English

English: Course structure and modules

UNIcert Basic (A1)

• GER: A1
• English courses:
  • Currently not offered at the Language Centre
• ECTS credits: none

UNIcert Basic (A2)

• GER: A2
• English courses:
  • English A2 Part 1+2
• ECTS credits: none
• CHS count for UNIcert: 4 CHS Basic

UNIcert I (B1)

• GER: B1
• ECTS credits: none
• English courses:  
  • English B1.1 Part 1+2
    • Semester hours/week for UNIcert: 4 CHS Basic
  • English B1.2 - Speaking course
    • Semester hours/week for UNIcert: 2 CHS Certificate

Notes:

Courses at the A2 level (UniCERT I Basic) do not award ECTS credits (see course programme for details).
Erasmus students should contact the programme coordinator responsible for UniCERT I.

Courses at this level must be taken in chronological order. Each course builds on the level of the previous one, and entry requires either a placement test or proof of completion of the preceding course.

UNIcert II-1

• GER: B2.1
• ECTS credits for all courses
• Semester hours/week for UNIcert: 4 CHS general
• English courses (Module: General Language Skills – Intermediate Level)

  • English B2.1 Part 1+2 - General

     

    or (only for students of the relevant degree programmes)

  • English B2.1 Part 1+2 - Business English

     

    OR two of the following courses

  • English B2.1 Part 1 - General

  • English B2.1 Part 2 - General 

     

  • English B2.1 Part 1 - Study-related

  • English B2.1 Part 2 - Study related

     

  • English B2.1 Part 1 - Work-related

  • English B2.1 Part 2 - Work-related

     

    or (only for students of the relevant degree programmes)

  • English B2.1 Part 1 - Business English
  • English B2.1 Part 2 - Business English
       ✔     4 CHS general
    __    
  • English B2 - Medical English
  • English B2 - Scientific English
  • English B2 - Mathematical English
  • English B2 - Legal English
  • (All also accessible to students at UNIcert Level III.)

UNIcert II-2

• GER: B2.2
• ECTS credits for all courses
• English courses: (Module: Major Skills Module – Intermediate Level*)
  • English B2.2 - Conversation
    • 2 CHS oral
  • English B2.2 - Presentations and Discussions

    • 2 CHS oral

       

  • English B2.2 - Vocabulary
    • 2 CHS vocabulary
  • English B2.2 - Academic Vocabulary

    • 2 CHS vocabulary

       

  • English B2.2 - Writing
    • 2 CHS writing

Notes

Level II is divided into two phases: II-1 and II-2. If you are placed at course level B2.1, you must first complete Phase 1 (or at least one course from Phase 1) before enrolling in a Phase 2 course. If you are placed at course level B2, you may begin directly with Phase 2 (although you may also take B2.1 courses for revision purposes).

Within Phase 2, you are free to choose the order in which you take the courses – however, we recommend starting with the vocabulary course and taking the writing course as the final one.

* The major skills module comprises two courses worth a total of 6 ECTS credits – you may choose any two courses from Phase 2 to fulfil this requirement.

(3) The course "English B2.2 – Vocabulary" or "English B2.2 – Academic Vocabulary" should ideally be completed before the oral and written courses, or at the very least taken alongside them, as it provides essential foundations for further work.

Please note that, depending on demand, additional specialised courses may be offered temporarily – details on how these fit into the course structure will be provided in the course notes.

UNIcert III

• GER: C1.1
• ECTS credits for all courses
• English courses (Module: General language skills (Advanced level))
  • English C1 Part 1+2 or
  • English C1 Part 1 & English C1 Part 2 or
    • 4 CHS general
  • English C1 Part 1 - Business English & English C1 Part 2 - Business English

    • 4 CHS general

       

• English courses (Module: Major and Minor Skills Modules (Advanced)*)
  • English C1 - Writing
    • 2 CHS writing
  • English C1 - Academic Writing

    • 2 CHS writing

       

• English courses (Module: Major and Minor Skills Modules (Advanced)*)
  • English C1 - Discussing Current Affairs
    • 2 CHS oral
  • English C1 - Presentations and Socializing**
    • 2 CHS oral
  • English C1 - Professional Communication**
    • 2 CHS oral

Notes

At this level, you are free to choose the order in which you take the courses.

* The major skills module consists of two courses worth a total of 6 ECTS credits – you may choose any two courses from the written and/or oral skills areas. The minor skills module applies to one writing course worth 4 ECTS. Each course can only be counted towards one module.

** If you choose the courses "English C1 – Professional Communication" and "English C1 – Presentations and Socializing," you can count these towards the module English for Professional Communication. This then allows you to have additional skills-related courses recognised as part of the major skills module.

Please note that, depending on demand, additional specialised courses may be offered temporarily – their placement within the course structure will be explained in the course notes.

What do the following results mean (from WS 2024/25)?

• "Course level A1"

  Your test result qualifies you for courses at the A1 level. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer courses at this level.

   

• "Course Level A2" 

  Your test result qualifies you for our English A2 Part 1+2 course. This course forms the second stage of our Unicert-I program. It is the ideal entry point for learners who have previously studied a little English and now wish to refresh their knowledge from the beginning — exactly this type of revision is provided here.

  Please note that no ECTS points are awarded for this course.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at higher levels (B1 and above) are not available to you.

   

• "Course Level B1.1" 

  Your test result qualifies you for our English B1.1 Part 1+2 course. Following this, the English B1.2 - Speaking course is offered, which leads to the Unicert-I certificate and access to Level II.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend the course at this level (English B1.1 Part 1+2). Courses at lower levels (A2) or higher levels (B1.2 or B2.1) are not available to you.

  You are also welcome to contact us for further advice at englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

   

• "Course Level B2.1" 

  This test result qualifies you for all English B2.1 courses, which focus on reinforcing, applying, and expanding your previous knowledge. You may only attend B2.2 courses after completing two courses at this level (ideally both a B2.1 Part 1 and a B2.1 Part 2).

  If you belong to the appropriate student group, you may also attend B2.1 Business English, B2 Medical English, B2 Legal English, or B2 Scientific English.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B1) or higher levels (B2.2 or C1) are not available to you.

  If you have any questions, please contact us at englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

   

• "Course Level B2" 

  You are eligible to attend all B2 / Unicert Level II courses.

  If you wish for a refresher, you may start with our B2.1 courses. Otherwise, we recommend starting with the B2.2 Vocabulary course — it is also possible to combine this with a speaking course. We suggest taking the writing course as your final course at this level. If you wish to obtain the Unicert Level II certificate, please contact us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B1) or higher levels (C1) are not available to you.

   

• "Course Level C1.1" 

  At the C1.1 / Unicert III level, you can choose from a variety of courses. There is no specific order in which these courses must be taken.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B2) are not available to you.

  An exception applies to the courses B2.1 Business English or B2 Medical English, B2 Legal English, and B2 Scientific English — if you belong to the relevant student group, you can take these courses even with the "C1.1" result.

  You are also welcome to contact us for further advice. For questions, please reach out to us at englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

   

• "Course Level C1.2" 

  Unfortunately, we are currently not offering courses at this level due to low demand. However, you can attend all courses at the C1.1 / Unicert III level. Courses at levels below C1.1 / Unicert III cannot be taken.

  For any questions, please contact us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

English: Course structure and modules

Notes:

Courses at the A2 level (UniCERT I Basic) do not award ECTS credits (see course programme for details).
Erasmus students should contact the programme coordinator responsible for UniCERT I.

Courses at this level must be taken in chronological order. Each course builds on the level of the previous one, and entry requires either a placement test or proof of completion of the preceding course.

Notes

Level II is divided into two phases: II-1 and II-2. If you are placed at course level B2.1, you must first complete Phase 1 (or at least one course from Phase 1) before enrolling in a Phase 2 course. If you are placed at course level B2, you may begin directly with Phase 2 (although you may also take B2.1 courses for revision purposes).

Within Phase 2, you are free to choose the order in which you take the courses – however, we recommend starting with the vocabulary course and taking the writing course as the final one.

* The major skills module comprises two courses worth a total of 6 ECTS credits – you may choose any two courses from Phase 2 to fulfil this requirement.

(3) The course "English B2.2 – Vocabulary" or "English B2.2 – Academic Vocabulary" should ideally be completed before the oral and written courses, or at the very least taken alongside them, as it provides essential foundations for further work.

Please note that, depending on demand, additional specialised courses may be offered temporarily – details on how these fit into the course structure will be provided in the course notes.

Notes

At this level, you are free to choose the order in which you take the courses.

* The major skills module consists of two courses worth a total of 6 ECTS credits – you may choose any two courses from the written and/or oral skills areas. The minor skills module applies to one writing course worth 4 ECTS. Each course can only be counted towards one module.

** If you choose the courses "English C1 – Professional Communication" and "English C1 – Presentations and Socializing," you can count these towards the module English for Professional Communication. This then allows you to have additional skills-related courses recognised as part of the major skills module.

Please note that, depending on demand, additional specialised courses may be offered temporarily – their placement within the course structure will be explained in the course notes.

What do the following results mean (from WS 2024/25)?

• "Course level A1" 

  Your test result qualifies you for courses at the A1 level. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer courses at this level.

   

• "Course Level A2" 

  Your test result qualifies you for our English A2 Part 1+2 course. This course forms the second stage of our Unicert-I program. It is the ideal entry point for learners who have previously studied a little English and now wish to refresh their knowledge from the beginning — exactly this type of revision is provided here.

  Please note that no ECTS points are awarded for this course.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at higher levels (B1 and above) are not available to you.

   

• "Course Level B1.1" 

  Your test result qualifies you for our English B1.1 Part 1+2 course. Following this, the English B1.2 - Speaking course is offered, which leads to the Unicert-I certificate and access to Level II.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend the course at this level (English B1.1 Part 1+2). Courses at lower levels (A2) or higher levels (B1.2 or B2.1) are not available to you.

  You are also welcome to contact us for further advice at englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

   

• "Course Level B2.1" 

  This test result qualifies you for all English B2.1 courses, which focus on reinforcing, applying, and expanding your previous knowledge. You may only attend B2.2 courses after completing two courses at this level (ideally both a B2.1 Part 1 and a B2.1 Part 2).

  If you belong to the appropriate student group, you may also attend B2.1 Business English, B2 Medical English, B2 Legal English, or B2 Scientific English.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B1) or higher levels (B2.2 or C1) are not available to you.

  If you have any questions, please contact us at englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

   

• "Course Level B2" 

  You are eligible to attend all B2 / Unicert Level II courses.

  If you wish for a refresher, you may start with our B2.1 courses. Otherwise, we recommend starting with the B2.2 Vocabulary course — it is also possible to combine this with a speaking course. We suggest taking the writing course as your final course at this level. If you wish to obtain the Unicert Level II certificate, please contact us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B1) or higher levels (C1) are not available to you.

   

• "Course Level C1.1" 

  At the C1.1 / Unicert III level, you can choose from a variety of courses. There is no specific order in which these courses must be taken.

  Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B2) are not available to you.

  An exception applies to the courses B2.1 Business English or B2 Medical English, B2 Legal English, and B2 Scientific English — if you belong to the relevant student group, you can take these courses even with the "C1.1" result.

  You are also welcome to contact us for further advice. For questions, please reach out to us at englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

   

• "Course Level C1.2" 

  Unfortunately, we are currently not offering courses at this level due to low demand. However, you can attend all courses at the C1.1 / Unicert III level. Courses at levels below C1.1 / Unicert III cannot be taken.

  For any questions, please contact us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

Please note that these questions and answers refer specifically to ENGLISH and may not necessarily apply to other languages. General information about placement tests can be found here.

1. Do I have to take a placement test in order to take an English course at the Language Centre even if I already have prior knowledge of the language?

   Yes, you are required to take a placement test regardless of your previous experience. This applies whether you completed your English Abitur last year, took the TOEFL test, recently returned from a year abroad in the United States, are studying English at Saarland University, or your ex-girlfriend is from New Zealand, etc..

2. How do I register for the test?

   First, you need to register as a Language Centre user. After registering, you will receive a user number and a personal account. You can complete this step via our online registration portal. Once registered, you can find more information on how to proceed with the placement tests.

3. How long will the test take?

   A maximum of 30 minutes.

4. What will the placement test look like?

   The placement test consists of five cloze texts, in which you must fill in the missing letters of individual words.

   The test is normally taken online. However, if there are any technical issues, a paper version is always available. You will use the context, along with your grammar and vocabulary knowledge, to complete the missing letters.

   Here is an example of what the text might look like:
   We ho__ that y__ have under_____ the prin_____.

   Ho__: You see two letters of the word, which means you need to add either two or three letters. Possible words could include hole, home, hope, hopes, honey, or hound — but only hope fits grammatically and makes sense in the sentence.
   Y__: You see one letter, so you need to add one or two letters. The correct answer is, of course, you.
   Under_____: You see five letters, so you need to add five or six letters. Possible options might be understand, understood, un-dertaken, understated, or understands — but only understood fits the context.
   Prin____: You see four letters, meaning you need to add four or five letters. The correct word in this context is principle. Please note that principles would be too long, and principal is incorrect in this context.

   In mathematical terms: if you see n letters, you must add either n or n+1 letters.

5. Are there any other tips?

   The first cloze text is the easiest, and the fifth is the most difficult. You don’t have to perform equally well on all the texts. If you find the third text particularly challenging, don't waste too much time thinking about the fourth one.

6. Are there sample tests?

   Yes, we have provided a Sample cloze text. It example illustrates the concept of cloze exercises, not the principle of increasing difficulty. 

7. What do the following results mean (from WS 2024/25)?

   "Course level A1"

   Your test result qualifies you for courses at the A1 level. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer courses at this level.

    

   “Course Level A2”

   Your test result qualifies you for our English A2 Part 1+2 course. This course forms the second stage of our Unicert-I program. It is the ideal entry point for learners who have previously studied a little English and now wish to refresh their knowledge from the beginning — exactly this type of revision is provided here.

   Please note that no ECTS points are awarded for this course.

   Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at higher levels (B1 and above) are not available to you.

    

   “Course Level B1.1”

   Your test result qualifies you for our English B1.1 Part 1+2 course. Following this, the English B1.2 - Speaking course is offered, which leads to the Unicert-I certificate and access to Level II.

   Please note that you can ONLY attend the course at this level (English B1.1 Part 1+2). Courses at lower levels (A2) or higher levels (B1.2 or B2.1) are not available to you.

   You are also welcome to contact us for further advice at englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

    

   "Course Level B2.1"

   This test result qualifies you for all English B2.1 courses, which focus on reinforcing, applying, and expanding your previous knowledge. You may only attend B2.2 courses after completing two courses at this level (ideally both a B2.1 Part 1 and a B2.1 Part 2).

   If you belong to the appropriate student group, you may also attend B2.1 Business English, B2 Medical English, B2 Legal English, or B2 Scientific English.

   Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B1) or higher levels (B2.2 or C1) are not available to you.

   If you have any questions, please contact us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

    

   "Course Level B2"

   You are eligible to attend all B2 / Unicert Level II courses.

   If you wish for a refresher, you may start with our B2.1 courses. Otherwise, we recommend starting with the B2.2 Vocabulary course — it is also possible to combine this with a speaking course. We suggest taking the writing course as your final course at this level. If you wish to obtain the Unicert Level II certificate, please contact us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

   Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B1) or higher levels (C1) are not available to you.

    

   "Course Level C1.1"

   At the C1.1 / Unicert III level, you can choose from a variety of courses. There is no specific order in which these courses must be taken.

   Please note that you can ONLY attend courses at this level. Courses at lower levels (B2) are not available to you.

   An exception applies to the courses B2.1 Business English or B2 Medical English, B2 Legal English, and B2 Scientific English — if you belong to the relevant student group, you can take these courses even with the "C1.1" result.

   You are also welcome to contact us for further advice. For questions, please reach out to us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

    

   "Course Level C1.2"

   Unfortunately, we are currently not offering courses at this level due to low demand. However, you can attend all courses at the C1.1 / Unicert III level. Courses at levels below C1.1 / Unicert III cannot be taken.

   For any questions, please contact us at  englisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de.

The tutorial is designed to help reinforce what you've learned by providing you with individual assistance and improve your English skills in general. Below, you’ll find the key details:

Purpose:

• To review content from your courses
• To practice specific language structures
• To simply have a conversation with a native English speaker.

Who? 

• Anyone enrolled in an English language course with us in the current semester is eligible to register. The tutorial will be led by our tutor, Jaye, a native English speaker.

Where?

• Online via MS Teams
• In person at the Language Centre (Building C5 4, R. 2.13/2.12)

When?

• Mon 2-4 p.m.
• Tue 12-2 p.m.
• Thu 10-12 a.m.

Session Duration:

• Each session lasts 15 minutes.
• You may participate as often as you like during the semester, but no more than once per week.
   

Registration

If you have any questions, please email Jaye at tare00004(at)stud.uni-saarland.de.

Team for Teaching and Course Programme

• Dana Rebar
  • d.rebar(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de
  • Phone (at UdS): +49 681-302 5449
  • Teams ID (at UdS): S8DAREBA
• David Nott
  • nott(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de
  • Phone (at UdS): +49 681-302 5452
  • Teams ID (at UdS): DANO003
• Dr. Sylke Loew
  • loew(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de
  • Phone (at UdS): +49 681-302 5465
  • Teams ID (at UdS): SYLO001
• Susanne Ley
  • s.ley(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de
  • Phone (at UdS): +49 681-302 5461
  • Teams ID (at UdS): SULE002

Lecturers

• Caroline Hertwig
  • cahertwig(at)gmail.com
• Javier Behr
  • javier.behr(at)googlemail.com
• Kate Rau
  • kate.flynn.rau(at)gmail.com
• Philip Hoffmann
  • HoffmannSZSB(at)gmail.com
• Tom Grizzle
  • thomas.grizzle(at)uni-saarland.de

The dates for the next English language tests are:

• Tue, 03/31/2026, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Building C5.4 Room 3.03
• Fri, 04/24/2026, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Building C5.4 Room 3.03

The following dates will be announced in due time.

Please be punctual for your appointment!
The number of participants during the lecture period is limited to 6 people per test. During the semester break, the number is limited to 8 people.

The test is free of charge and only available for UdS students.

Registration

If you have any further questions regarding your language certificate, feel free to contact us by email atenglisch(at)szsb.uni-saarland.de