Our German language program offers a comprehensive, developmentally-appropriate path to fluency for students from kindergarten through high school. Grounded in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and aligned with the German government’s Deutsches Sprachdiplom (German Language Diploma) and the College Board’s AP German Language and Culture Exam, it fosters both academic achievement and authentic communication skills.

Students progress through a carefully designed sequence that gradually builds proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Each stage of the curriculum is tailored to the cognitive and linguistic development of learners, ensuring engagement, confidence, and deep cultural understanding along the way. All of our courses integrate the culture, traditions, and geography of German speaking countries as is age appropriate. The program is organized into four major learning bands:

Kindergarten – Level 1: Early Exposure and Oral Foundation

• Focus: Immersive and playful introduction to German
• Skills Developed: Listening and speaking, early phonemic awareness, classroom routines in German
• Methods: Songs, storytelling, games, movement, and guided repetition
• Goal: Build comfort with the sounds of the language and basic communication
• CEFR Alignment: Pre-A1 skills; foundational work toward A1.1

Levels 2–4: Building Basics and Early Literacy

• Focus: Structured language learning with growing attention to reading and writing
• Skills Developed: Short sentence formation, basic reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion
• Methods: Interactive lessons, role-play, textbook navigation, and sentence writing
• Topics: Family, school, animals, daily routines, colors, numbers
• Grammar: Pronouns, simple verbs, word order, articles, question words
• CEFR Alignment: A1
• Testing: Level 4: Internationale schulische Vergleichsarbeit (A1 exam)

Levels 5–8: Expanding Independent Communication

• Focus: Strengthening reading and listening comprehension; increasing independence in speaking and writing
• Skills Developed: Paragraph writing, understanding detailed spoken German, interactive communication
• Methods: Age-appropriate reading, written compositions, guided discussions
• Topics: Travel, weather, holidays, feelings, technology, daily habits
• Grammar: Past tense (Perfekt), adjective endings, modal/separable verbs, complex sentence structures (weil, dass)
• CEFR Alignment: A2–B1
• Testing: 
  • Level 6: Internationale schulische Vergleichsarbeit (A2 exam)
  • Levels 6-8: National German Exam

Levels 9–12: Mastery, Fluency, and Academic Precision

• Focus: High-level comprehension, academic and professional language use
• Skills Developed: Essay writing, debate, advanced grammar, analytical reading and listening
• Methods: Literary texts, news articles, formal presentations, structured argumentation
• Topics: Media, global issues, culture, politics, environment
• Grammar: Passive voice, relative clauses, Konjunktiv I & II, nominalization
• CEFR Alignment: B2–C1
• Testing:
  • Levels 9/10: DSD I (B1 exam)
  • Level 11: AP German Language & Culture Exam
  • Level 12: DSD II (C1 exam)
  • Levels 9-12: National German Exam

Course Descriptions

Kindergarten

This playful and immersive German course is designed especially for young learners in kindergarten (at least 5 years old). Through songs, movement, storytelling, and hands-on activities, children are gently introduced to the sounds and rhythms of the German language. They learn to understand and say basic words and phrases—such as greetings, numbers, colors, animals, and feelings—in a relaxed and supportive environment. The course introduces language through familiar themes like family, classroom objects, and daily routines, helping children express themselves and interact with their world. Basic classroom language—like following instructions, asking politely, and responding to simple questions—is used regularly, reinforcing both language skills and classroom habits. The focus is on listening and speaking through fun routines and repetition, helping children build confidence and curiosity in using a new language. Cultural moments, like German songs, holidays, and customs, are gently woven into lessons to build global awareness. Students begin using a simple, engaging textbook to follow along with stories, songs, and activities—learning not only language but also how to engage with a textbook in a fun and age-appropriate way. This course lays the foundation for future German learning by developing early language awareness, social-emotional skills, and a love of communication.

Level 1

In this engaging continuation course, children further develop their listening and speaking skills while beginning to recognize and read simple German words. Through songs, movement, games, role-play, and hands-on activities, students expand their everyday vocabulary and phrases—covering themes such as family, weather, classroom objects, clothing, food, and daily routines. They begin forming short sentences and responding to basic questions in German, gradually using more structured patterns. Basic social phrases and polite expressions are practiced regularly in classroom routines and dialogues. Students are also introduced to early literacy skills, including letter recognition, phonics, and simple reading and writing tasks—laying the groundwork for more formal learning in later levels. Cultural elements like seasonal songs, simple traditions, and German-speaking customs are woven into lessons, helping students connect language with the world around them. The course continues to build confidence and joy in communication, while gently guiding students toward A1.1-level readiness. Students continue working with a playful and supportive textbook, learning how to follow simple instructions, complete matching and labeling tasks, and use visuals to support comprehension—building the foundation for future independent textbook use.

Level 2

This beginner course is the first step into structured German learning for young students. Children are introduced to the basics of the language through interactive lessons using songs, games, and age-appropriate materials. They’ll begin to develop early reading and listening skills with simple texts and slow, clear speech. Speaking and writing activities will focus on using short, familiar phrases and forming basic sentences about themselves and their surroundings. In this first part of A1.1, students also learn how to navigate a German textbook, follow classroom instructions in German, and build language-learning routines. Vocabulary will cover everyday topics like family, numbers, colors, and animals, while grammar will focus on essentials such as pronouns, simple verbs, and basic sentence structure. This course lays the groundwork for continued learning in Level 3.

Level 3

In this second part of the A1.1 course, students reinforce and build on the skills introduced in Part 1 to gain greater confidence and accuracy in their German. Reading and listening tasks become slightly more detailed, helping students better understand familiar texts and conversations. Writing practice focuses on expanding sentences and organizing basic information, while speaking activities help learners use full sentences and respond more naturally in simple dialogues. Students deepen their vocabulary in topics like school, daily routines, and hobbies, and continue learning key grammar points such as verb conjugation, articles, question words, and word order. This course is designed to strengthen understanding and help students achieve mastery of foundational German skills, preparing them for the next level of language learning.

Level 4

Level 4 is an A1.2 German course that continues to build on your child’s early foundation in the language. Students will learn to read slightly longer texts, such as simple stories or short descriptions, and understand main ideas in spoken German when it’s spoken clearly and slowly. They’ll practice writing short messages and descriptions about familiar topics like hobbies, school, and family. Speaking activities will help them ask and answer simple questions and express themselves in everyday situations. Vocabulary development will focus on expanding words related to common topics, while grammar will include regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, word order, and forming simple questions and negations. The course continues to offer a playful, supportive environment while gradually increasing challenge and confidence. Students will also take the Internationale schulische Vergleichsarbeit Level A1 offered by the German government to confirm that they are at the A1 level.

Level 5

Level 5 covers the  A2.1 level, children begin to understand and use German more independently. They will read short, structured texts like personal letters and simple informational passages. Listening activities will help them catch key details in short conversations or instructions spoken at a moderate pace. In writing, they’ll learn to create connected sentences to describe daily routines and familiar topics. Spoken communication will include short exchanges, such as ordering food or talking about their day. Students will grow their vocabulary around school, weather, travel, and daily habits, while grammar lessons will introduce the past tense (Perfekt), adjective endings, and more complex sentence patterns. The course encourages language growth through age-appropriate practice and games. Students in this class may retake the Internationale schulische Vergleichsarbeit Level A1 offered by the German government if needed.

Level 6

Level 6 is an A2.2 course that helps young learners become more comfortable using German in everyday contexts. Students will read slightly longer texts, such as diary entries or simple articles, and improve their listening skills through short stories and conversations. Writing practice will focus on expressing ideas in short paragraphs, while speaking activities will encourage greater fluency in common social situations, such as giving directions or discussing favorite activities. Vocabulary will continue to expand, including topics like holidays, technology, and feelings. Grammar will include separable verbs, modal verbs, and sentence structure with connectors like weil and dass. The course builds both accuracy and confidence as students prepare for more independent language use. Students will also take the Internationale schulische Vergleichsarbeit Level A2 offered by the German government to confirm that they are at the A2 level (starting spring 2027).

Level 7/8

Level 7/8 is a two-year B1 German course that supports students as they transition from guided language use to more independent communication. Over the two years, students will learn to understand and interact with a wider range of everyday and academic topics in both written and spoken German. Reading materials will include short stories, informational texts, and simple newspaper articles, helping students identify main ideas, details, and the author’s intent. Listening activities will involve real-life conversations, short interviews, and announcements spoken at a natural pace. Writing tasks will focus on organizing ideas clearly in short essays, emails, and personal narratives, while speaking activities will encourage students to share opinions, talk about experiences, and engage in simple discussions. Vocabulary expansion will cover topics such as travel, media, social issues, and personal interests. Grammar instruction will include mastering verb tenses, modal verbs, reflexive constructions, and connectors for more complex sentence formation. By the end of the sequence, students will be able to express themselves clearly in familiar situations, both socially and academically, and will be prepared to move into more advanced language use at the B2 level. Students in this class may retake the Internationale schulische Vergleichsarbeit Level A2 offered by the German government if needed.

Level 9/10

Level 9/10 is a two-year B2 German course is designed for students who are ready to use the language independently and with growing confidence in both academic and real-world settings. Over the course of two years, students will engage with a wide variety of texts—short stories, articles, opinion pieces, and literary excerpts—to strengthen their reading comprehension and interpretive skills. Listening activities will focus on understanding spoken German at natural speed, including conversations, interviews, and presentations, even on unfamiliar or abstract topics. Writing assignments will guide students in creating well-structured, detailed texts such as essays, reviews, and reports, with attention to coherence, tone, and purpose. Speaking practice will include group discussions, debates, and presentations, helping students express complex ideas, support their opinions, and respond thoughtfully to others. Throughout the sequence, students will broaden their vocabulary in areas like media, culture, the environment, and current events, and refine their grammar with advanced structures such as passive voice, relative clauses, and Konjunktiv II. In addition to learning new vocabulary and grammar, students review complete a review of basic German grammar to fill in any missing gaps. By the end of the two-year sequence, students will be able to communicate clearly and fluently in a range of contexts, preparing them for academic study, international exams, or real-world use of German at a high level. Students will take the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (German Language Diploma) Level 1 offered by the German government to confirm that they are at the B1 level in Level 9 with the option to retake it in Level 10.

Level 11/12

Level 11/12 is a two-year C1 German course designed for advanced learners who want to reach a high level of fluency and precision in both academic and professional contexts. Over the two years, students will engage with a wide range of challenging texts, including essays, literary works, academic articles, and editorial pieces. They will practice analyzing tone, argumentation, and nuance in reading and listening tasks, which may include lectures, interviews, and complex discussions. In writing, students will focus on crafting detailed, well-organized texts such as formal reports, argumentative essays, and responses to academic prompts. Speaking practice will include structured debates, oral presentations, and group discussions where students are encouraged to express subtle opinions and respond thoughtfully to others. Vocabulary development will span a range of academic, professional, and cultural topics, while grammar instruction will focus on precision, register, and stylistic flexibility—covering structures like Konjunktiv I und II, nominalization, and embedded clauses. By the end of this two-year sequence, students will be able to communicate naturally, effectively, and persuasively in complex situations, and will be fully prepared for university-level study, international certification exams, or professional use of the German language. Students will take the College Boards AP German Language and Culture Exam in the spring of Level 11 and the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (German Language Diploma) Level 2 offered by the German government to confirm that they are at the C1 level in the fall of Level 12.