LC German key terms

Listening comprehension: the ability to follow spoken German and extract main ideas or specific details. In the exam, tasks may be played once or twice, so candidates must catch keywords quickly without pausing.

Understanding the overall gist of a spoken or written text without needing every word. Candidates identify topic, speaker intention, and general message, which helps when individual vocabulary items are unfamiliar.

Listening or reading for precise information such as numbers, times, names, or reasons. Exam tasks often ask for one specific fact, so candidates must distinguish similar-sounding details and avoid guessing from the general topic.

Picking out only the relevant information from a longer text or recording while ignoring the rest. Useful for matching tasks where several speakers or notices are given and only some details answer the question.

A keyword that carries the main meaning of a question or text segment. Identifying keywords before listening or reading helps candidates predict content and locate the answer quickly.

A discourse marker such as aber, deshalb, trotzdem, or einerseits that shows contrast, cause, or sequence. Recognising signal words helps candidates follow argument structure and avoid choosing an answer that contradicts the speaker.

A spoken text used in the listening paper, such as an announcement, interview, phone message, or radio report. Each text type has typical phrases and speed, so familiarity with formats improves prediction and comprehension.

A public announcement, for example at a station, airport, or in a shop. These are short, formulaic, and often contain times, platforms, or changes, so candidates should listen for numbers and disruption vocabulary.

A broadcast announcement over a loudspeaker or radio, often about delays, safety, or opening hours. The language is formal and impersonal, and key information usually comes after a short introductory phrase.

A recorded conversation in which one person asks questions and another answers. Candidates should note the interviewer's question focus and the speaker's opinion, since answers often paraphrase rather than repeat the question wording.

A short spoken or written message, such as a voicemail or text. Messages usually contain a purpose, a request, and contact details, so candidates listen for what the caller wants and any deadline.

Reading comprehension: understanding written German texts and answering questions about content, purpose, and detail. Candidates practise skimming for gist and scanning for specific information under time pressure.

The type or genre of a text, such as an email, advertisement, notice, report, or letter to the editor. Recognising the genre helps candidates predict layout, register, and the kind of information likely to appear.

A classified advertisement or commercial notice, often short and abbreviated. Candidates must decode compressed wording, prices, and conditions, and decide whether the advert matches a described situation.

A small private advertisement, for example offering a flat, job, or second-hand item. Abbreviations and ellipsis are common, so candidates infer meaning from context rather than expecting full sentences.

A letter to the editor expressing a reader's opinion on a published issue. It typically states a position, gives reasons, and may counter opposing views, making it useful practice for argument structure and opinion vocabulary.

Restating an idea in different words. Exam questions rarely copy the text verbatim, so candidates must recognise when an option means the same as a passage without sharing its exact vocabulary.

The logical connection between sentences and paragraphs, created by connectors, pronouns, and repeated ideas. Understanding coherence helps candidates follow an argument and choose the sentence that fits a gap.

A linking word or phrase such as weil, obwohl, deshalb, or außerdem that joins clauses and shows relationships. Correct use of connectors is tested in grammar and writing tasks and improves coherence.

A gap-fill text in which words or phrases have been removed. Candidates use grammar, collocation, and context to restore meaning, and should read the whole passage before deciding each gap.

The range of vocabulary a learner knows and can use. In the exam, lexical accuracy and variety are assessed in writing and speaking, while reading and listening require recognition of topic-specific words.

A habitual word partnership such as eine Entscheidung treffen or eine Rolle spielen. Examiners notice natural collocations, and using them correctly raises the impression of fluency in writing and speaking.

Fixed phrases and functional expressions for specific purposes, such as giving an opinion, disagreeing politely, or structuring a presentation. Learning them as chunks helps candidates speak and write more fluently and appropriately.

A personal view or judgment about a topic. Exam tasks often ask candidates to state, justify, and contrast opinions, so phrases like meiner Meinung nach and ich bin der Ansicht, dass are essential.

A reason or set of reasons supporting a position. Strong exam answers link a claim to evidence or examples, and acknowledge an opposing view before rebutting it.

A justification explaining why a statement is true or why an action was taken. In writing and speaking, answers that give a clear reason score higher than bare assertions, and connectors like weil or deshalb signal the link.

A structured exchange of views, often part of the speaking test. Candidates should take turns, respond to a partner's points, and use phrases for agreeing, disagreeing, and interrupting politely.

A short talk on a topic, typically prepared with limited time and delivered to the examiner or partner. Clear structure, signposting phrases, and a brief conclusion are key scoring features.

A formal spoken presentation, often longer and more structured than a discussion contribution. Candidates should introduce the topic, present points in order, and summarise the main message at the end.

A technique for managing interaction, such as asking for clarification, paraphrasing when a word is missing, or gaining thinking time. These strategies keep a conversation going and demonstrate communicative competence.

Pronunciation: the way sounds, stress, and intonation are produced. Clear pronunciation matters for intelligibility in the speaking test, and candidates should practise word stress and long versus short vowels.

The rise and fall of the voice across an utterance. Intonation signals questions, lists, and emotional stance, and appropriate patterns make spoken German easier for the examiner to follow.

The stressed syllable within a word, which can change meaning or reveal unfamiliarity. German stress often falls on the first syllable, but prefixes and loanwords vary, so candidates should check new vocabulary.

A subordinate clause in which the conjugated verb moves to the end, introduced by words like weil, dass, or obwohl. Correct word order in subordinate clauses is a frequent grammar focus in writing and speaking.

Sentence structure, including verb position in main and subordinate clauses, and the order of time, manner, and place. Accurate sentence construction is central to written accuracy and clarity.

The organisation of a written or spoken text, such as introduction, main points, and conclusion. A visible structure helps the reader or listener follow the message and is explicitly rewarded in assessment criteria.

An appointment or scheduled date, common in messages, emails, and notices. Candidates should distinguish dates, times, and arrangements, and note whether an appointment is being made, changed, or cancelled.

A disruption such as a delay, cancellation, or technical fault, frequent in announcements. Recognising cause and consequence vocabulary helps candidates answer questions about what changed and what travellers should do.

A request, often expressed politely with könnte, würden, or ich hätte gern. In messages and service encounters, identifying what the speaker wants is often the key to the correct answer.