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• Languages | German: Structure

  Sequences of learning

  The German curriculum recognises that there are different entry points into language learning across F–10, which reflects current language teaching practice.

  There are two possible learning sequences:

  • F–10 sequence for students who begin to learn the language...

  Overview material | German

• VCDEC005

  Present in modelled spoken and written texts information relating to own world and that of other teenagers

  Elaborations

  • presenting information, orally and in writing, on aspects of their immediate environment or personal world (a school/community event, celebration or excursion, or a new student), supported by the use of visuals
  • creating simple persuasive and informative texts for a targeted audience, for example, an advertisement for an event, a virtual tour of their own and/or a partner school, a notice for a school excursion, or a report on a favourite band or type of music
  • presenting statistics related to Australia and other countries, including German-speaking countries, for example, population and physical size, daily temperatures, number and type of dwellings, percentage of students learning one or two foreign languages
  • presenting the results of a class survey, for example, creating graphs and/or writing statements to report findings on such topics as the range of leisure activities undertaken by classmates; favourite apps/electronic games, TV series, food, music or pets; or amount of time spent using social media

  VCDEC005 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Informing

• VCDEC130

  Describe their own experiences of learning and using German and explore their sense of identity, including elements such as family, cultural heritage and friends

  Elaborations

  • comparing own experiences of learning German with peers’, and imagining what aspects of English a German speaker might find challenging and why
  • participating in an online discussion about learning and using another language, reflecting on the experience of becoming bilingual (or, in the case of some learners, plurilingual), and considering what advantages this brings and whether it impacts on identity
  • comparing learning a language at school with another context for learning a language, such as at home, at community language school or on holiday
  • communicating about identity and language use within the family context, such as positioning self within the family and identifying own and family members’ heritage, for example, Ich bin Australier/-in. Mein Opa kommt aus Griechenland.
  • identifying family traditions and possessions that stem from another culture, such as opening presents on Christmas Day or Heiligabend, learning folk dancing, or having a German grandparent’s name

  VCDEC130 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCDEC009

  Create and maintain individual and shared bilingual texts and resources such as signs, word lists, posters, games and photo stories

  Elaborations

  • creating and using bilingual resources for language learning, such as glossaries or personal German–English and English–German print and digital word lists and dictionaries with examples and explanations of language use and parts of speech
  • creating bilingual texts for specific audiences, for example, a Big Book or game for young learners of German, invitations to a class event or posters for a performance, noticing how meaning needs to be tailored to audience and cultural perspectives
  • creating bilingual signs and notices for the school and local community, such as Bücherei – Library, Sporthalle – Gymnasium
  • designing and maintaining a bilingual website with a partner school or contact group of English learners in a German-speaking community, making choices about when to use German or English depending on the context, topic and nature of the interaction

  VCDEC009 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Translating

• VCDEU170

  Reflect on different aspects of the cultural dimension of learning and using German

  Elaborations

  • recognising that different expressions are used across cultures to communicate ideas, for example, when describing Brot or school excursions (Klassenfahrt, Wandertag)
  • exploring how origin, geography and religion are integrally connected with lifestyle, daily practices and language use, for example, Recycling, Kaffee und Kuchen, Wandern, Stehcafé, religious/public holidays, choice of Fremdsprachen offered in schools
  • discussing the use of appropriate gestures and body language when communicating in German, for example, not putting hands in pockets while talking with someone (as this may be considered rude), and maintaining eye contact
  • identifying changes in own ways of thinking about culture and identity as a result of learning German

  VCDEU170 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Role of language and culture

• VCDEC147

  Reflect on aspects of own identity and language use, commenting on and suggesting reasons for what is similar/different and easy/difficult

  Elaborations

  • participating in a discussion in English about the impact of a school uniform on personal identity, and imagining how German students might view wearing a school uniform
  • preparing a digital ‘language passport’ documenting different stages in learning German, intercultural experiences and reflections on the impact of learning German on self and others, and considering possible reasons for perceived similarities and differences between experiences or degree of difficulty
  • evaluating own preferred learning style, identifying own strengths, and contributing to a class list of German Fachleute/Experten for others to consult for advice, in areas such as Aussprache, Technologie and Vokabeln
  • exploring the idea of stereotypes associated with languages and identity discussing how groups of people tend to think about themselves and others, and how stereotypes affect attitudes and communication and can be inaccurate
  • comparing own ways of using language with those of peers, considering how family and community shape identity and communication, for example, using more than one language, expressing feelings or celebrating in various ways
  • considering whether learning and using German impacts on identity either in or out of the classroom

  VCDEC147 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCDEC123

  Obtain and process information from peers and texts related to personal, social and natural worlds

  Elaborations

  • gathering information about a fellow student or German speaker relating to family, home, interests and abilities, and compiling the information in a modelled format, such as Steckbrief
  • obtaining information about lifestyles in German-speaking countries (homes, schools, climate, pets, geography) from shared and independent reading of simple digital texts
  • collecting information about different animal species (Haustiere, Wildtiere, Waldtiere, australische Tiere), and creating a display with names and appropriate adjectives, for example, Der Löwe ist mutig und stark.
  • identifying points of information in short spoken texts with some unfamiliar language, for example, the name and number on a recorded phone message, the age of a child interviewed, some items on a recorded shopping list
  • comparing information about activities and practices across cultures, for example, reading, viewing or listening to texts related to aspects of school life such as timetables, canteen menus, extracurricular activities and sports
  • working in groups to obtain and use factual information from texts related to other learning areas, for example, completing a simple science experiment, naming countries and significant land features, or recording distances using geography skills

  VCDEC123 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Informing

• VCDEC161

  Interpret and/or translate for friends or visitors terms associated with German or own culture

  Elaborations

  • translating expressions associated with politeness and social protocols in German, for example, responding to requests or thanks, or signing cards (Dein Fritz/Deine Anna), and comparing with typical expressions in similar messages in English
  • translating and discussing common idiomatic expressions in both German and English, for example, Ich drücke dir die Daumen (‘I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you’)
  • comparing and finding equivalent phrases and expressions in German and English, discussing differences and cultural influences, for example, so alt wie ein Baum/Stein (‘as old as the hills’), einen Bärenhunger haben (‘to be as hungry as a horse’)
  • explaining terms associated with practices or features of schools in German-speaking countries, such as hitzefrei or aspects of assessment and reporting, for example, das Notensystem, die mündliche Note, der blaue Brief, sitzenbleiben, and drawing comparisons with similar terms used in Australian schools

  VCDEC161 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Translating

• VCDEU168

  Identify features of German that vary according to audience, context and purpose in familiar spoken and written texts

  Elaborations

  • identifying differences in register and style when using language in different contexts, for example, language in songs and graffiti, and teacher feedback on a test or in a formal school report
  • comparing German and English language use in similar situations and in texts with similar content such as advertisements, or student blogs about school issues
  • understanding particular functions of speech such as making a request or expressing pleasure or dissatisfaction, and considering how it is realised with different speakers (strangers, acquaintances, friends, family members), and possible consequences, including compliance, giving offence or being accepted into a group
  • recognising that different situations require different levels of politeness depending on the context and speaker, such as thanking a host parent or a peer for a gift or apologising to a teacher or a family member for being late
  • understanding that texts have different purposes (to persuade, to entertain), different audiences (children, adolescents, German speakers, Australians) and different forms (short speech, blog)
  • recognising textual conventions popular with young German speakers, such as the use of contractions, abbreviations and acronyms in text messages, for example, 4u = für dich = for you, brb = bin gleich wieder da = be right back, 8ung = Achtung!, dubido = du bist doof, sz = schreib zurück, sTn = schöner Tag noch

  VCDEU168 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• VCDEU017

  Understand that language use is shaped by and reflects the values, ideas and norms of a community

  Elaborations

  • investigating connections between language and significant cultural values or practices in Australia and German-speaking countries, for example, individual rights, shared social responsibility, respect for the environment, Reconciliation, anti-racism, ‘fair go’
  • developing language to analyse and explain the nature of the relationship between language and culture, using terms such as ‘meaning’, ‘perspective’, ‘values’, ‘assumptions’ and ‘difference’
  • examining examples of cultural representation in language, symbols and behaviour, such as die Märchenstraβe, (lack of) speed limits on the Autobahn, national flags, and the ‘visibility’ of the European Union through placement of its logo (for example, on car numberplates)
  • recognising that there are different and/or multiple expressions that communicate ideas across cultures, for example, when describing Brot or school excursions (Klassenfahrt, Wandertag)
  • exploring how origin, geography and religion are directly connected to lifestyle, daily practices and language use, for example, Recycling, Kaffee und Kuchen, Wandern, religious/public holidays, choice of Fremdsprachen offered in schools
  • participating in guided discussion on the nature and role of ‘culture’ and its relationship with language, with reference to German, English and other known languages

  VCDEU017 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Role of language and culture

• VCDEC026

  Create bilingual texts such as captions, glossaries or footnotes to interpret cultural and linguistic aspects of texts

  Elaborations

  • providing bilingual captions for images of scenes from Australia and German-speaking countries to explain cultural aspects, for example, bush, forest, mountain, beach or city images
  • creating websites or printed guides for international students intending to attend Australian schools, highlighting key terms and expressions associated with traditions, curricula, schedules or routines, and including footnotes as necessary
  • providing vocabulary lists and annotated cultural explanations for German-speaking visitors to events such as Australian sports days, swimming carnivals or family barbecues, explaining terms such as ‘BYO (food/chair)’
  • creating English captions, commentaries or subtitles for German multimodal texts to explain cultural and linguistic aspects

  VCDEC026 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCDEC121

  Participate collaboratively in shared class experiences and transactions

  Elaborations

  • creating a shared digital photo story after a class activity or event such as a visit to a German restaurant
  • following procedures and instructions with peers, for example, how to create a Hampelmann or Lebkuchenhaus
  • preparing a German item for a school performance, for example, Schnappi or Kleiner Hai song, Hänsel und Gretel play
  • conducting real or simulated transactions such as a ‘picture swap’ or choosing a present for a friend, for example, Lara mag Puppen. Was kostet die Puppe?

  VCDEC121 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 3 and 4 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCDEC110

  Share with peers and family what they know in German, identifying different words and expressions, moving between languages depending on the audience

  Elaborations

  • distinguishing between German and English in spoken and written form (Ist das Deutsch oder Englisch?), considering factors such as pronunciation, capitalisation of nouns, and the use of cursive script in some texts for children
  • comparing greetings and terms for numbers, family members and familiar objects in German, English and other known/common languages, and noting similarities
  • comparing the words on bilingual signs around the school, such as Spielplatz/playground, Schulkantine/tuckshop
  • interpreting/translating from German into English greetings and other learnt language items for new students or non-German speakers
  • teaching a family member some German, for example, greetings, how to play a German game or sing a German song

  VCDEC110 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Translating

• VCDEC024

  Create a variety of imaginative texts to entertain, convey ideas and express emotions

  Elaborations

  • describing an imagined experience using a familiar text type, for example, a diary entry describing the first day as an exchange student in a German school, or a ‘recipe’ for a great birthday party
  • composing and performing short songs with particular themes or for imagined occasions, for example, Liebe, Ferien, Austausch
  • dramatising a text, for example, performing a poem using a given format, such as Elfchen, a string poem or Konkrete Poesie, or imagining they are the ‘characters’ in a painting and creating a scenario and dialogue
  • creating an imaginative text to entertain a younger audience, such as a picture storybook, puppet play or short film
  • creating a digital persona or avatar in a German-speaking fantasy world, incorporating communicative styles and social behaviours observed in German texts

  VCDEC024 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Creating

• VCDEC004

  Identify topic, gist and specific points of information in a range of simple spoken and written texts relating to own world and that of other teenagers

  Elaborations

  • identifying key details, expressions and information in conversations and announcements, and using obtained information in new ways, for example, listening to an interview with a German teenager about family and completing a family tree
  • reading and viewing a range of simple texts (promotional brochures, signs, websites and cards) to obtain and compile information about places, lifestyles and events, for example, information related to homes, schools, leisure activities, climate and geography
  • locating, classifying and summarising data such as results of class surveys or information from notices, timetables and announcements, and presenting findings to others, for example, in a digital visual presentation, poster or wall chart
  • gathering information about people, time and activities in German-speaking contexts, and using the information, for example, to create a profile or timetable/timeline to show a sequence of activities/events
  • compiling a list of questions and interviewing a German speaker, such as a visiting exchange student, about family, home, interests and abilities, and presenting the responses in Steckbrief format

  VCDEC004 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Informing

• VCDEC140

  Gather, compare and respond to information from different sources relating to social and natural worlds

  Elaborations

  • collecting and comparing information from a range of informative print media and digital texts on topics related to social and environmental issues, for example, family life, schooling in different cultural contexts, endangered animals, or innovative technology
  • obtaining information from simple texts such as advertisements or features in teen magazines to share impressions of the lifestyles of young German speakers in different contexts
  • viewing subtitled video clips on different German-speaking communities, identifying key facts and features, and recording new vocabulary and expressions for use in shared texts
  • compiling information from a survey of peers and adults on social behaviours and reporting on results, for example, mode of transport to school/work (zu Fuβ, mit dem Rad/Bus/Auto) and how environmentally friendly it is, or preferred modes of communication (Hast du ein Handy? Wie oft telefonierst/simst du? Wie oft schaust du einen YouTube clip an?)
  • viewing a news item or short documentary about a festival in a German-speaking country, such as die Basler Fasnacht or Karneval in Köln, describing and giving an opinion on the main aspects, for example, Ich finde die Fasnacht in Basel super. Ich mag die Masken und die Musik. Aber ich möchte nicht um 4 Uhr aufstehen.

  VCDEC140 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Informing

• VCDEC171

  Initiate and participate in sustained interactions, using formal and informal registers, to seek and give advice, to describe past events, future aspirations and social issues, and to express and justify opinions

  Elaborations

  • initiating and sustaining conversation by introducing topics, inviting contributions, asking for clarification or confirmation, and expressing agreement or surprise, for example, Was sagt ihr dazu?; Ich bin damit einverstanden; Ist das dein Ernst?; Wie meinen Sie das?
  • sharing personal information and views with peers and adults about family and friends, school and leisure activities, for example, Was machst du gern in deiner Freizeit? Wie finden Sie australischen Fußball? Als Sie jünger waren, haben Sie … ?
  • discussing future plans such as career, family, further education and travel, for example, Ich werde sicher die 12. Klasse zu Ende machen und dann werde ich hoffentlich Zahnmedizin studieren. Es kommt aber auf meine Noten an.
  • asking for advice on issues related to family, friends or school and suggesting possible solutions to others’ problems, for example, Du solltest mit deinem Freund sprechen, weil ... Was würdest du an meiner Stelle machen?
  • exchanging information and opinions with peers about a range of social and cultural issues, for example, blogging about die Schule der Zukunft or the causes and effects of Jugendarbeitslosigkeit, and giving reasons for opinions

  VCDEC171 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCDEC025

  Translate and interpret aspects of informative and imaginative texts, identifying and explaining some of the challenges involved and adjustments required when transferring meaning between languages and cultures

  Elaborations

  • comparing, analysing and explaining some common idiomatic expressions in both German and English, for example, Ich drücke dir die Daumen (‘I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you’), Ohrwurm (‘A tune you can't get out of your head’)
  • translating into English a public notice or advertisement for an event in a German-speaking country, for example, Basler Fasnacht or Salzburger Jugendtag, Kerwoche, then comparing own translation with peers’, discussing differences between versions and considering reasons for these
  • finding and comparing equivalent similes and metaphors in German and English, and suggesting possible reasons for differences, for example, Ich verstehe nur Bahnof (‘I can't understand anything’), einen Bärenhunger haben (‘I'm so hungry I could eat a horse’)
  • explaining terms for common features of schooling in German-speaking countries, such as those related to curriculum or assessment and reporting (die erste/zweite Fremdsprache, Pflichtfächer, AGs, das Notensystem, die mündliche Note, der blaue Brief, sitzenbleiben), and comparing them with similar terms used in Australian schools
  • discussing issues associated with using online translators by comparing different versions of a translated text and suggesting reasons for differences and mistranslations

  VCDEC025 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Translating

• VCDEC154

  Initiate and participate in interactions with peers and adults to discuss and exchange views and experiences

  Elaborations

  • discussing and giving opinions on various topics such as school life, neighbourhood, entertainment, sport and leisure, for example, Hast du ein Lieblingsfach? Ja, ich mag Deutsch. Wie findest du Mathe? Ich finde Sozi interessant. Und du? Ich wohne gern auf dem Land. Es gibt in der Nähe einen Fluβ und einen Fußballplatz. Leider haben wir kein Kino. Gibt es einen Supermarkt, wo du wohnst?
  • recounting events and describing activities and personal experiences, for example, Gestern Abend hat Karly bei The Voice gewonnen. Hast du sie gesehen? Wir sind in den Ferien zum Strand gefahren.
  • communicating in face-to-face or online guided discussions with peers and German-speaking contacts to seek or share information and ideas about social, cultural and environmental issues, for example, Was recyceln Sie, Herr Meier?

  VCDEC154 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Socialising

• VCDEC141

  Convey information and opinions in different formats to suit specific audiences and purposes, selecting appropriate print and multimodal elements

  Elaborations

  • analysing and presenting the results of a class survey, for example, by creating a poster or digital presentation using graphs showing what foods students buy and/or would like to be able to buy at the school canteen (27 Schüler kaufen Süßigkeiten. 34 Schüler wollen andere Getränke.)
  • writing a blog entry for a youth website discussing an aspect of social behaviour, for example, Partys
  • creating a website for a contact group of German-speaking students, posting information on own interests and experiences, for example, Ferien, Freunde, Freizeit, Schule, Medien, and highlighting elements which may be unfamiliar to the intended audience using sound, visuals or graphics
  • creating a factual self-profile using Voki or VoiceThread for a group of young German speakers
  • recording, comparing and representing statistics related to German-speaking countries and Australia, for example, population and physical size, daily temperatures, number and type of dwellings, pet ownership, most popular leisure activities

  VCDEC141 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Communicating | Informing