Prerequisites

This course is appropriate for absolute beginners who have little or no previous knowledge of the German language.

Approach

The course aims to provide an introduction to the German language and culture within a practical context. It progressively builds the essential knowledge needed for effective communication and interaction. All four communicative skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing - are developed throughout the course. Each lesson is task-oriented, focusing on a specific topic that logically connects to previous and upcoming lessons. The participants gain a strong foundation in grammar, use high-frequency vocabulary, and develop the ability to understand the main ideas in short texts and audio/video clips. They practice writing simple messages and interact in a simple manner; including asking and answering  simple questions about themselves and their daily routines. The course also offers cultural insights into German-speaking countries, highlighting local customs, traditions, and everyday life, within the context of language learning.

Additionally, the curriculum includes linguistic comparisons between German and English*, and the participants engage in practical translation exercises to further enhance their language skills. Various learning strategies will be introduced to encourage independent study and self-guided learning.

Methods and forms of work   

The course includes work on the following topics and grammar:                                                                                                                                     

• Topics: Greetings and farewells, alphabet, introducing yourself, family and relationships, numbers, shopping for food and drinks, leisure time activities, daily routines, time,traveling, telephone communication, food, shopping, beverages, professions, education, study,  invitations, weather, health, events, customs, traditions, events,  festivities.

• Vocabulary: Regular vocabulary tests.

• Phonetics:  Rules of the German pronunciation and interactive phonetic exercises.                                                                                                                             

• Speaking: Asking and answering questions, simple social conversations.                                          

• Listening: Exercises to listen comprehension.

• Key grammar points: Personal pronouns, gender of nouns (definite/indefinite articles), present tense verb conjugation, word order, modal verbs, informal imperative, past tense verb conjugation (past participles/preterite),separable verbs, prepositions, cases , adjectival agreement, possessive pronouns, numbers,future tense forms, adverbs of time.                                                                               

• Writing: Personal postcards, emails, filling out forms, simple requests and responses.

• Translation exercises                                                                                                                                         

• Analysis of grammatical errors

• Learning strategies

• Insights into German-speaking life and culture                                                                                                       

Performance monitoring

We will make sure to measure how well we're progressing through:

• Independent study 

• Individual assignments as homework                                                                                                                           

• Grammar and vocabulary test after each completed unit

• Final test: A comprehensive assessment to evaluate understanding and application of the course material.

• One examination simulation for the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 / Telc A1 German exams

Learning materials

Printed worksheets on grammar, vocabulary, authentic written material from various sources,  multimedia (video recordings, film, TV, radio, song texts, etc.) are used to complement the standard textbook.

Beginn/Term duration

On request. 

Mode of delivery

Online, face-to-face (company courses only), blended. 

Placement test

A placement test, which includes grammar exercises and a brief personal interview (max 15 minutes), is recommended.