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GCSE German

Knowledge of a second language is now generally recognised as an indispensable tool, whether for going on holiday or for work. German at GCSE level provides students with the essentials of communication, enabling you to describe events and situations and convey your thoughts and feelings to a basic level and develop knowledge and understanding of German grammar. The course covers three broad themes, relating issues to Germany, Austria and Switzerland:

1. Identity & Culture
2. Local, national, international and global areas of interest
3. Current and future study and employment

The four main language components of listening, reading, speaking and writing the course provides a sound foundation in language-learning.

The Specification

AQA German (8668H or 8668F) Higher Tier (H), for grades 4 – 9; Foundation Tier (F) for grades 1 – 5.

Assessment

Paper 1 Listening
45 mins (H); 35 mins (F) exam | 25%

Paper 2 Speaking
10-12 mins (H); 7-9 mins (F) | 25%

Paper 3 Reading
1 hour (H); 45 mins (F) exam | 25%

Paper 4 Writing
1 hour 15 mins (H); 1 hour (F) exam | 25%

Course content 

Paper 1 Listening
• Section A – questions in English, to be answered in English or non-verbally
• Section B – questions in German, to be answered in German or non-verbally.

Paper 2 Speaking
The format is the same at Foundation Tier and Higher Tier, but with different stimulus questions for
the Photo card and different stimulus materials for the Role-play. The timings are different too:
• Role-play – 15 marks (2 minutes at Foundation Tier; 2 minutes at Higher Tier)
• Photo card – 15 marks (2 minutes at Foundation Tier; 3 minutes at Higher Tier)
• General conversation – 30 marks (3–5 minutes at Foundation Tier; 5–7 minutes at Higher Tier)

Paper 3 Reading
The format is the same at Foundation Tier and Higher Tier, but with different levels of text.
Section A – Questions in English, to be answered in English or non-verbally
Section B – Questions in German, to be answered in German or non-verbally
Section C – Translation from German into English – a minimum of 35 words (F) and 50 words (H)

Paper 4 Writing
• Foundation: Short message, short passage and a structured writing task in German which presents facts and expresses ideas and opinions; Translation from English into German

• Higher: Structured writing task, plus an openended task where students must express and justify points of view in German where appropriate; Translation from English into German.

Reading List

AQA German Higher
By Various
Published by Oxford Kerboodle, ISBN 9780198365877 Kerboodle resources online