Langues (luxembourgeois, allemand, français, anglais)
What the language papers test
The Langues domain covers Luxembourgish, German, French and English. Each paper is set in the target language and normally combines reading comprehension, text analysis and written production; the oral component adds a presentation and a discussion with the examiner. The exam tests whether you can understand a text’s argument and tone, use evidence, organise a response, and control grammar, lexis and register. For French and German, literary analysis and argumentative writing carry weight; for English, comprehension and essay structure; for Luxembourgish, text analysis and production in a national-language context.
Core rules
- Answer the task as worded: a commentaire composé analyses effects, a dissertation argues a thesis, an Erörterung weighs evidence, an English essay needs a clear line of argument.
- Quote briefly and analyse: device → effect → link to meaning.
- Use connectors and varied syntax; accuracy matters as much as range.
- In oral, refer to the text or dossier and respond to follow-up questions.
Worked example
Prompt: “How does the author create tension?” A weak answer retells the plot. A strong answer selects a device: “The short clauses (‘He stopped. He listened.’) quicken the rhythm; the repetition of ‘He’ creates ambiguity about who is pursued, so the reader shares the character’s uncertainty.” Reasoning: identify device, give short quotation, explain effect, connect to theme.
Traps
Retelling instead of analysing; ignoring register (familiar vs formal); memorised phrases that do not fit; missing the second part of a two-part task; in oral, reciting a prepared answer and failing to engage with the examiner’s evidence.