German

Why study German?

Studying German at A Level is a significant advantage in our increasingly international world. As the most spoken native language in Europe, German is a highly useful language to learn, particularly in the worlds of business and innovation, as Germany is renowned for its success in engineering and technology. During the course, you will explore a range of topics, including cultural and social issues in German-speaking countries, and will develop much greater fluency in the language.

Entry requirements 

You need a minimum Grade 7 in GCSE German, though a Grade 8 or 9 is preferable. Enjoying all aspects of language learning, including speaking and writing, is essential.

Course Content 

The course involves studying various themes and topics, including:  

• Theme one, Year 12: Aspects of German speaking society (The changing state of the family; The digital world; Youth culture.) 

• Theme two, Year 12: Artistic culture in the German-speaking world (Festivals and traditions; Art and architecture; Cultural life in Berlin.) 

• Theme three, Year 13: Multiculturalism in German-speaking society (Immigration; Integration; Racism.) 

• Theme four, Year 13: Aspects of political life in the German-speaking world (Germany and the European Union; Politics and youth; German re-unification and its consequences.) 

You will also study a literary text and a film, and you will complete an individual research project.

Relevance 

An A Level in German will go well with any combination of subjects, whatever university course you are considering, whether in the UK or abroad, thanks to the skills you develop on the course. Many students choose to study a language-related degree, either studying German on its own or in combination with another subject. The course links particularly well to subjects like Politics and History. Having an A Level in German can also help you stand out in the job market, with skills highly sought after by potential employers. 

Career versatility 

By studying A Level German, you will open yourself up to a wide range of career opportunities, as the skills you develop are highly prized by employers across various industries, from translation and interpreting services to international business and finance, and from journalism and broadcasting to education and environmental conservation. German is particularly useful in the fields of engineering, technology, and manufacturing, and it is also one of the three official working languages of the European Union. Additionally, having an A Level in German can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as speaking multiple languages can increase your salary potential and provide opportunities for travel or living abroad.

Academic flexibility and skills developed: 

Through this course, you will develop a broad range of skills that will serve you well in both academic and professional pursuits. As you become increasingly proficient in German, you will find that your communication skills improve dramatically, enabling you to express yourself with confidence and nuance in a variety of contexts. Additionally, you will cultivate valuable research skills, independence, and cultural awareness, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, all of which will be highly beneficial as you progress through your academic career and beyond. 

I like how at A Level we study topics that feel more relevant, like German politics or issues such as immigration and racism. We’re also encouraged to research topics that interest us in German, like news articles or watching TV shows, and it feels satisfying to be able to understand ‘real-life’ German.
Sixth Form student