German GCSE
German is the most spoken language in Europe and is the official language of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Year after year, business surveys put German at the top of the employers' wish-lists. Germany is the UK's largest non-English speaking trading partner. The ability to speak both German and English is an advantage for finding a job with the many multinational companies using German as their working language, in a wide range of sectors (automotive, business, scientific research, publishing, hospitality and tourism). Germany is the largest national economy in Europe and the third strongest economy in the world. A GCSE qualification in German could provide you with opportunities to work in the UK as well as to travel and work abroad.
What you'll study
The AQA German GCSE (2025 leavers only) course covers three themes:
Identity and culture
Me, my family and friends; Technology in everyday life; Free time activities; customs and festivals in German-speaking countries.
Local, national, international and global areas of interest.
Home town, neighbourhood and region; Social issues; Global issues; Travel and
tourism.
Current and future study and employment.
My studies; Life at school/college; Education post-16; Jobs, career choices and ambitions.
The four areas of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing are covered equally across the course and the examination.
From September 2024 we are following the new Pearson Edexcel German GCSE course.
The vocabulary in this qualification enables students to communicate across a range of engaging and relatable thematic contexts, which are relevant to their current and future needs. The following six broad thematic contexts provide a focus for the teaching and learning of the vocabulary and grammar listed in the specification:
• My personal world • Lifestyle and wellbeing • My neighbourhood • Media and technology • Studying and my future • Travel and tourism