German for groups: capitalized nouns, separable verbs and formal address

What German asks of an English speaker

Try two questions from the course

Both are taken unchanged from the German lessons, with the explanation learners see after answering.

What each level covers

1. A1 Keep German nouns capitalized in registration forms and messages, enter nationality as a lowercase adjective, and write dates with the day first.

   8 skills at A1

   • Recognize familiar words and basic phrases in short written texts
   • Understand basic spoken phrases when delivered slowly and clearly
   • Complete simple forms with personal information
   • Write very short simple personal messages
   • Understand simple written instructions supported by context
   • Recognize basic information in signs, notices, and schedules
   • Follow very simple spoken announcements
   • Exchange basic information in simple written interactions

2. A2 Describe getting up with a separable German verb, contrast familiar and formal messages, and form the trip-to-work past tense with the helper verb for be.

   8 skills at A2

   • Understand short simple personal messages
   • Follow basic spoken information about everyday matters
   • Read simple public information and service texts
   • Write short everyday messages for practical purposes
   • Describe routine matters in simple connected writing
   • Handle simple written transactions
   • Understand simple directions and instructions
   • Extract key details from short factual texts

3. B1 Confirm the German appointment to Ms. Neumann with verb-second order after the fronted appointment phrase, ask for the room number politely, and distinguish the reflexive borrowing frame from lending an object to someone else.

   8 skills at B1

   • Understand the main points of clear texts on familiar matters
   • Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters
   • Write connected texts on familiar topics
   • Express opinions, plans, and experiences in writing
   • Manage routine written correspondence
   • Understand straightforward narratives and descriptions
   • Follow straightforward presentations and media on familiar topics
   • Summarize factual information from straightforward texts

4. B2 Read German forum replies that agree with flexible working hours but propose shared core hours for team coordination. Distinguish a service being free to its users from having no funding costs, and write replies that qualify agreement rather than merely rejecting a proposal.

   8 skills at B2

   • Read articles and reports that present arguments and viewpoints
   • Understand extended speech and presentations with clear structure
   • Write clear detailed texts on a range of subjects
   • Write reasoned arguments supporting a point of view
   • Participate effectively in written discussions
   • Understand specialized texts in familiar fields
   • Identify stance, tone, and implication in spoken discourse
   • Synthesize information from multiple written sources

5. C1 Notice when a report praises a pilot but leaves its weak evidence for a footnote, take notes on a talk under labels for result, limitation and next step, and recast one message as a formal letter with a full salutation, a friendly note, or a contract clause that pins down a deadline.

   8 skills at C1

   • Understand long complex texts across a range of domains
   • Understand extended speech with implicit meaning and complex structure
   • Write well-structured detailed texts on complex subjects
   • Adapt style, register, and conventions to purpose and audience
   • Manage complex written interactions fluently and appropriately
   • Understand implicit meaning, nuance, and rhetorical effect in written texts
   • Take effective notes from complex spoken input
   • Evaluate and synthesize information from complex written sources

6. C2 Read a proverb that keeps duty apart from loyalty to a colleague and a curt negative that works as high praise, answer an accusation by granting its valid core and rejecting the rest, and edit a text so its hedges, exceptions and softened refusals keep their force.

   8 skills at C2

   • Understand virtually all forms of written language
   • Understand virtually all forms of spoken language
   • Produce polished, effective texts for demanding purposes
   • Compose nuanced persuasive arguments
   • Handle demanding written exchanges with precision and flexibility
   • Interpret subtle pragmatic and cultural references
   • Critically synthesize diverse written and spoken sources
   • Edit and transform texts while preserving nuance and effect