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Welcome to the Modern Language Center (ZEMS) of the Technische Universität Berlin.

The Modern Languages Center (ZEMS) is the language center of the Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin). The courses of the ZEMS are primarily aimed at students of all faculties, but also at scientists of the TUB and other interested parties.

By teaching language and intercultural skills, the ZEMS courses make a decisive contribution to the successful implementation of the TU Berlin's internationalization strategy. Through their content orientation, the language courses directly promote student mobility and academic success as well as success in internships in Germany and abroad. Extensive language skills also qualify our graduates for the globalized job market.

Language and cultural skills are essential for an internationally positioned and visible university – the language courses at ZEMS make an indispensable contribution in this field. The specific profile of ZEMS is its focus on communication in science and technology in different languages.

Should you have any questions, please send us a message at info@zems.tu-berlin.de. Feel free to use our ZEMS consulting contact form. For more information and assistance, please see our FAQs.

  • Marker  HBS Building (HBS)
  • Marker  Main Building (H)
  • Marker  Student Mobility and International Students

Administrative office

+49 30 314-23082/ -24914

Room HBS 3.18 - 3.19
Address Hardenbergstr. 16-18
10623 Berlin
Monday10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Wednesday10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Thursday10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Friday10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

FAQs

Placement Test

Do I have to take a placement test?

The placement test is mandatory for all students who have prior knowledge of the language of instruction and have not completed a previous language course at the ZEMS in that language in the last year. That’s how everyone learns best.

Why is the placement test important?

The placement test allows you to learn with other students who are at a similar level.

How often can I take the placement test?

Once per semester.

Where do I find the results of the placement test?

After completing the placement test, the points and the level will be displayed. If the level achieved is not displayed or any technical problems should occur, please contact info(at)zems.tu-berlin.de.

Registration

When does registration for the coming semester’s language courses open?

The registration for the summer semester begins on 08.04.2024. The dates for registration for the ZEMS language courses are announced here.

How does the registration work?

If you have prior knowledge of the language and have not taken a course in that language at the ZEMS before, you are required to take a placement test before registering. If you have finished a course at ZEMS during the past year with a grade between 1,0 and 2,7 you can register for the next level without taking a placement test. On the website area of your chosen language, you will find all offered levels and courses. .Click on the button "book now" for the desired language course (this button will only be activated on the registration date!). If the course is fully booked, the button "waiting list" will appear. Clicking there will put your name on a waiting list and you will be notified by e-mail if a place becomes free. If you still are interested, please register as soon as possible as all registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a confirmation e-mail upon successful registration.You haven’t got a confirmation mail? Please check your spam folder as well.

I cannot find the language course on ISIS.

Moodle and ISIS are two separate systems and not synchronised. To access your course platform, log in with your TUB account at moodle.zems.tu-berlin.de.

Registration has hardly started and all places are already taken.

Due to high demand, we recommend that you register promptly at the time announced on the ZEMS website in order to get a place. If unsuccessful, you can elect to be placed on a waiting list and will automatically receive an e-mail as soon as a place becomes available. If you still are interested, please register as soon as possible.

Can I register for any level?

No. If you have prior knowledge of the language you wish to learn, you must take the placement test. Students whose placement results differ by two or more levels from the required entry level cannot participate in the course. In this case, it is essential that you contact the administrative office of the ZEMS to cancel the course.

Please note that fee regulations apply.

In the first meeting you will be asked to present the result of the placement test or the certificate of your last course at ZEMS. So please book a course that corresponds to your language level.

How many students take part in the language course?

Most groups comprise between 15 and 22 students. In certain cases, class sizes may vary.

I want to register for several language courses, but Moodle does not permit me to register more than twice. What can I do?

You may enrol in two language courses in two different languages per semester. Demand is high and waiting lists long. In exceptional cases, more than two bookings may be possible. All enquiries should be addressed to: mediothek@zems.tu-berlin.de

Pre-registration

TU students who have received a nomination through the International Office for a place on an exchange program may register (sekretariat@zems.tu-berlin.de) for a language course in the language of the destination country until 02.04.2024. Include in your email desired course number, your matriculation number and degree program. Also attach confirmation from the International Office. Please note the regulations regarding placement.

Pre-Semester German language course

Who can take part in the pre-semester German course?

Pre-semester German courses are aimed at students beginning their studies in the coming semester as part of a scholarship program.

How can I register for a course?

Registration takes place through our website.

Which level is required for participating in a pre-semester German course?

All levels are offered, so you do not need a specific level. In accordance with the ERASMUS agreements of the TU Berlin and partner universities, Erasmus students may enrol in level B1 or above.

Can I opt for an afternoon or a morning course?

Unfortunately, no. After a placement test, all participants are divided into groups according to level, and assigned to either a morning or afternoon class.

Do I receive a language certificate for the pre-semester German course?

If you regularly attend the course (at least 80%) and complete all examination-equivalent tasks, you will receive a certificate and 6 ECTS for the course.

External guest and students

Who can take part in the language courses offered by ZEMS?

Priority is given to students of the TU Berlin. Online classes are reserved for T.U. students. Non-TU students and externals may only participate in in-person classes if there is a free place. You may send a brief email to sekretariat(at)zems.tu-berlin.de from 04/15/2024 nominating your chosen course. If there happens to be a free place, staff members of the TU Berlin as well as guest and external students may also participate. See the regulation terms.

The evening courses “German for Academic and Professional Purposes” are aimed at doctoral students and international postdocs of TU Berlin, but can also be booked by externals.

Waiting list registration

How can I cancel the registration?

If you wish to cancel, notify: sekretariat@zems.tu-berlin.de immediately. An automatic notification is forwarded to several people on the waiting lists who can then register online. All registrations are processed in the order in which they are received.

Payment / Cancellation

How high are the fees for students?

 TU-StudentsExtern/ TU-employees
4 CHS64.00 Euro120.00 Euro
2 CHS32.00 Euro60.00 Euro

How do I pay for a language course?

Payment of the participation fees is made by direct debit approximately one week after course begin. Courses can, as a rule, only be booked in their entirety, not by the hour. In the case of incorrect account information or insufficient funds in an account, the student must bear all costs incurred. If a course is undersubscribed and does not take place, course fees will not be booked. Questions regarding payment should be addressed to Ms. Borowski (borowski@zems.tu-berlin.de).

Can I cancel a language course?

Cancellation can be made by email (sekretariat@zems.tu-berlin.de) within 7 days of course begin (for intensive courses within 2 days). A cancellation fee of € 5.00 will apply.

No refunds will be given for cancellations after the deadline.

Please keep other interested students in mind: Only if you cancel in time, another person can take your place - and you save the course fee.

My language course has already started and I would like to change to another course. Is that possible?

Changes are only possible if there are still places available in the alternative course. Inform your teacher first. Any subsequent changes can only be made formally via sekretariat@zems.tu-berlin.de.

I am still abroad, waiting for my visa and have just registered for an intensive language course during the semester break. Can I pay the fees at the start of the course?

Unfortunately, no. For the intensive language courses, you will receive a payment request after registration with a payment deadline that must be met.

I have registered for a language certificate. How can I cancel this booking?

Cancellation is possible up to 3 days before the appointment. Please send a e-mail to sekretariat(at)zems.tu-berlin.de. Cancellations are only possible in writing. The fees will be refunded minus the cancellation fee of € 5.00 if the cancellation is made within the deadline. No refund of the fee will be made for cancellations after the deadline.