German - GCSE

What will I study in German?

The GCSE German syllabus focuses on the development of the two receptive (reading and listening) and the two productive skills (writing and speaking), as well as vocabulary enrichment where emphasis is placed on accuracy and fluency. The course consists of four units: Listening and Understanding, Speaking, Reading and Understanding, and Writing in German.

Students are required to provide verbal and non-verbal responses to spoken texts covering the vocabulary and structures of four general topic areas including ‘Media and Culture’, ‘Sport and Leisure’, ‘Travel and Tourism’ and ‘Business, Work and Employment’.

Students are allowed to elaborate on topics of their choice in the form of a presentation, a picture description or an open dialogue, which will then be discussed further with the teacher.

Unit 3: Reading and Understanding in German

Students will be tested on their understanding of written German covering the vocabulary and structures of four common topic areas including ‘Media and Culture’, ‘Sport and Leisure’, ‘Travel and Tourism’ and ‘Business, Work and Employment’.

Unit 4: Writing in German

Students research topics of their choice, various aspects of which will be highlighted and analysed in lessons. The course is designed to give students ample opportunity to practise writing in registers, thus improving their writing skills.

How will I be assessed?

Units 1 and 3 will be tested at the end of the academic year based on the exam questions set by the examination board. For Unit 2 you will be asked to present and then have a spontaneous discussion on other aspects of your research topic with the examiner. For Unit 4 you will be given two writing tasks to elaborate on under exam conditions to assess your written German.

Who will teach me?

Gabriella Demko MA is a highly enthusiastic, dedicated language teacher whose courses are successful because they are embedded in rigorous grammar, expanding vocabulary, and the nuances of written and spoken idiom, as required by the exam board.

Which subjects complement German?

A modern foreign language at GCSE is a core subject and essential for a rounded education. Knowledge of a foreign language is vital in business life, it is important in understanding other cultures and their ways of thinking, and it is crucial in comprehending linguistic systems and how languages in general, including one’s mother tongue, are constructed. Therefore, studying German can contribute to a better understanding of the English Language, which is indispensable if one opts to study English Language or English Language and Literature at GCSE.

Which careers can German lead to?

German is widely used in business life and is essential in communicating with business partners. In addition, one can choose to become a language teacher, a translator or an interpreter, which are highly sought after careers in the European Union.