Guide to the 1st state examination

This page is aimed at students studying to become teachers of English (L1, L2, L3). It provides information on the planning, components and structure of the written (written examination) and oral examinations.

The legally binding framework conditions for the examinations are set out in the Hessian Teacher Training Act (HLbG) and the Ordinance on the Implementation of the Hessian Teacher Training Act (HLb-GDV). The Hessian Teachers' Academy (Kassel Examination Office) is responsible.

1. choice of examiner

You should look for your examiner for the written or oral examination at least nine months before the start of the planned examination campaign. You should therefore contact potential examiners no later than June of the previous year for the spring examination session and no later than November of the previous year for the fall examination session. You only need one examiner for the written exam.

For the oral examination, you need a total of two authorized examiners. These must be chosen from two different of the following four subject areas: Didactics, Regional Studies, Literature or Linguistics. For L1 only, one of the two examiners must come from didactics.

A list of authorized examiners can be found on the English website.

2. structure of the oral and written examinations

You must choose either a written or an oral examination.

2.1 Written examination

The written examination (written exam) is taken in the form of an individual exam in all subject areas - didactics, literature, linguistics or regional studies. Three topics are submitted for each written examination subject; one is deleted by the Teachers' Academy. Only one of the remaining topics must then be completed.

2.2 Oral examination

The oral examination can be taken in two of the four areas (literature, regional studies, linguistics or didactics). Depending on the degree program, the following applies:

• L1 (duration: 20 minutes in total): Three special topics, two from didactics and one from another area (literature, linguistics or regional studies)
• L2 (duration: 60 min.): Four topics, two from each subject area (all of the above areas are available for selection).
• L3 (duration: 60 min.): Four topics, two each from one subject area (all areas mentioned above).

Please discuss the topics to be prepared for the respective parts of the examination with your examiners in good time, i.e. months before the examination. For more detailed preparation, please also consult the memos on the web pages of the relevant subject area. Further information on the First State Examination can be found on the website of the Center for Teacher Education (ZLB) at the University of Kassel.

The most important thing is to prepare in good time during the consultation hours. So get in touch with your examiners early on. We will be happy to advise you.

Status: June 2026