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Attention, Construction Work

During the first week of classes (starting October 19, 2026), construction work will be taking place in front of the OVB 19 seminar building and the OVB 17 office building.

Access to the buildings will still be possible from one direction.

Directions to the buildings can be found here.

Restplatzbörse

Are you a student at RUB and have you missed the registration deadline or not been able to secure a place on your desired course? If so, you can register via the Restplatzbörse exchange until Friday, 23 October 2026, 12 a.m.
Please note that we can only consider your application if your details are correct and complete.

Restplatzbörse (ONLY FOR RUB-STUDENTS)


Students from other universities can only register by emailing zfa@rub.de.
IMPORTANT: Only emails sent from university email accounts that contain complete information (see below) and are received by us by Thursday, 23 October 2026, 12 a.m. at the latest will be considered.
Please provide the following information:
• Course number and title (information can be found on the remaining places exchange)
• If applicable, placement test results or information about the preliminary course that was successfully completed at our university
• First and last name, address (street, house number, postcode and city)


We wish everyone a good start to the new semester and lots of fun and, of course, success in the language courses!

The University Language Centre (ZFA)

The University Language Centre (ZFA) is the central access point for all students and members of the RUB who wish to learn a new language or improve their existing skills. We also offer professional guidance regarding the use of foreign languages in an academic or professional context.
Currently, RUB students and staff members can join skills-based group courses in 15 different languages. Alternatively, we offer tailor-made individual training sessions.

We offer:

 

  • An integrated course structure which complies with the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFL).
  • Specific Purpose language courses created in close cooperation with the faculties to meet their needs and the needs of their students.
  • Practical, skills-based courses in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Spanish and Turkish.
  • An extensive guidance and coaching programme, specifically geared towards individual and self-directed learning.
  • Special tailor-made courses for RUB staff members, in cooperation with the Administrative Department of Strategic Personnel and Talent Development.
  • Regular exchange programmes in cooperation with overseas partners, especially in the field of tandem learning.
  • A testing centre for standardised internationally recognised language examinations such as IELTS, DELE, CNaVT, DELF/DALF, SWEDEX and Tisus. We are also accredited for university specific certification systems such as UNIcert®.
  • Professional guidance for faculties, facilities and project groups across the RUB on issues related to specific training for special target groups.
     

Summer Semester 2026

Examination dates
You will find an overview of the exam dates as well as important information on the exam modalities and formats in the section End-of-course Exams.

Please note that the individual parts of the listening comprehension, oral examination and written production (including reading comprehension) are spread over several dates in most languages.

Winter Semester 2026/2027

Course duration
19 October 2026 – 5 February 2027
Winter break (lecture-free period) from 23 December 2026 to 6 January 2027

Course overview
The cours overview can be found here.

How to register

Online consultation Link to chat here

Placement test
Dates and further information can be found here.

Personal consultation
Dates can be found here.

Special office hours will be held during the week of October 19–23, 2026: Offene Sprechstunde (open office hours)

Registration deadline: 

The registration deadline for courses during the lecture period has passed. At the top of this page, you will find the list of remaining spots. You can still register for any of the courses listed there.

Examination dates
You will find an overview of the exam dates as well as important information on the exam modalities and formats in the section End-of-course Exams.

Please note that the individual parts of the listening comprehension, oral examination and written production (including reading comprehension) are spread over several dates in most languages.

 
Front Office

Here you will find our contact details, office hours and further information.

Aktuelles aus dem ZFA