WACE German Second Language cheat sheet

In WACE German Second Language Listening, tasks typically include short answer questions, multiple choice, and note completion; answers must be in German unless the instructions specify English.

Key listening strategies: predict content from the question, listen for gist first, then for detail; pay attention to numbers, times, dates, and negation words (nicht, kein, nie).

Common distractors: speakers may correct themselves (e.g., 'eigentlich', 'ach nein'), so the final statement is usually the correct answer.

German numbers: 'zwei' vs 'zwölf' vs 'zwanzig' can be confused; practice distinguishing -zehn (13-19) and -zig (20-90) endings.

Formal vs informal address: 'Sie' vs 'du' signals the relationship; listening for this helps answer questions about who is speaking to whom.

Time expressions: 'halb acht' = 7:30 (half to eight), 'Viertel nach' = quarter past, 'Viertel vor' = quarter to; these are frequently tested.

Note completion: write only the key words; do not attempt full sentences; check spelling of German words as marks may be deducted for inaccurate spelling.

Listen for discourse markers: 'zuerst', 'dann', 'danach', 'zum Schluss' indicate sequence; 'aber', 'jedoch' signal contrast; 'deshalb' signals consequence.

WACE German Second Language Reading texts may include articles, advertisements, emails, letters, and short stories; questions test comprehension, inference, and vocabulary in context.

Skim the text first for overall meaning, then scan for specific information requested by each question; underline key words in the question and locate synonyms in the text.

German compound nouns: the gender and meaning are determined by the last element (e.g., 'Haustür' = die Tür); break compounds into parts to deduce meaning.

False friends to watch: 'bekommen' (to receive, not become), 'Gift' (poison, not gift), 'Chef' (boss, not chef), 'aktuell' (current, not actual).

Recognise text types: 'Anzeige' (advertisement), 'Bericht' (report), 'Leserbrief' (letter to the editor), 'Speisekarte' (menu); each has typical layout and vocabulary.

Inference questions: the answer is not stated directly; look for implied meaning through tone, adjectives, and context clues.

Grammar helps decode meaning: separable verbs (e.g., 'aufstehen' → 'ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf'), case endings, and word order in subordinate clauses.

For vocabulary-in-context questions, eliminate options that do not fit grammatically or semantically; the correct answer must match the text's register and meaning.

WACE German Second Language Writing typically requires two tasks: a short text (e.g., message, email, note) and a longer text (e.g., article, letter, report) with a specified audience and purpose.

Assessment criteria include communication of information, range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar, text structure, and appropriateness of register (formal/informal).

Formal letter/email structure: 'Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren' or 'Sehr geehrte Frau …', closing 'Mit freundlichen Grüßen'; informal: 'Liebe/Lieber …', closing 'Viele Grüße' or 'Bis bald'.

Use a variety of sentence structures: main clauses, subordinate clauses (weil, dass, obwohl, wenn), infinitive constructions (um … zu, ohne … zu), and relative clauses.

Connectives to organise ideas: 'zuerst', 'außerdem', 'jedoch', 'deshalb', 'zum Beispiel', 'zusammenfassend'; these improve coherence and are rewarded.

Word order rules: verb second in main clauses, verb final in subordinate clauses, time-manner-place order for adverbials; accuracy in these areas affects marks.

Plan before writing: identify the required content points, audience, and text type; ensure all bullet points are covered to achieve full communication marks.

Check work for common errors: noun genders, case endings (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive), verb conjugation, and correct use of 'du/Sie'.

WACE German Second Language Speaking typically includes a conversation with the teacher/examiner and a short presentation or discussion on a prepared topic.

Assessment focuses on fluency, pronunciation and intonation, range and accuracy of language, and ability to interact and maintain conversation.

Prepare topic-specific vocabulary and phrases; anticipate follow-up questions and practise giving extended answers with reasons and examples.

Useful interaction strategies: ask for clarification ('Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?'), paraphrase when unsure of a word, and use fillers naturally ('also', 'na ja', 'eigentlich').

German pronunciation key points: 'ch' has two sounds (ich-Laut after front vowels, ach-Laut after back vowels); 'ei' = /ai/, 'ie' = /iː/, 'eu/äu' = /ɔʏ/; final 'b', 'd', 'g' devoice.

Stress usually falls on the first syllable of native German words, but on the final syllable for many foreign loanwords (e.g., 'Universität').

For the presentation, structure with an introduction, main points, and conclusion; use signposting phrases ('Zunächst möchte ich …', 'Abschließend …').

Practise speaking in full sentences and avoid one-word answers; aim to use complex structures (subordinate clauses, modal verbs, perfect tense) to demonstrate range.