Language Requirement for Common Curriculum

To satisfy the Common Curriculum language requirement, students must take and pass one course at the proficiency level they place into. For instance, if a student places into GERM 2001, they will need to take GERM 2001 to fulfill the language requirement. However, if students place below 1003, or are starting a new language, they need to complete the first-year sequence (1001, 1002, 1003). Note that there is no possibility to test out of the language requirement regardless of the level you reach or if you already consider yourself a bilingual speaker since the language requirement at DU is a Proficiency + requirement.

Watch the following video for more information on the Language Proficiency + requirement.

  • Starting a New Language

    Students who are starting a new language may skip the language testing and take levels 1001, 1002, and 1003.

  • Continuing a Language

    Students who are continuing a language will complete the language placement test. If they place within the elementary sequence, they will complete the elementary sequence through 1003. If they place beyond the elementary sequence they will take one four-credit course at their level (2001 or higher) to fulfill the requirement.

  • AP and IB

    Note that IB and AP scores do not fulfill either placement requirements or the Common Curriculum Language Requirement. Students with IB or AP scores need to take the language placement test and follow the "Continuing a Language" directions to determine the courses they need to take to fulfill the requirement.

  • Seal of Biliteracy

    If you earned a Seal of Biliteracy prior to joining DU, please take a placement test for the language you studied. The Seal of Biliteracy will likely allow you to place into an upper-level course and take fewer courses to complete your language requirement. Please take the test to determine your exact placement.

Next Steps

Undergraduate Placement Testing

Undergraduate placement testing helps determines your starting level for language classes.

Learn About Undergraduate Placement Testing

Additional Language Opportunities

Interested in continuing past your required language course(s)? There are a variety of opportunities for you to explore languages at DU, including majoring or minoring in a language and a variety of for-credit or non-credit options.

Learn More