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About this exam

The MATSEC Advanced Level German examination is offered by the MATSEC Examinations Board, which is part of L-Università ta' Malta in Msida. The board describes itself on its website as responsible for examinations, regulations, guidelines and policies, syllabi, current session information, applications, past papers, marking schemes and exemplars, and research and reports. Advanced Level German is a post-secondary qualification in German language, normally taken by candidates who have completed the Secondary Education Certificate level and who need a recognised advanced language qualification for university admission or employment. Candidates should confirm the current syllabus, the number of papers, their duration and weighting, and the fee directly with the board, because the pages retrieved for this guide do not publish those details. Preparation should combine all four skill areas: listening and speaking, reading comprehension, writing and text production, and language use with grammar and vocabulary. Work through past papers and marking schemes where available, build vocabulary systematically, practise producing structured texts in German, and rehearse spoken German regularly with a teacher or conversation partner. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the MATSEC Examinations Board or the University of Malta.

What you'll study

Common questions

About MATSEC AM German preparation

Who sets and administers the MATSEC Advanced Level German exam?

It is administered by the MATSEC Examinations Board at L-Università ta' Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta. You can reach the board on +356 2340 2814/5/6 or at [email protected]. Always check the board's own pages for the authoritative syllabus and session information rather than relying on third-party summaries.

Where can I find the official syllabus and past papers?

The MATSEC section of the University of Malta website lists Syllabi, Past Papers, and Marking Schemes and Exemplars, together with Current Session Information and Applications. Start with the syllabus for your year of examination, then use past papers and marking schemes to understand how answers are assessed.

How long is the exam and how many papers are there?

The board's pages retrieved for this guide do not state the number of papers, their duration, item counts or weighting, so no figure is given here. Confirm these details in the current syllabus document before you plan your revision timetable, since exam structures are revised from time to time.

What does the exam cover?

Expect assessment across four areas: listening and speaking, reading comprehension, writing and text production, and language use including grammar and vocabulary. Advanced Level German assumes solid prior knowledge, so revision should extend beyond grammar drills into extended reading, structured writing and sustained spoken interaction in German.

How difficult is Advanced Level German?

It is a demanding post-secondary qualification intended for candidates with several years of prior German study, typically beyond Secondary Education Certificate level. Success depends on breadth of vocabulary, control of grammar under time pressure, and the ability to understand and produce longer texts and spoken language, not just recognise isolated words.

Can I resit if I do not get the grade I need?

The retrieved pages do not state a retake policy, so confirm it with the MATSEC Examinations Board directly. In practice, candidates usually plan to sit the examination in a later session if the result is insufficient for their intended course or job, so check application deadlines well in advance.

In what order should I prepare?

Begin with the current syllabus to establish what is assessed, then audit your grammar and vocabulary against it. Add regular reading and listening in German, then practise timed writing and spoken tasks. Finish with full past papers under exam conditions and review your errors against the marking schemes.

What are the most common reasons candidates underperform?

Typical problems include passive vocabulary that is recognised but not produced, weak control of case and verb forms in writing, running out of time on longer tasks, and too little practice in spontaneous spoken German. Reading the marking scheme carefully shows where marks are actually awarded.

How much does it cost to sit the exam?

The pages retrieved for this guide do not publish a fee, so no amount is given here. Check the Applications and Current Session Information sections of the MATSEC website, or contact the board on +356 2340 2814/5/6 or at [email protected], for the fee and payment deadlines for your session.

Is this page officially connected to MATSEC?

No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the MATSEC Examinations Board or the University of Malta. Use it alongside the board's official syllabus, past papers and marking schemes, which remain the authoritative source for all examination requirements.