German

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Why study German?

German is spoken throughout a large area in central Europe. It is the national language of Germany and Austria and one of the official languages of Switzerland, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein.

German-speaking communities can also be found in North and South America, South Africa, and Australia. There an estimated 95–100 million native speakers, making German one of the world’s major languages and the most widely spoken first-language in the European Union. It is also the 3rd most popular foreign language taught worldwide and the second most popular in Europe and Japan, after English.

With its thriving economic and education sectors, Germany is attracting increased international interest. The Japanese, for example, who boast of having the 2nd most powerful economy in the world, understand the business advantages that a knowledge of German will bring them: 68% of Japanese students study German. Furthermore, Germany enrolls the third-highest number of international students in the world; it also ranks 1st place in the amount of financial support it offers them. Learning German thus means greater opportunities and potentially gaining an economic advantage. So why not step in through this door of opportunity? We look forward to seeing you!

COURSE details

Delivery
Course Overview
Schedule
Delivery

Classes are conducted as far as possible in the target language to give students maximum exposure to the new language and culture. During the course, students develop an ability to communicate in German in situations relating to their personal lives.

In addition, students are expected to spend time on self-study preparing for classes and reviewing and consolidating work done in class. Students are also encouraged to develop a repertoire of strategies to promote their autonomy as language learners. At each level, 100% in-course testing is the form of assessment.

Course Overview

German is offered at three levels (subject to demand):

Level 1 (A & B) – Beginner
Level 2 (A & B) – Lower Intermediate
Level 3 (A & B) – Intermediate

German 1A

German 1A is a beginners’ German course that introduces students to the German language and to some of its cultural aspects. By focusing on the four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), students will develop an initial ability to communicate in German in basic situations relating to their personal lives. Students will be introduced to the concept of learner autonomy in language learning.

German 1B

German 1B is a beginners’ German course that builds on the work done in German 1A. By focusing on the four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), students will enhance their ability to communicate in the German in situations relating to themselves and areas of immediate relevance. Students will continue to develop their autonomy in language learning.

German 2A

German 2A is a lower-intermediate course that builds on the work done in German 1B. Students will be able to function increasingly independently in all four skill-areas in familiar situations and topics.

German 2B

German 2B is a lower-intermediate course that builds on the work done in German 2A. Students will be able to function more independently in a variety of familiar situations and topics in all four skill-areas.

German 3A

German 3A is an intermediate course that builds on the work done in German 2B. Students will start showing a degree of fluency in the four different skills. Students will demonstrate more of the behaviours and attitudes of independent learners.

German 3B

German 3B is an intermediate course that builds on the work done in German 3A. Students will be able to demonstrate increased ease when interacting whether orally or in writing. Students will demonstrate more of the behaviours and attitudes of independent learners.

Schedule

There are 52-contact hours per semester. Classes meet for four 50-minute sessions per week, with classes beginning on the hour and ending ten minutes before the hour (e.g. 11:00 to 11:50).

View timetable.