A Level German

The A-level course builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills gained at GCSE. It constitutes an integrated study with a focus on language, culture and society. It fosters a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which are valuable to the individual and society.

The content is suitable for students who wish to progress to employment or further study, including a modern languages degree. The approach is a focus on how German-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change.

The approach is a focus on how German-speaking society has been shaped, socially and culturally, and how it continues to change.

In the first year, aspects of the social context are studied, together with aspects of the artistic life of German-speaking countries.

In the second year further aspects of the social background are covered, this time focusing on issues, such as life for those on the margins of German-speaking society as well as looking at the positive influences that diversity brings.

Students must study the themes and sub-themes below in relation to at least one German-speaking country.

Exam Board: AQA

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing (40% of A-level

Paper 2: Writing (30% of A-level)

Paper 3: Speaking (30% of A-level)

Core content:

Students may study all sub-themes in relation to any German-speaking country or countries:

  • The changing state of the family
  • The digital world
  • Youth culture: fashion and trends, music and television
  • Political and artistic culture
  • Artistic culture in the German-speaking world
  • Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world

Grammar

A-level students will be expected to have studied the grammatical system and structures of the language during their course. Knowledge of the grammar and structures specified for GCSE is assumed. In the exam students will be required to use, actively and accurately, grammar and structures appropriate to the tasks set.

Works: literary texts and films

Students must study either one text and one film or two texts.

Individual research project

Students must identify a subject or a key question which is of interest to them and which relates to a country or countries where German is spoken. They must select relevant information in German from a range of sources including the internet. The aim of the research project is to develop research skills. Students will demonstrate their ability to initiate and conduct individual research by analysing and summarising their findings, in order to present and discuss them in the speaking assessment.

Studying German at A Level is valuable in many different ways; 

  • Combining German with subjects such as Geography, Business or Art at degree level will allow a wider number of course options.
  • Language degrees often include a year overseas. 
  • German is a language widely used in business and language skills could increase employability.

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