Educational aims
Through the study of German, the certificate will provide you with the opportunity to learn to read, write, speak in that language and understand people who speak it, while developing your cultural understanding and your knowledge of how the language is structured (for example by learning about its grammar or its vocabulary). Through the certificate, you will also learn to become an independent language learner, and to develop other transferable skills and attributes.
The outcome of this award is of a level comparable to level B1 as defined by the Council of Europe. Further information of the Council of Europe descriptors can be found on the course website.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Understand the general meaning and/or the specific details of a range of spoken or written messages in German relating to standard situations encountered in everyday life (such as interviews on leisure activities and texts on working habits).
Understand and use relevant cultural information relating to the country(ies) where German is spoken.
Cognitive skills
Understand and use correctly and appropriately, both orally and in writing, German vocabulary and grammar relating to standard situations encountered in everyday life (such as words, expressions and structures describing plans, experiences and events or explaining reasons).
Develop skills in selecting, interpreting and using information in German within a range of standard situations encountered in everyday life (such as identifying key information in written and/or oral sources and presenting it to others).
Communicate successfully orally in German within a range of standard situations encountered in everyday life (such as talking about work, leisure and some topical issues).
Communicate successfully in writing in German within a range of standard situations encountered in everyday life (such as writing about work, leisure and some topical issues).
Practical and/or professional skills
Develop and use practical and work-related communication skills in German.
Key skills
Develop and use learning strategies to check and enhance progress and performance.
Identify and develop competence in the use of learning aids (including ICT-based resources) to enhance learning.
Develop presentation skills and problem-solving abilities autonomously and/or in groups.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Teaching and learning are via course materials (including study guides, textbooks, set books, audio and, in some cases, video material), optional face-to-face or online tutorials and individualised tutor feedback.
Assessment is via written assignments of up to 350 words and oral recordings. There is no examination, but there is an end-of-course assessment comprising a one-to-one or group discussion, and (in the higher level course) an oral presentation, carried out face to face or in some cases online or on the telephone.