Courses

Levels

To attend GERMAN SCHOOL UPSTATE, students must be at least five years old by September 1st. New students are assessed by an instructor to determine their placement. Students of all abilities are welcome to enroll any time during the year if places are available.​ Enrolling at the beginning of the school year is preferred.

The individual objectives for each level/class can differ. Our final goal is that our students can understand, read, speak and write in German on a level that is recognized by High Schools and Universities.

This also includes raising awareness of German culture, including customs and celebrations, geographical and historical facts relating to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The GERMAN SCHOOL UPSTATE provides professional and personal guidance that helps students to achieve their goals.

Kindergarten

According to research children often respond to new languages with curiosity and impartiality. They learn more through games and gestures while adults take a more analytical approach with stricter rules.

The GERMAN SCHOOL UPSTATE provides a friendly, fun and playful environment where smaller children can learn and practice the German language. Vocabulary is taught through games, stories, songs and poems. Most activities are hands-on, e.g. using crayons, play dough, etc.

Our focus is on verbal communication. The vocabulary is related to the children’s daily life. They learn for instance vocabulary for “family”, “self”, “housing”, “clothing”, “shopping” and “food”. This includes also animals, body parts, vehicles and colors.

Beginner 

Beginner (A1 & A2)

Our beginner and continuing program is a well-rounded introduction into the basics of the German language. All four skills – listening, speaking, writing and reading – are incorporated in the class. We introduce and expand the vocabulary and the understanding of how the language works by teaching phonetics, and through interactive play / hands on activities as well as written reinforcement. 

Various educational games deepen the knowledge of German traditions and geography. Sentence structure, correct usage of articles and adjective endings, singular and plural forms of nouns, etc. are the focus of the grammar lessons.

The goal is to enable students to have small conversations about topics such as leisure time, food and drinks, sports, family, housing, school, animals and travels. Students can reach a level, at which they are capable of understanding short general texts, fill out basic forms and write personal e-mails / letters. They will be able to express their physical and emotional needs and feelings.

Advanced

Advanced (B1, B2 & C1)

The advanced level is a continuation of previously learned material and also preparation for standardized testing. Students improve their skills, expand and polish their knowledge of German. We work on more complex grammar, comprehension of longer texts in addition to writing and speaking skills. Students learn to discuss, judge and argue familiar topics. They will learn to follow longer speeches and take part in fluent, spontaneous conversations. We read newspaper articles, listen to radio plays, and read short stories or novels. Students are taught to express themselves on a more detailed, advanced level. They also learn to write whole essays in German.

Adult Classes

Classes for adult learners put emphasis on mastering the communication necessary for social and business settings.

The curriculum includes listening, speaking and writing tasks that develop as well as enhance comprehension and vocabulary. It also covers areas of language structure / grammar.

Exercises are embedded for instance into role plays or presentations. The classes take place in small groups. This allows for a close interaction between the language teacher and the students. The curriculum will be adapted to the students’ level and field of interest.

Adult courses are offered on a semester-basis. Classes run August-December & January-May. Contact us for exact dates and locations.