Course Full Title: A Level German
Exam Board: AQA
Specification Code: 7662
Why study a language?
Thinking about your options for next year? Studying a language at A Level opens doors to exciting opportunities — and it’s more than just learning vocabulary and grammar. Here at Oriel, our language courses are about exploring new cultures, sharing ideas, and gaining skills that will last a lifetime. You are effectively studying a humanities subject – just in another language!
In our lessons, you won’t just sit and listen — you’ll take part in debates, discuss current events, watch films, read articles, and even create your own presentations. You will learn to express opinions confidently, analyse complex ideas, and think critically — all through another language. Lessons are interactive and challenging, but also fun and engaging.
Teachers expect commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks with your language. Regular practice, homework, and class participation are key to success. In return, you’ll develop skills that go far beyond the classroom: problem-solving, resilience, and strong communication — all qualities that universities and employers love.
Whether you dream of a career in business, law, medicine, travel, politics, journalism, or the arts, studying a language will give you a head start. At Oriel, we’ll support you every step of the way, helping you become confident, capable, and ready for the global world.
Why study German?
German is the most widely spoken native language in Europe and the language of one of the world’s leading economies. Studying German at A Level gives you the opportunity to develop advanced communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the culture, history and contemporary issues of the German-speaking world.
Learning German is about much more than language. It develops resilience, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and cultural awareness. Universities and employers highly value language students because they can communicate effectively, think critically and adapt to different situations. German combines particularly well with subjects such as Business, Economics, Politics, History, Engineering and Science.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein
What will I study?
A Level German builds upon the foundations established at GCSE and explores modern German society, culture and politics through authentic texts, films, media and discussion.
- The changing nature of family life
- Youth culture and digital media
- Artistic and cultural life in German-speaking countries
- Immigration and multicultural society
- German reunification and modern German history
- Politics and social issues
Students will also study:
- Film: Almanya
- Literary text: Der Besuch der alten Dame
Throughout the course, you will develop advanced listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, enabling you to express sophisticated ideas and opinions in German. In Year 13, you will complete an independent research project on a topic linked to the German-speaking world that reflects your own interests.
What makes a successful German student?
Successful linguists are curious, open-minded and interested in the wider world. They enjoy communicating, exploring different viewpoints and learning about other cultures.
You should be willing to use German actively in lessons, practise vocabulary independently and engage with authentic materials such as articles, films and podcasts. Organisation, perseverance and a positive attitude are important, but enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge yourself are often the key ingredients for success.
Where could the study of German take me?
German is a highly respected qualification that can open doors to a wide range of university courses and careers.
Students often combine German with subjects such as:
- Business Management
- Economics
- Engineering
- International Relations
- Politics
- History
- Law
Language graduates are highly sought after in areas including international business, finance, engineering, diplomacy, marketing, government services, teaching, translation and journalism. Germany remains one of the UK’s most important trading partners, and the ability to communicate in German can provide a significant advantage when competing for university places, apprenticeships and employment opportunities. Studying German can also create opportunities for international travel, study abroad programmes and careers that involve working across different countries and cultures.
How will I be assessed?
- Paper 1: Listening, Reading & Writing – 50%
- Paper 2: Writing on film and Literature – 20%
- Paper 3: Speaking exam – 30%
What are the entrance requirements?
- Grade 6 or above in German.
- 5 or more grades 5-9; including equivalents across at least 5 subjects
- Maths and English Language Grade 4 or above
- Average GCSE GRADE of at least 4.0 (average of ALL GCSE full courses taken)