Exam formats at German universities
Written exam (Klausur)
Written exams test knowledge under time pressure. Ask early for past exams, topic lists and grading schemes – they often circulate in student councils or learning platforms. Plan several short review sessions instead of one long night, and practise writing under time pressure.
Term paper (Hausarbeit)
Term papers reward structure, sourcing and coordination with the lecturer. Clarify the research question and scope early, agree on a short exposé, and check in before the final version. Citation rules and formatting requirements count towards the grade.
Oral exam (mündliche Prüfung)
Oral exams reward confident speaking about connections. Practise out loud with fellow students, phrase answers in your own words, and prepare two or three examples per topic block. You should be able to calmly justify your answers when asked "why?".
Portfolio and project work
Portfolios and projects are graded across the semester. Schedule fixed deadlines for each part, document progress and get feedback early. Assembling everything at the end costs points for reflection and continuity.