Search results

Result list

• 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

• Languages | German: Resources

  A range of resources to assist teachers implementing the Victorian Curriculum F–10 are available. Please visit the following websites to access these resources (links open in a new window). For general advice and information regarding the Victorian Curriculum F–10, FAQs, professional...

  Overview material | German

• Languages | German: Scope and Sequence

  The curriculum sets out what students are expected to learn and is designed as a continuum of learning. The curriculum is being presented in a scope and sequence chart to support teachers to easily see the progression and assist in planning teaching and learning programs to meet the diverse needs...

  Overview material | German

• VCDEU149

  Develop and apply knowledge of German grammatical elements such as verb tenses, modal verbs and case, combining them with an increasing range of nouns, adjectives and adverbs to construct sentences

  Elaborations

  • referring to a person, place or object using the nominative and accusative definite and indefinite articles, for example, Das Mädchen hat einen Hockeyschläger. Der Film hat ein Happy End.
  • noticing how articles and pronouns change after certain verbs (Ich danke dir.) and after particular prepositions associated with location, for example, Wir sind in der Stadt. Die Party ist bei Stefan im Garten.
  • understanding and describing current, recurring and future actions, including by using common separable verbs such as aufstehen, ausgehen, aussehen, fernsehen, mitkommen and mitnehmen
  • understanding the concept of regular and irregular verbs and noticing that this is a feature of both German and English (and other languages, such as French, Italian and Spanish)
  • understanding and expressing obligation and permission using the modal verbs müssen and dürfen, such as in descriptions of school rules, for example, Wir dürfen in der Klasse nicht texten. Wir müssen eine Uniform tragen.
  • comparing the meaning of the modal verbs wollen, sollen, mögen and können with their English equivalents
  • making comparisons using simple structures such as Ich mag Erdbeeren lieber als Kiwis. Radfahren ist besser als Autofahren.
  • giving instructions to one or more peers, for example, Trink(t) mehr Wasser!
  • understanding and speaking about past events by adapting modelled sentences in the present perfect tense and using knowledge of common verbs in the simple past tense, for example, Ich habe heute meine Hausaufgaben nicht gemacht. Wir sind nach Bali geflogen. Früher konnte ich Klavier spielen.
  • noticing that some verbs can be combined with a separable or inseparable prefix which alters the meaning of the base verb, for example, Er kommt um 17.15 Uhr. Kommst du mit? Ich bekomme $50 zum Geburtstag.
  • describing frequency using adverbs and adverbial expressions such as oft, manchmal, jeden Tag, ab und zu and nie
  • understanding the meaning of the conjunctions dass and weil
  • understanding questions using warum and responding with a simple sentence, for example, Warum bist du müde? Ich habe heute Fuβball gespielt.
  • referring to a date, including the year, for an event such as a birth date, for example, Meine Oma ist am elften April 1956 geboren.
  • understanding and locating events in time, including the use of the 24-hour clock, prepositions such as nach and vor, and formulaic expressions such as früher, später, am Wochenende, in den Ferien
  • referring to quantities of people and things (including Meter, Kilometer; Quadratmeter, Quadratkilometer for length/height/distance and area) using cardinal numbers up to 10 000 including decimals, common fractions and negative numbers, for example, 85,5 Prozent haben ein Handy. Die Tagestemperatur liegt bei minus 8 Grad. Ich habe eine Halbschwester.
  • building metalanguage to comment on grammar and vocabulary (for example, Substantive/Nomen, Verben, Ordinalzahlen, Präpositionen, Fragewörter, groβ/klein schreiben), comparing with equivalent English terms

  VCDEU149 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 5 and 6 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCDEC175

  Convey ideas, information and views from multiple sources, using different modes of presentation to suit different audiences and to achieve different purposes

  Elaborations

  • using models of texts such as television news reports and social media to create original texts, and explaining how ideas and information are selected, structured and sequenced to achieve different purposes
  • creating a web page to provide information for young German-speaking job seekers in different regional and cultural contexts (Farmarbeit in Queensland, Kindermädchen im Outback, Küchenhilfe an der Ostküste), using formats such as databases, charts, maps and video clips
  • designing texts pitched to specific age or interest groups, making and explaining choices in relation to vocabulary, structure, and visual and cultural elements, for example, relationship advice for teens, tips for healthier living, local information for backpackers
  • summarising and presenting information related to topics or themes studied in other curriculum areas, using different modes of presentation to cater for different learning styles, for example, using charts, diagrams, recorded spoken commentary or demonstration to explain historical events, ecosystems or recycling

  VCDEC175 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Communicating | Informing

• German - F–10 Sequence: Levels 7 and 8 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 8, students use written and spoken German to interact with teachers, peers and others; to make decisions, solve problems and negotiate transactions; and to exchange and justify ideas, opinions and views. When interacting, they use both rehearsed and spontaneous language to...

  Level description | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8

• Languages | German: Learning in German

  German language learning

  German is an official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Belgium, Luxembourg and in South Tyrol in Italy. It is also used as an official regional or auxiliary language in a number of other countries in Europe, and in Namibia in Africa. As one of...

  Overview material | German

• VCDEC113

  Express aspects of self, such as family, school/class, age and language(s), noticing how these are part of one’s sense of identity

  Elaborations

  • identifying self as part of a family, class or peer group, and representing these relationships in a variety of ways, such as through drawing pictures or by adding captions to photos
  • describing what languages they know and are learning, for example, Ich kann Englisch und Arabisch. Ich lerne Deutsch
  • eliciting and giving personal information that signals identity within home and school contexts, including age and appearance, characteristics, class and school, for example, Ich bin sechseinhalb.; Ich habe braune Haare. Ich bin in Klasse 1F
  • investigating the question ‘Where do I belong at school?’ by analysing and describing various ways that schools identify different groups within a school, such as by class levels (Foundation to Year 6), different classroom teachers, different play areas, wearing of school uniform, or changing rights and responsibilities

  VCDEC113 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Foundation to Level 2 | Communicating | Reflecting

• Languages | German: Rationale and Aims

  Rationale

  Students acquire communication skills in German. They develop  understanding about the role of language and culture in communication. Their reflections on  language use and language learning are applied in other learning contexts.

  Learning languages broadens students’ horizons...

  Overview material | German

• 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

• VCDEU032

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

  Elaborations

  • understanding that the level of formality in a text may be decreased by using some contractions and slang, for example, in an informal conversation or email, or increased by applying key features such as appropriate layout and structure, formal register and subordinate clauses, for example, in a job application letter
  • analysing differences in register and style when using language in different contexts, for example, watching video clips showing introductions, greetings and farewells in different situations, or noticing the use of youth language in songs, graffiti and text messages
  • interpreting, explaining and using 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
  • identifying key differences in regional dialects and accents
  • analysing linguistic choices in situations of potential conflict involving an apology and acceptance of an apology (complaining about poor service or faulty goods, or apologising for forgetting someone’s birthday), or dealing with a contentious issue and expressing agreement and disagreement in different ways, for example, Ich bin nicht damit einverstanden;. Das stimmt nicht ganz.; Spinnst du?

  VCDEU032 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 9 and 10 | Understanding | Language variation and change

• German - 7–10 Sequence: Levels 7 and 8 achievement standards

  By the end of Level 8, students share information about their personal worlds, including personal details, family, friends, interests, likes, dislikes and preferences. They interact with others to carry out transactions, participate in class routines and socialise. They use modelled language and...

  Level description | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8

• 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

• VCDEC163

  Participate in intercultural experiences, demonstrating awareness of the importance of shared understanding, and reflecting on adjustments made as a result of reactions and responses

  Elaborations

  • participating in cultural experiences, such as eating at a Swiss restaurant/café in Australia, watching a German soccer match or Austrian skiing competition, or listening to a pop group performance on Radio Liechtenstein, and reflecting on cultural similarities and differences that are manifested through language
  • reflecting on how some personal or community ideas and actions in the Australian context may be perceived by German speakers, for example, being able to go camping all year round or taking into account the vastness of Australia when planning a holiday, and discussing possible implications
  • observing and recording aspects of language (such as register and use of the imperative) and cultural behaviour that need to be modified when communicating in German, depending on audience and social context
  • reflecting on and explaining which aspects of culture and language use can be comfortably adopted and where adjustments should be made, such as the use of Sie and titles (Herr Dr. Meier), wearing of Hausschuhe, placing payment and receiving change on a tray rather than in the hand in a shop
  • providing advice for others in intercultural situations where it is difficult to make oneself understood clearly or to understand the other speaker

  VCDEC163 | Languages | German | F–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCDEU012

  Recognise and use key features of the German sound system, including pronunciation, rhythm, stress and intonation, and identify main similarities and differences between the phonological and orthographic systems of English and German

  Elaborations

  • noticing and imitating German sounds, and developing awareness of letter–sound relationships, including distinctive sounds such as those represented by the letters ch, r, th, u and z; consonant blends and clusters such as sch; short and long vowel sounds and diphthongs such as au, ei, eu and ie; the impact of the Umlaut on a, o and u; and ß
  • applying German capitalisation rules to nouns and noticing that the capitalisation of the formal ‘you’ form Sie distinguishes it from sie (she/they)
  • understanding that β can only be used in lower case, otherwise SS, and that ä, ö and ü can be written as ae, oe and ue respectively, for example, in upper case signs or word puzzles such as crosswords
  • understanding the meaning and use of full stops and commas in German ordinal or decimal numbers, for example, die 8. Klasse; 9,50 Euro; 15.30 Uhr
  • learning to pronounce the German alphabet by singing das Alphabetlied, and using the German alphabet for spelling out names and other words
  • practising pronunciation of particular sounds and rhythms by saying tongue twisters, rhymes and short poems
  • recognising differences in intonation and rhythm between statements, questions and commands

  VCDEU012 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language

• VCDEC010

  Engage with German speakers and texts, noticing how interactions involve culture as well as language

  Elaborations

  • reflecting on choices made when using German to interact with others, considering the relationship between language, culture and behaviour, for example, the use of family names with titles (Guten Tag, Frau Stein) and formal/informal register (du/ihr/Sie), and comparing these with English and other known languages
  • observing interactions between German speakers in different contexts, noticing and recording elements that reflect cultural attitudes or behaviours, such as language associated with politeness or emotion (bitte schön; Entschuldigung; Wie schön!; Du bist gemein!), gift-giving customs, or ways of showing collective appreciation or approval, for example, applauding by rapping on surface
  • participating in cultural experiences, such as eating at a German/Swiss/Austrian restaurant or café in Australia or watching a German music performance, soccer match or skiing competition, and reflecting on cultural similarities and differences that are manifested through language
  • reflecting on how some personal or community ideas and actions in the Australian context may be perceived by German speakers, for example, being able to go camping all year round, or taking into account the vastness of Australia when planning a holiday, and discussing possible implications
  • comparing the use and cultural significance of gestures and body language in German and other languages and selecting those that can be easily incorporated into own interactions when communicating in German, for example, shaking hands as a common greeting, not putting hands in pockets while talking with someone (as this may be considered rude), and maintaining eye contact

  VCDEC010 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Communicating | Reflecting

• VCDEU013

  Develop knowledge of elements of the German grammatical system, including gender and number, nominative and accusative cases, present tense of regular and some irregular verbs, personal pronouns, possessive adjectives and word order, to describe people, objects, actions, events and relationships

  Elaborations

  • understanding that German has multiple words for ‘the’ and ‘a/an’ according to the gender of the relevant noun, and noticing that the articles for masculine nouns sometimes change (nominative to accusative), for example, Die Frau hat einen BMW.; Der Film hat ein Happy End
  • comparing pluralisation of nouns in German and English, for example, die for plural nouns
  • using post-nominal (predicative) adjectives, for example, Unsere Deutschlehrerin ist intelligent.; Die Berge in Österreich sind sehr schön.; Meine Augen sind blau.
  • noticing the relationship between gender, article, adjective and case when using pre-nominal (attributive) adjectives to describe people, objects, places and events, for example, Ich habe einen kleinen Bruder.
  • noticing that as well as the articles (for masculine nouns), some pronouns change after certain verbs (accusative direct object), for example, Wir sehen heute den Film.; Es gibt einen neuen Schüler in Klasse 8A.; Ich mag dich.
  • noticing that articles and pronouns change after particular prepositions (dative), such as those associated with location and destination, for example, Wir sind in der Stadt.; Die Party ist im Garten.; Wie kommst du zur Schule?
  • using common prepositional phrases formulaically, for example, nach Hause, zu Hause
  • using personal pronouns to refer to people and things, for example, Was kostet die App? Sie kostet… .
  • understanding the three German pronouns for ‘you’ (du/ihr/Sie) and when to use them
  • expressing a relationship to a person or object using some possessive adjectives in the nominative and accusative case, for example, Seine Familie kommt aus Afrika.; Ich liebe meinen Hund .
  • recognising that in German a subject + verb can have multiple English translations, for example, wir spielen can mean ‘we play’, ‘we are playing’, ‘we do play’, ‘we shall/will play’ and ‘we’re going to play’, and applying this understanding when formulating own German sentences
  • understanding the concept of regular and irregular verbs (spielen and lesen) and noticing that this is a feature of both German and English (and other languages, such as French, Italian and Spanish)
  • conjugating the present tense of regular verbs and some common irregular verbs, including sein and haben
  • understanding structures to express likes, dislikes and preferences, for example, Ich mag Tennis. Ich spiele nicht gern Fuβball. Ich spiele lieber Kricket.
  • using common modal verbs such as können to describe capabilities (Ich kann gut schwimmen., and Ich möchte and Darf ich… ?) or to make polite requests
  • gaining awareness of a limited number of routine past tense expressions including some with war and hatte and the present perfect, for example, Sabine war gestern krank. Das hat Spaβ gemacht. Habt ihr ein schönes Wochenende gehabt?
  • negating verbs and adjectives using nicht and nouns using kein/e, for example, Nein, Marcus hat keine Geschwister.
  • describing frequency using adverbs and adverbial expressions such as oft, manchmal, jeden Tag, ab und zu, nie
  • understanding the subject-verb-object (SVO) word order, for example, Ich spiele Basketball., and the need for subject-verb inversion to keep the verb as the second idea/element in the sentence, for example, Heute Abend spiele ich Basketball.
  • joining words, phrases and sentences using the coordinating conjunctions und, oder, aber
  • understanding how to form a question, using subject-verb inversion, for example, Hast du Geschwister? and with interrogatives such as wann, was, wer, wie, wie viel, wie viele, wo, woher, warum, welche(-r/s/n) and wohin
  • locating people, places and objects using adverbs such as rechts, links, oben, unten, hier, dort
  • using ordinal numbers to give the date or a birthday, for example, Heute ist der erste Ma.i; Seine Mutter hat am 22. April Geburtstag.
  • understanding and locating events in time (days, months, seasons), including the use of the 24-hour clock, prepositions such as nach and vor, and adverbs and formulaic expressions such as heute, vorgestern, früher, später, am Wochenende, in den Ferien
  • referring to quantities of people and things, including money, using cardinal numbers up to a billion, as well as decimals, common fractions and negative numbers, for example, Deutschland hat 81,9 Millionen Einwohner.; Die Tagestemperatur liegt bei minus 3 Grad.; Ich habe eine Halbschwester.
  • building metalanguage to comment on grammar and vocabulary (for example, Nomen, Verben, Zahlen, Fragewörter, groβ/klein schreiben), comparing with equivalent English terms

  VCDEU013 | Languages | German | 7–10 Sequence | Levels 7 and 8 | Understanding | Systems of language