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    AQA A-Level German

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    About this course

    About AQA A-Level German

    The AQA A-Level German course is designed to build on the skills you gained at GCSE, developing your ability to understand and communicate in German to an advanced level. You'll explore the language in the context of the culture, history and society of German-speaking countries, helping you to become a confident and fluent speaker. The course is structured around three core themes: social issues and trends, political and artistic culture, and literary texts and films.

    Throughout the two-year linear course, you will engage with authentic spoken and written materials, develop your translation skills into and out of German, and learn to express critical opinions both orally and in writing. The specification places a strong emphasis on independent research, particularly for the speaking component, where you will investigate a topic of personal interest related to a German-speaking country or community.

    The themes studied in Year 1 (AS) may serve as a foundation, but for the full A-level you will delve deeper into aspects of German-speaking society, including digital media, youth culture, multiculturalism, and the political landscape post-reunification. You will also study either one literary text and one film, or two literary texts from a set list, which form the basis for essay writing in the writing paper. The independent research project in the speaking exam allows you to showcase your passion and deepen your knowledge in an area you choose.

    Assessment Structure

    The AQA A-Level German qualification is linear and assessed entirely by examination at the end of the two-year course. There are three papers: Paper 1 (Listening, Reading and Writing) is a 2 hour 30 minute written exam worth 100 marks and 50% of the A-level. It tests comprehension of spoken and written German, translation into English and German, and a critical response in German. Paper 2 (Writing) is a 2 hour exam worth 80 marks (20%) requiring two essays on the set literary text and film (or two texts). Paper 3 (Speaking) is a 21–23 minute oral exam worth 60 marks (30%), consisting of a discussion of a stimulus card and a presentation and discussion of your individual research project. All papers are set and marked by AQA.

    Why Choose AQA?

    • AQA's German specification is widely taught in UK schools, meaning you'll benefit from a wealth of shared teaching resources, revision guides, and past papers. This makes it easier to find additional support if you need it.
    • The integrated listening, reading, and writing paper (Paper 1) allows you to play to your strengths across different skill areas in one sitting, and the tasks are clearly structured so you know exactly what to expect.
    • The speaking component's independent research project (IRP) gives you significant freedom to explore a topic that genuinely interests you – from a German-language film director to a historical event – which can be highly motivating and allow you to develop specialist vocabulary.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there an AS Level for AQA German, and do I have to take it before the full A-Level?
    Yes, AQA offers an AS Level in German (7661) which can be taken as a standalone qualification or as the first year of the two-year A-Level. However, the AS results do not count towards the final A-Level grade. The AS covers a subset of the full A-Level content (only the first two themes) and has a similar assessment structure but with shorter exam times and lower weightings. Many schools choose to teach the A-Level course linearly without sitting the AS exam.
    What are the set texts and films for AQA A-Level German?
    AQA publishes a list of prescribed literary texts and films each year. For the current specification, the literary texts include works such as Heinrich Böll's 'Die verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum', Friedrich Dürrenmatt's 'Der Besuch der alten Dame', and Bernhard Schlink's 'Der Vorleser'. Films include 'Good Bye, Lenin!', 'Das Leben der Anderen', and 'Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage'. You will study one text and one film (or two texts) in depth for Paper 2. The list is updated periodically, so check the AQA website for the latest set works.
    How does the speaking exam work, and what is the Independent Research Project (IRP)?
    The speaking exam lasts 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time) and is conducted by an external AQA examiner. It starts with a discussion of one of two stimulus cards you're given 5 minutes before the exam to prepare. Then you present your Independent Research Project (IRP) – a 2-minute uninterrupted presentation on a topic you've researched, followed by a 9–10 minute discussion. The IRP topic must relate to a German-speaking country or community; you can choose almost any area of interest, from politics to music to sport, making it a unique opportunity to personalise your learning.
    How much grammar is there in AQA A-Level German?
    Grammar is integrated throughout the course and you are expected to have a secure grasp of all key structures, including those from GCSE plus more advanced syntax. The specification lists the prescribed grammar points, covering complex areas such as the subjunctive mood (Konjunktiv I and II), extended adjective endings, passive voice variants, and more. In the exam, knowledge of grammar is assessed explicitly in the translation tasks (Paper 1) and implicitly in the accuracy of your writing and speaking. Regular grammar consolidation and application will be essential to success.
    Can I use a dictionary in the A-Level German exams?
    You are not allowed to use a dictionary in any of the AQA A-Level German exams. In Paper 1, all listening and reading texts are designed to be accessible without a dictionary, and you are expected to draw upon your vocabulary knowledge from the course. For the writing and speaking components, you must show the ability to express yourself using a range of vocabulary and structures accurately from memory. This makes building a broad vocabulary and good exam technique very important throughout your studies.
    Assessment and exam guidance

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    AQA
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

    Tips and common mistakes

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing the use of haben and sein as auxiliary verbs in the perfect tense
    • •Incorrect word order when using modal verbs in the perfect tense
    • •Failure to apply correct case endings when using the passive voice
    • •Misuse of the subjunctive mood in conditional sentences
    • •Inconsistent use of tense when narrating past events
    • •Incorrect word order after subordinating conjunctions (failing to push the conjugated verb to the end of the clause)
    • •Confusing coordinating conjunctions with subordinating ones
    • •Misusing 'denn' (coordinating) versus 'weil' (subordinating)

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Ensure you can distinguish between active and passive voice constructions
    • •Practice the formation of the simple past (imperfect) for common strong and weak verbs
    • •Focus on the correct placement of the participle in perfect tense constructions
    • •Use the 5-minute preparation time in the speaking exam to mentally rehearse verb endings
    • •Check for subject-verb agreement in all written work
    • •Always check the verb position immediately after using a subordinating conjunction
    • •Use a variety of conjunctions to improve the complexity of your writing and access higher marks for AO3
    • •Remember that coordinating conjunctions do not affect the word order of the following clause

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