Examination Board: AQA

Why choose A Level German?

An important language for communication in Europe:

Anyone who can speak German can easily communicate with around 100 million people in their own language; for German is not only spoken in Germany but also in Austria, large parts of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg as well as areas of North Italy, Eastern Belgium and Eastern France.

Alongside Russian, German is the most frequently spoken native language in Europe and is one of the 10 most commonly spoken languages in the world.

German, a language of culture:

Knowledge of German opens the door to the birthplace of one of the greatest cultures in Europe, for German is the language of Goethe, Nietzsche, and Kafka, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven, Freud and Einstein.

Doing business in German:

Germany is the most important trading partner for almost all European and many non-European countries. The ability to speak German improves business relationships with partners in the third largest industrial nation and one of the most important exporting countries in the world. Knowledge of German is a big advantage in business, as negotiations in a third language can easily lead to misunderstandings with costly consequences.

Advantages for tourism:

In many countries, visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland make up the largest and most important tourist groups. Knowledge of German is therefore a great advantage for many people working in the tourist industry.

Assessment:

Paper 1 – 2 hours 30 minutes 40%

Listening Reading Translation

Writing Paper 2 – 2 hour exam 30%

Writing on film and book studied

Speaking – 21-23 minutes 30%

Discussion

Presentation on individual research project

What are the aims?

• To communicate confidently, clearly and effectively in German through both spoken and written word, using a variety of linguistic structures.
• To provide sufficient basis for the further study of German at university.

What kinds of students are most suited to this course?

• Students with attitude! You must have views and opinions about some of the topics covered; you practise your German by expressing these views.
• Students who are Germanophiles – it helps if you have visited Germany and are attracted to German life and culture.
• Students who enjoy language and are strong linguists with an excellent aptitude for German, and who get a buzz out of communicating with people from a different culture.
• Students who have an eye for the technicalities of language and who are not frightened by grammar and the need for increasing accuracy.

What will you study?

Core content

1.      Social issues and trends

2.      Political and artistic culture

3.      Grammar

Options:

4.      Works: Literary texts and films

You will also learn:

• How to manipulate German in order to organise and express ideas.
• How to be expressive and imaginative in speech and writing.
• Contemporary issues and aspects of German society and culture.

What other courses often combine successfully with this?

French, English, History, Psychology, Media Studies, Religious Studies, and any other language or essay-based subject.

The Russell Group universities regard German as a keystone subject and we strongly encourage students to investigate university courses in which they can continue with their language studies.

Opportunities on the Job Market:

A knowledge of German improves your chances on the job market. Many German companies abroad, many foreign companies in Germany and companies with close business connections with the German speaking countries all look to recruit workers with language qualifications.

In an increasingly global society, it is not only specialists but also students and scientists with knowledge of German who can find many interesting training, study and job opportunities.

What career or higher education options might this course lead to?

Interpreting, translating, teaching, business studies, secretarial work, civil service, librarianship, travel and tourism, hotel and catering, journalism, etc.

A language can be studied alongside marketing, law, business studies, and more or less anything else you can think of!

What extra-curricular activities support this course?

Possible visits to theatres and cinemas to see German productions; A Level courses and conferences; Bilingual Club.

Quotation from students:

“I really enjoy being taught in such an intensive way. There are lots of things I never really understood at GCSE which I’m really clear about now.  Also, the topics you do are much more interesting than at GCSE – you can actually discuss them!”