IB Course Guide 2025

German : Literature & Language A

GERMAN

German A is a course in German Language and Literature. It is suited for those who often read books in German, are confident exploring elements of language and have probably had some of their education delivered in the German language. The language A: language and literature course, German, is available at Standard (SL) and Higher Level (HL). The aim of the course is the study of the complex and dynamic nature of language and the exploration of both its practical and aesthetic usages. The crucial role of language in communication, in reflecting experience and shaping the world, and the roles of individuals themselves as producers of language will be explored. Pupils will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the various ways in which language choices, text types, literary forms and contextual elements all effect meaning. Pupils will encounter various text types and literary forms and will consider their own interpretations, as well as the critical perspectives of others while reflecting on cultural belief systems. Pupils will develop a wide set of skills such as • listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, presenting, and performing • interpretation, analysis, and evaluation • sensitivity to the formal and aesthetic qualities of texts • an understanding of the relationships between studies in language and literature and other disciplines SL and HL are differentiated by the recommended number of teaching hours, the depth of syllabus coverage, the HL additional essay and the level of difficulty and demands of assessment and application of assessment criteria.

External assessment

Paper 1: Guided textual analysis

35% at SL and HL

Guided analysis of unseen non literary passage/passages from different text types.

Paper 2: Comparative essay

35% at SL / 25% at HL Comparative essay based on two literary works.

Internal Assessment

HL essay (Coursework)

20% at HL

Written coursework component: 1,200–1,500-word essay.

Individual oral

30% at SL / 20% at HL

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