PreK to 12th grade
Saturdays, 9:30am-12:00pm
All levels
1 to 2 classes, depending on enrollment
Children in this class approach the German language in a playful way through circle games, story books, crafts and art projects. This will help the children expand their vocabulary in an intuitive way. Lessons revolve around themes like family, animals, colors, food, nature, seasons, etc.
Prerequisites: Kids in this class are at least 4 years old and are used to spending time away from home in a class setting.
Levels: Advanced + intermediate
2 to 3 classes, depending on enrollment
In the lower elementary grades, classes will cover topics like “about me”, animals, hobbies, family, food, etc. The focus is on the spoken language, while introducing the German alphabet, grammar, spelling etc. in an age-appropriate, playful and engaging way. The class will be taught immersion style whenever possible, so the students can expand their vocabulary through games, songs, seasonal crafts, and story-time.
In the upper elementary grades, students will work on their German reading and writing skills with short stories and informational texts. They practice giving short presentations in class, expand their German vocabulary and dive deeper into the grammar.
All students will work with textbooks that fit their level.
Prerequisites: These classes are open to German speakers with intermediate to advanced language skills.
Testing: Students with an advanced German skills may take the A1 exam by the ZfA (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen) in spring when they are in the 4th or 5th grade.
Advanced Level
A2 – from grade 6
Students work further on expanding their vocabulary, grammar knowledge, and reading, writing and listening skills. We use a level-appropriate German textbook, but the students will also watch videos, work online, read and discuss at least one book together, and work on projects and presentations.
The students will take the AATG NGE (American Association of Teachers of German) exam from 7th grade and take the A2 exam by the ZfA (Zentralstelle für das Auslandschulwesen) when they are in 7th or 8th grade.
Prerequisites: This class is open to German speakers with advanced language skills. The students can understand and speak German, maintain a conversation, and write in German. The students know nouns, verbs, adjectives, and conjunctions in German, can use the past tense and have passed the A1 Test (ZfA) successfully (3 stars in each category).
Advanced Level
DSD1 – from grade 8
The DSD preparation classes are intended to prepare students who intend to study in Germany for the DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), a globally administered test by the German government’s ZfA, Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen. DSD I is required for admission to Studienkollegs (1-year college prep institutions) in Germany.
The class serves students between 14 – 16 years (9th grade and up). Students study different types of literature, get an insight of modern German history, and learn about the culture of the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They review grammar and spelling, and expand their oral and written vocabulary. Students are prepared to take the third level of the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages (CEFRL) – the so-called Deutsche Sprachdiplom I (DSD I).
Click here for more information about the DSD 1.
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DSD 2 – from grade 10
The DSD preparation classes are intended to prepare students who intend to study in Germany for the DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), a globally administered test by the German government’s ZfA, Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen.
The DSD II class serves high school and college students (16 up to 20 years old). Building on their DSD I foundation or similar prior proficiency, the students progress from exploratory and descriptive use of language to critical analysis of current topics, like globalization, mobility, and 21st century learning. In class and at home, the students work with printed and digital media, including an online learning platform hosted by the German Federal Foreign Office. During the exam, the students will compose a two-hour persuasive essay and prepare two analytical presentations. Successful exam grades correspond to levels B2 or C1 of the CEFRL. A few of our alumni are already enrolled at German universities.
The AP® German exam is administered in May each year. The course follows the College Board guidelines for the AP® curriculum. AP courses are considered college-level courses, and after passing the exam with a score of at least 3, the students may receive college credit. GSEB prepares the students, but can not administer the test, or sign up the students. Test locations in the past were GISSV in Mountain View, H.S. Albany (subject to change).
Please note that class offerings are subject to change, depending on enrollment.
New students will be assessed before or on the 1st day of school; this may include listening, speaking, reading, and writing to determine the language ability.
The goal of the curriculum is to develop and expand understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in German. Students gain competence in communication and literacy. Families are strongly encouraged to support German learning during the week as often as possible.
Learning Differences: We ask families to reach out to us if a student has learning differences to discuss reasonable accommodations. Please note that our language program does not have access to professional resources like accredited schools in California do.
