Classes for Children & Teens

Children in this class are introduced to the German language in a playful and engaging way through circle games, storybooks, crafts, and art projects. These activities help students expand their vocabulary naturally and intuitively. Lessons revolve around themes such as family, animals, colors, food, nature, seasons, and everyday life.

Prerequisites: Kids are at least 4 years old and used to spending time away from home in a class setting.

In the lower elementary grades, classes will cover topics such as “All About Me,” animals, hobbies, family, food, and more. The focus is on developing spoken language skills while introducing the German spelling and grammar as well as other foundational concepts in an age-appropriate, playful, and engaging way. Whenever possible, the class will be taught in an immersion-style setting, allowing students to expand their vocabulary through games, songs, seasonal crafts, and story time.

In the upper elementary grades, students will further develop their German reading and writing skills through short stories and informational texts. They will practice giving short presentations in class, expand their vocabulary, and explore grammar in greater depth. 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 advanced German skills will take the A1 exam by the ZfA (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen) in spring when they are in the 4th or 5th grade.

In this class, students continue to expand their German vocabulary, grammar knowledge, and reading, writing, and listening skills. We use a level-appropriate German textbook, but students will also watch videos, complete online activities, read and discuss at least one book together, and work on projects and presentations.

Prerequisites:
This class is open to German speakers with advanced language skills. Students should be able to understand and speak German, maintain conversations, and write in German. They should have successfully passed the A1 Test (ZfA).

Testing: Students will take the A2 exam by the ZfA (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen) in spring when they are in the 7th or 8th grade.

> Overview language tests at GSEB

The DSD preparation classes are designed for students who intend to study in Germany and prepare them for the DSD (Deutsches Sprachdiplom), a globally administered examination offered by the German government’s Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA). At minimum, the DSD1 certificate is required for admission to Studienkollegs, the one-year college preparatory institutions in Germany.

Students will study various types of literature, gain insight into modern German history, and explore the cultures of the German-speaking countries Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They will review grammar and spelling, while continuing to expand their oral and written vocabulary. The course prepares students for the third level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — the Deutsches Sprachdiplom I (DSD1).

Click here for more information about the DSD1 exam.
> Overview language tests at GSEB

The DSD2 class serves high school and college students between the ages of 16 and 20. Building on their DSD1 foundation or similar prior proficiency, students progress from exploratory and descriptive language use to the critical analysis of contemporary topics such as globalization, mobility, and 21st-century learning. Both in class and at home, students work with printed and digital media, including an online learning platform provided by the German Federal Foreign Office. As part of the exam, students compose a two-hour persuasive essay and prepare two analytical presentations. Successful exam results correspond to levels B2 or C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Several of our alumni are already enrolled at German universities.

The AP® German exam is administered each year in May. The course follows the College Board guidelines for the AP® curriculum. AP courses are considered college-level courses, and students who earn a score of 3 or higher on the exam may receive college credit. While GSEB prepares students for the exam, but cannot administer the test. It is the responsibility of the candidates to register for it; past testing locations have included GISSV and Albany High School (subject to change).

Click here for more information about the DSD2 exam and AP prep.
> Overview language tests at GSEB

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.