German Language Sequence – Grades 9–12
Course Overview
Summit's German language program is a four-year sequence designed to cultivate advanced proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while fostering global awareness and academic fluency. The curriculum progresses through CEFR levels A1 to C1, aligning with ACTFL standards and culminating in the AP German Language & Culture course. Instruction is immersive, intellectually challenging, and aligned with authentic German-language sources.
By the end of the program, students are fully prepared to meet C1-level standards of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is the threshold required for direct admission to German universities. Students who complete this sequence will be equipped to sit for official language certification exams such as the Goethe-Zertifikat C1, TestDaF, or DSH, all of which satisfy the language requirements for undergraduate study in Germany. Our program guarantees deep preparation not only for academic language mastery but also for active participation in university seminars, research projects, and public discourse in German-speaking environments.
Course Progression
| Grade | Course | Focus Areas | Target Proficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | German 1 |
Foundational vocabulary, present tense, greetings, school life, family Introduction to German-speaking countries and cultural norms |
ACTFL Novice High / CEFR A1–A2 |
| Grade 10 | German 2 |
Past tense, modal verbs, travel, food, routines, customs Applied communication in everyday and travel settings |
ACTFL Intermediate Low / CEFR A2–B1 |
| Grade 11 | German 3 Honors |
Subjunctive mood, case system, complex sentences, media & environment Regional variation, German history and identity topics |
ACTFL Intermediate Mid / CEFR B1 |
| Grade 12 | German 4 Honors |
Advanced grammar review, idiomatic expressions, literature and global issues Academic writing and formal speaking tasks |
ACTFL Intermediate High / CEFR B2 |
| Grade 12 | AP German Language & Culture |
College Board AP-aligned course with focus on all communicative modes Six AP themes, exam strategies, and authentic source analysis |
ACTFL Advanced Low / CEFR B2–C1 |
Instructional Methods
Summit’s German curriculum uses an immersive, task-based approach grounded in real-world communication. Classes are conducted primarily in German and emphasize fluency through interaction with authentic materials including newspaper articles, podcasts, short films, essays, and academic documents. Instruction includes guided debates, research projects, grammar-intensive workshops, and preparation for AP and CEFR-aligned certification exams.
Assessment & Grading
| Assessment Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Speaking & Listening Tasks | 30% |
| Reading & Writing Assignments | 25% |
| Vocabulary & Grammar Quizzes | 15% |
| Cultural Projects | 15% |
| Participation & Homework | 15% |
Academic Vocabulary & Key Concepts
| Category | Key Terms | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar Structures | Cases, subjunctive, passive voice, adjective endings, word order | Used in essays, oral presentations, and certification preparation |
| Thematic Units | Politics, education, environment, technology, social change | Explored through media analysis, research tasks, and debates |
| Exam Readiness | Goethe-Zertifikat C1, TestDaF, DSH, AP German | Preparation embedded in tasks from German 3 onward |