HSC German Continuers key terms

A formal written application for a job, apprenticeship, or university place, usually including a cover letter and a curriculum vitae. Candidates often discuss writing one in the personal world topic.

A structured summary of a person's education, work history, and skills, sent with a job application. In German-speaking countries it is often presented in table form and can include a photo.

A face-to-face meeting where an employer asks a candidate about their skills and experience before deciding whether to offer a position. Often discussed alongside applications and career plans.

Structured training that prepares someone for a trade or profession, especially the German dual system combining workplace training with vocational school. It differs from purely academic study at university.

The final secondary-school examination in Germany that qualifies students for university entrance. Its results and subject choices are common topics in texts about education and future plans.

Study at a university or technical college leading to an academic degree. Students talk about choosing a subject, moving away from home, and financing their studies.

An apprenticeship, especially in Austrian and Swiss usage, where a young person learns a trade on the job and at vocational school. Related to the German term Ausbildung.

The occupation or profession a person trains for and practises, forming part of identity and daily routine. Texts often compare dream jobs with realistic career options.

Time free from work or school that people use for hobbies, sport, friends, or rest. A frequent theme when comparing lifestyles and describing personal interests.

An organised club or association, for example for sport, music, or volunteering, which members join and pay dues to. Club life is central to German social and community culture.

Unpaid voluntary work done for the community, such as helping at a sports club, fire brigade, or charity. It is widely valued and often discussed in texts about social responsibility.

A group of people connected by shared place, interests, or values, such as a neighbourhood or school community. Used when discussing belonging, integration, and social cohesion.

The process by which newcomers, such as migrants, become full participants in a society through language, work, and social contact. A recurring theme in texts about migration and multicultural life.

The movement of people into a country to live there, often permanently. Related texts discuss reasons for migrating, government policy, and effects on the host society.

The legal status of belonging to a particular country, granting rights such as voting and holding a passport. Rules for obtaining it vary and are often debated in migration discussions.

A regional variety of a language with its own pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, such as Bavarian or Swiss German. Regional speech is discussed when exploring German-speaking identity.

Another word for a local dialect, often used in southern German-speaking regions. Texts about traditions and regional culture may mention it alongside standard German.

The official or main language of a country. In Switzerland and Austria this raises questions about German, French, Italian, and Romansh, and about how language relates to national identity.

A custom or practice passed down through generations, such as festivals, food, or dress. Frequently compared with modern life in texts about cultural identity and change.

A customary practice followed by a community, often tied to seasons, religion, or local history. Similar to tradition but usually refers to a specific customary act.

A celebration or festival, whether religious, seasonal, or local, such as Christmas markets or carnival. Texts often describe customs, food, and community participation.

Long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, largely driven by human greenhouse-gas emissions. A central issue in texts about environment, energy, and future responsibility.

The principle of using resources so that future generations are not disadvantaged, applied to environment, economy, and lifestyle. Often discussed in relation to consumption and transport choices.

Actions and policies aimed at protecting the natural environment from harm such as pollution and habitat loss. Texts may describe recycling rules, protests, or government measures.

Energy from sources that naturally replenish, such as wind, sun, water, and biomass. Germany's energy transition is a common topic linking technology, policy, and public opinion.

The growing interconnection of economies, cultures, and communication worldwide. Texts debate its benefits for trade and travel against pressures on local jobs and traditions.

The increasing use of digital technology in work, education, and daily life. Discussions cover convenience and access alongside privacy, screen time, and effects on jobs.

Computer systems that perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as language processing or pattern recognition. Often debated in texts about schools, jobs, and ethics.

The tools, machines, and systems developed through scientific knowledge. Used broadly when describing innovations and their effects on society and communication.

Online platforms where users share content and interact, such as networks for photos, videos, and messages. Frequently discussed regarding identity, peer pressure, and misinformation.

The right to express opinions without censorship or punishment. Texts may examine its limits, especially online, and how it is protected in German law.

A system of government in which power comes from the people, usually through elections and representative institutions. Relevant to texts on politics, voting, and civic participation.

A process in which people vote to choose representatives or decide an issue. Texts may discuss voting age, election campaigns, and reasons for low turnout.

The main point or central message that a speaker or writer wants to convey. Identifying it is a key reading and listening skill when answering comprehension questions.

The purpose or intention behind a text or statement, such as to persuade, inform, warn, or entertain. Recognising it helps candidates interpret tone and choose the best answer.

The attitude or mood conveyed by language, for example humorous, ironic, critical, or sympathetic. Noticing tone supports inference questions in reading and listening tasks.

A short account of the main points of a text or recording, written in the candidate's own words. It tests comprehension and the ability to select relevant information.

Brief notes in keyword form rather than full sentences, often used to plan a written response or to record key details while listening. Useful for organising answers before writing.

A structured piece of writing that presents and supports ideas in paragraphs, with an introduction and conclusion. A common format for extended writing tasks in the examination.

A fixed expression whose meaning is not obvious from the individual words, such as an idiom. Using a few appropriately can improve the naturalness of written and spoken German.

The range of words a learner knows and can use. A varied vocabulary, including topic-specific terms, supports both comprehension and higher marks in productive tasks.

The way words are pronounced, including sounds, stress, and intonation. Clear pronunciation matters in the speaking assessment and in understanding recorded speech.

A spoken exchange between two or more people, such as an interview or discussion. Speaking tasks assess the ability to maintain one, ask questions, and respond appropriately.

A person's view or judgement on a topic, which candidates are expected to state and justify with reasons and examples in speaking and writing.

A particular position or perspective on an issue. Recognising different standpoints helps candidates compare viewpoints in texts and present their own coherently.