German 1 (Level 5)

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 5
• Convenor: Peter Damrau
• Assessment: two pieces of coursework (10%), a written in-class assessment (20%), written and listening in-class assessment (35%), oral in-class assessment (15%), 1000-word reflexive essay in English (15%) and class participation (5%)

This 24-week course is for complete beginners with no previous experience of German and leads to CEFR A2 (Elementary)/GCSE level*. You will learn foundational vocabulary and some basic grammatical structures, enabling you to have everyday conversations and to read and write at a basic level. You will also learn about the cultures of the German-speaking countries as you learn the language. Classes are interactive and taught by native or near-native speakers.

* Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Please note: this is only an approximate equivalence.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment), and catch the main points in short, clear, simple messages and announcements
• read very short, simple texts
• find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables
• understand short simple personal letters
• communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities
• use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms family and other people, living conditions, educational background and present or most recent job
• write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas relating to immediate needs
• write simple personal letters, for example, thanking someone for something.