How to Revise Vocabulary — AQA GCSE German
The mastery of vocabulary in the target language necessitates the acquisition of a prescribed lexical core alongside the ability to apply morphological rules for word derivation. Candidates must demonstrate the capacity to decode high-frequency items in familiar contexts while employing inference strategies to deduce meaning from unfamiliar lexical units in complex texts. Proficiency is measured by the breadth of vocabulary used to express nuanced opinions, justify viewpoints, and transition between registers in both spontaneous and prepared communicative tasks.
Examiner Tips for Vocabulary
- Use communication strategies (non-verbal and verbal) to maintain communication when vocabulary is forgotten.
- Use cognates and near-cognates to infer meaning, but be aware of 'false friends'.
- Use grammatical markers (plural forms, verb endings, word order) to deduce the category of unknown words.
- Ignore words not essential for understanding the main points of a text.
- Use visual and verbal context (layout, title, pictures) to infer meaning.
- In speaking tests, use repair strategies (e.g., asking for clarification) if a question is not understood.
Common Mistakes in Vocabulary
- Confusing 'false friends' (e.g., also, Gymnasium).
- Over-reliance on word coinage based on English or German words which may not exist in German.
- Topic avoidance in speaking/writing tasks, which limits credit.
- Failure to use feminine forms of nouns/adjectives where appropriate.
Key Marking Points
- Foundation Tier assessments require understanding of common or familiar words/forms not on the list.
- Higher Tier assessments require understanding of less common or familiar words/forms not on the list.
- Vocabulary listed under a particular theme is considered transferable to other themes.
- Students are expected to be familiar with feminine forms of nouns/adjectives where not explicitly given.
- Rubrics and instructions provided in the specification are indicative, not exclusive.