German (H1)

This course aims to develop students' ability to understand and communicate in German, build a foundation for further studies, and foster cultural understanding. The syllabus covers a range of topics relevant to contemporary society in German-speaking countries.

Topic Areas

The curriculum explores various themes, including:

• Relationships and Society: Human relationships, family, generation gap, young people, patterns of daily life, urban and rural life, law and order, religion and belief, equality of opportunity, employment and unemployment.
• Lifestyle and Culture: The media, food and drink, sport, free time activities, travel and tourism, education, cultural life/heritage.
• Global Issues: War and peace, the developing world, scientific and medical advances, technological innovation, environment, conservation, pollution.
• Contemporary German-Speaking World: Political, regional, and social issues.

Assessment

The assessment consists of three components:

• Speaking (20%): A presentation on a chosen topic followed by a topic conversation and a general conversation. Candidates may use a cue card with up to five headings and illustrative materials.
• Reading and Writing (60%): Comprehension questions on two related passages, a summary/comparison task, and a composition on a given topic. A cloze test assesses structural knowledge.
• Listening Comprehension (20%): Comprehension of short factual items and an extended spoken piece.

Specific assessment details, including mark schemes, can be found in the syllabus document.