SACE Stage 2 German (continuers) key terms

A fixed group of words whose overall meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, such as an idiom. Recognising these helps you understand informal spoken and written German.

The everyday, informal language people use in conversation with friends and family, differing from formal written German. It includes slang, contractions and casual expressions you may meet in dialogues and messages.

A regional variety of German spoken in a particular area, with its own pronunciation, vocabulary and sometimes grammar. Standard German is used in formal writing, but dialects appear in interviews and local contexts.

Standard German, the regulated form used in schools, news and formal writing across German-speaking countries. It provides a common written standard even where regional dialects are spoken.

The polite way of addressing someone using 'Sie' with the matching verb forms, used with strangers, adults and in formal situations. Choosing correctly between 'du' and 'Sie' signals social awareness.

Addressing someone with the informal 'du' instead of 'Sie'. It is common among friends, family, students and often online, but using it inappropriately can seem rude to adults.

The words used to address someone directly in speech or writing, such as a name, title or pronoun. Correct forms matter in letters and emails, for example 'Sehr geehrte Frau...' versus 'Liebe...'.

A connecting word that joins words, phrases or clauses, such as 'und', 'aber', 'weil' or 'obwohl'. Knowing whether a conjunction sends the verb to the end affects word order.

The word order in a subordinate clause, where the conjugated verb moves to the end, as in '...weil ich müde bin'. Getting this right is essential for accurate complex sentences in writing and speech.

The arrangement of subject, verb and objects in a sentence. German main clauses put the verb in second position, which affects how you build clear and correct sentences.

The past participle form used to build perfect tenses and the passive voice, for example 'gespielt' or 'gegessen'. You need it to talk about past events in conversation and writing.

The compound past tense formed with 'haben' or 'sein' plus the past participle, used mainly in spoken German to describe completed past actions. It is central to recounting experiences.

The simple past tense, formed by changing the verb itself, as in 'ich ging' or 'er sagte'. It is common in written stories, reports and news texts rather than everyday speech.

A construction where the focus is on the action rather than who performs it, formed with 'werden' plus the past participle, as in 'Das Haus wird gebaut'. It is frequent in reports and formal texts.

The form used for hypothetical situations, wishes and polite requests, as in 'Ich würde gern...' or 'Wenn ich Zeit hätte...'. It lets you express possibility and courtesy in discussion and writing.

A noun, a word naming a person, place, thing or idea. In German all nouns are capitalised, which helps you spot them and identify grammatical gender in a text.

The grammatical gender of a noun: masculine, feminine or neuter. Gender affects articles and adjective endings, so learning each noun with its article prevents many errors.

A word placed before a noun showing gender, number and case, such as 'der', 'die', 'das' or 'ein'. Correct article choice is fundamental to accurate German sentences.

The grammatical case of a noun phrase: nominative, accusative, genitive or dative. Case shows the role a word plays in a sentence and controls article and adjective forms.

A small word such as 'in', 'auf', 'mit' or 'für' that links a noun to the rest of the sentence and often fixes which case follows. Prepositions are key to accurate expression.

A preposition like 'in', 'an' or 'auf' that takes the accusative for movement towards a place and the dative for position or location. Choosing the right case changes the meaning.

The order of words in a sentence. In German main clauses the verb stays in second position, so if a phrase starts the sentence the subject moves after the verb.

The correct spelling of words, including rules for capitalisation, double consonants and the sharp s. Accurate spelling matters in written tasks and reflects careful editing of your work.

The process of checking and correcting your own written work for grammar, spelling and expression. Allowing time to revise drafts improves accuracy and clarity before submission.

A structured piece of writing on a topic, usually with an introduction, organised body paragraphs and a conclusion. It tests your ability to develop and support ideas in German.

A discursive essay that presents arguments for and against a question before reaching a reasoned conclusion. It requires linking words, examples and balanced discussion of different viewpoints.

A piece of writing or speech giving your personal opinion on an issue, supported by reasons and examples. It often appears in response to a text or a discussion prompt.

A personal view or belief about something. Expressing it clearly with phrases like 'Meiner Meinung nach' is a core skill in discussion and in opinion-based writing tasks.

A spoken exchange in which people share and respond to different views on a topic. Useful skills include taking turns, agreeing, disagreeing politely and asking follow-up questions.

An agreement reached when people accept less than they originally wanted so that a solution suits everyone. The word often appears in discussions about cooperation and negotiation.

An arrangement or agreement made between people, such as fixing a time to meet or settling terms. Recognising these in dialogues helps you follow practical everyday situations.

A plan to meet someone socially at a certain time and place. Dialogues about making, changing or cancelling plans test your grasp of everyday interactional language.

An invitation asking someone to an event or occasion, either spoken or written. Understanding and writing invitations involves dates, times, places and polite acceptances or refusals.

A non-fiction text that conveys information, such as a news report, article or notice. Reading these requires identifying main ideas, facts and the writer's purpose.

The category or genre a text belongs to, such as a letter, report, interview or advertisement. Recognising the type helps you predict structure, tone and likely vocabulary.

A narrative text that tells a story, often using past tenses and descriptive language. Following plot, characters and sequence of events is central to understanding such texts.

The surrounding words, sentences or situation that help you work out the meaning of unfamiliar language. Using context is a key strategy when reading authentic German texts.

The central message or main point that a text or speaker communicates. Identifying it quickly is essential when summarising or answering comprehension questions.