onSET-English: format, points and a practice text
The onSET also comes in English: the onSET-English is a C-Test like the language centres’ placement tests, with its own structure. Here is what g.a.s.t. publishes, how it differs from the university C-Test, and a text with 20 gaps to practise.
Last checked:
C-Test Prep is independent and not part of g.a.s.t. Dates and rules can change; onset.de is always authoritative.
Key facts
| What | An online placement test in C-Test format, in German (onSET-Deutsch) or English (onSET-English) (Source: onSET: Über den onSET) |
|---|---|
| Run by | g.a.s.t. (Gesellschaft für Akademische Studienvorbereitung und Testentwicklung e. V.) (Source: onSET: Über den onSET) |
| Structure | several short texts on different topics, 20 gaps each, getting harder; every candidate gets their own set (Source: onSET: Über den onSET) |
| Time | 40 minutes at most (Source: onSET: Informationen für Teilnehmende) |
| Points | one point per correctly completed gap, 160 points at most (Source: onSET: Beispieltest) |
| Level | a CEFR level from A2 to C1 (Source: onSET: Informationen für Teilnehmende) |
| Where | at a g.a.s.t. test centre; register in the participant portal, then choose a centre, a date and the language (Source: onSET: Informationen für Teilnehmende) |
| Result | right after the test; the certificate is a PDF in the participant portal (Source: onSET: Informationen für Teilnehmende) |
| Sample test | official and free, four slightly easier texts, as often as you like (Source: onSET: Beispieltest) |
At 20 gaps per text and 160 points at most, that makes eight texts, so with 40 minutes at most about five minutes per text.
The onSET-English and the university C-Test
- Both are C-Tests: parts of words are missing in short texts, and every correct gap is one point.
- The University of Münster C-Test has 4 texts with 100 gaps in 25 minutes. The onSET-English has texts with 20 gaps each, up to 160 points and 40 minutes at most.
- You take the language centre’s C-Test at your university. You take the onSET at a g.a.s.t. test centre and get a PDF certificate.
- The texts on C-Test Prep have 25 gaps like many university tests; the practice text below has 20 gaps like an onSET text.
How to prepare
- Take the official onSET-English sample test on onset.de so you know the interface and the flow.
- Practise against the clock: about five minutes per text.
- For every mistake, note whether it is grammar (endings, tenses, plurals) or vocabulary. Grammar mistakes repeat.
- The English texts on C-Test Prep run from B1 to C1, across the range the onSET places you in.
One practice text with 20 gaps
Our own text in C-Test format, free and with no sign-up. Capital letters count; British and American spellings are both correct here.
Answers and explanations: Studying abroad
- programmes Vocabulary
"programmes" = study programmes; American "programs" is also correct.
Also correct: programs
- for Grammar
"ask for" = request.
- of Grammar
"proof of" = evidence of.
- skills Vocabulary
"language skills"; plural with -s.
- many Grammar
"many" goes with countable plural nouns: "many applicants".
- find Grammar
"find out" = discover; present plural without -s after "applicants".
- late Vocabulary
"late" as an adverb; it takes no -ly here.
- test Vocabulary
"test" = exam.
- need Grammar
"which test they need": present plural without -s.
- placement Vocabulary
"placement test" = a test that sets your level.
- can Grammar
Modal verb "can" + infinitive without "to": "can be".
- enough Vocabulary
"enough" = sufficient.
- the Grammar
Definite article: "the host university".
- university Vocabulary
"host university" = the university you go to.
- in Grammar
"teach in English": "in" before the language.
- some Grammar
"some scholarships" = not all of them.
- require Vocabulary
"require" = demand; plural without -s.
- at Grammar
"at a fixed level": "at" before a level.
- level Vocabulary
"level" = standard, grade.
- check Grammar
Imperative: "So check early".
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official onSET?
No. C-Test Prep is independent and not part of g.a.s.t. The practice texts are our own texts in C-Test format. Registration, dates and results are only on onset.de.
How many points do I need?
The university or programme that asks for the onSET decides. g.a.s.t. maps your result to a CEFR level from A2 to C1; which level is enough is in your institution’s requirements.
Can I take the onSET from home?
According to onset.de, the onSET takes place at a g.a.s.t. test centre. You register in the participant portal and choose a centre, a date and the language there.
When do I get my result?
Right after the test. You can download the certificate as a PDF from the participant portal at any time afterwards.