A Level German

Do you hope to one day work abroad or speak a language fluently? Are you interested in an academically challenging course with a strong practical application? If so, then studying a Modern Language like German to A-level could be for you.

The German course will develop your language skills, cultural and international understanding, and lifelong communication, analytical and research skills which can be applied at work or for leisure purposes.

What will I study?

There are 4 core topic areas at A-level.

Aspects of German-speaking society
Artistic culture in the German-speaking world
Multiculturalism in German-speaking society
Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world

In addition, you will study a literary text and a film, Andorra and Das Leben der Anderen.

Within Aspects of German-speaking society you will look at:
• Familie im Wandel
• Die digitale Welt
• Jugendkulture: Mode, Musik und Fernsehen

Within Artistic culture in the German-speaking world you will study:
• Feste und Traditionen
• Kunst und Architektur
• Das Berliner Kulturleben damals und heute

Within Multiculturalism in German-speaking society you will look at:
• Einwanderung
• Integration
• Rassismus

And within Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world you will study:
• Deutschland und die Europäische Union
• Die Politik und die Jugend
• Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen

There are 3 exams:

•Paper 1: listening, reading & translation into both English & German (2 hours 30 mins, 100 marks) 50%
Students will have individual control of the listening recording. Questions in German to be answered with non-verbal responses or in German for both reading (50 marks) & listening (30 marks).

Paper 2: writing – literature/film essays (2 hours, 80 marks) 20%
Two essays to be written from choice of 2 possible titles on Andorra and Das Leben der Anderen of approximately 300 words. These require a critical appreciation of the concepts and issues covered in the work and a critical and analytical response to features such as the form and the technique of presentation, as appropriate to the works studied.

Paper 3: speaking (16-18 minutes + 5 minutes preparation time, 60 marks) 30%
Discussion of a sub-theme with the discussion based on a stimulus card (5 – 6 minutes, 25 marks), followed by a presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9 – 10 minutes) of an individual research project (35 marks).

German Extras

Students will have access to a state-of-the-art language laboratory offering individual language-learning facilities. Foreign language assistants will be available to develop your speaking and listening skills through individual or small group conversation. In addition, the department’s strong links with both Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin Universities will provide additional opportunities though the CULP and ‘Routes in Languages East’ projects. There will also be numerous opportunities to spend time in another country though a programme of trips, exchanges and foreign work experience.

Minimum Entry Requirements:

5 x 5s

4 in English and Maths

Subject Specific Entry Requirements:

6 in GCSE German

* Please note that Level 2 vocational courses are the equivalent of 1 GCSE and only 1 will be counted towards the A-Level pathway entry requirements

What can I do with German after sixth form?

Many students follow this course with a languages degree, which usually involves learning two languages alongside literature and/or linguistics. Languages also complement any other subject, and are often combined with popular degree courses such as Law, Business, Marketing, History and Engineering. Language graduates are in high demand by employers in the UK and abroad.