Einstufungstests
What the gaps look like
- Each text opens and closes with one or two sentences without gaps.
- In between, every second word is missing its second half.
- If a word has an odd number of letters, you fill in the smaller number: "Leib___" becomes "Leibniz".
Source: Leibniz Language Centre, Leibniz Universität Hannover: Einstufungstests
What this means for your preparation
- Watch the odd-length words: in Hannover the smaller half is missing, in the C-Test Prep texts the larger one. With "Leibniz" you see 4 letters here; with us you would see 3.
- In Hannover the clock runs per text, and an attempt only counts if you finish it in time. The C-Test Prep simulation gives you 25 minutes for 4 texts, so more time per text than Hannover does.
- The Language Centre offers an English sample text that is not scored. Do it before you use up one of your two attempts.
- Because results are deleted on 1 March and 1 September, you test again before every course registration. In Hannover practice pays off every semester, not just once.
Frequently asked questions
How many attempts do I get at the Hannover E-Test?
Two per semester, each with newly drawn texts. After technical problems the "Testen und Prüfen" coordination can unlock two more in exceptional cases.
Can I use a dictionary in Hannover?
It is not forbidden, but the Language Centre does not recommend it, because 5 minutes per text is usually too short for that.
Can I submit a language certificate instead of the E-Test?
No, for English the placement test at the Leibniz Language Centre is required, and other certificates do not replace it for course registration.
Why do I have to retake the test in Hannover every semester?
The Language Centre deletes all results on 1 March and 1 September, because your skills grow with every course and you should be able to move up.