Learning German at School: Discovering New Cultures and Customs

As you approach the end of Year 8 or Year 11 (or Fourth Form and Upper Fifth in independent schools), you'll begin considering your options for the upcoming GCSE and A Level courses, or the International Baccalaureate. For those who might not feel like natural-born linguists, the prospect of studying a second language can be daunting. However, learning German, closely related to English with many linguistic similarities, can be an engaging and rewarding choice.

German is not only a major language in the European Union but also the official language of Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein, and one of the official languages in Switzerland and Luxembourg. Most secondary schools in England offer German as a modern foreign language, grouping students based on their proficiency.

Unlike the past, where language learning typically began in the early teens, many independent schools now introduce language lessons to younger students. Even toddler groups and early language acquisition programs offer opportunities for young children to grasp the basics of German before formally entering the education system.

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A Brief History of Modern Germany

Understanding the history and culture of Germany can enrich your experience of learning German. Many students might only be familiar with World War II and the 1940s under Adolf Hitler, but modern Germany's story is much broader.

After the devastation of World War II, Germany faced a period of rebuilding and grappling with its past, particularly antisemitism. The country was divided into zones by the Allied Control Council, and in 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected, symbolizing the division between East and West Germany. Its fall nearly 30 years later marked a significant step towards German reunification.

The German economy experienced a 'Wirtschaftswunder' or 'economic miracle' in the late 1950s and early 1960s, symbolized by the emergence of the Volkswagen Beetle. Both East and West Germany joined the United Nations in 1973, and the fall of the Communist regime in 1989 paved the way for reunification. In 2002, the Euro replaced the Deutsche Mark, becoming crucial for Germany, particularly during the financial crisis when it aided Greece to protect the Euro.

In 2005, Angela Merkel became the first female chancellor of Germany, now in her fourth term. Germany has become a key player in the EU, offering high living standards in its modern cities, and its language is spoken globally.

Why Choose German Lessons

You might wonder why learn German when many Germans speak English. German is the language of innovation, significant in academia, and Germany has a strong economy with global market leaders. It also offers world-class higher education.

Learning German is ideal for those planning to move to Germany, work in engineering or international corporations, as German is one of the top ten most spoken languages globally. Learning German offers not just economic benefits but also linguistic and cultural enrichment.

German at GCSE Level

Exam boards like AQA, WJEC, Eduqas, and OCR offer German language courses at GCSE level. These courses are designed to develop language skills with real-life relevance and now offer more flexibility, allowing students to focus on either the speaking or writing part of the course.

Improving in German with Past Papers

Utilizing past papers from exam boards' websites is an excellent revision strategy. They provide insight into exam questions and allow practice of exam techniques. Complementing this with mark schemes can enhance understanding of what examiners expect.

German at A Level

German is also offered at AS and A Level, following standard exam structures and graded from A*-G.

Learn German Online

Immersing yourself in the language is the best way to revise. If visiting Germany isn't an option, reading German texts, watching German TV programs on YouTube, and using online resources can be highly beneficial. Websites like BBC Bitesize and GermanRevision.Org provide structured topic-based help, while German-Games.Net offers fun online puzzles, games, and tutorials for beginners.

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