IB DP German B at GESS (HL and SL)
German B is designed for students with some prior experience in the German language who wish to develop their communication skills, cultural understanding, and confidence in using German in a variety of real-world and academic contexts. The course supports students in becoming competent global communicators in one of Europe's key languages.
Prerequisites: Minimum MYP Language acquisition phase 3 for SL students, phase 4 for HL students (or equivalent).
🎓 Why Continue German in the DP?
👉 Real-Life Communication – Build practical language skills for school, travel, and life in German-speaking environments.
👉 Enhance Global Career Opportunities – German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and a key language in fields such as engineering, science, business, and international relations.
✅ Earn the DSD II (Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe II)
Students who take German B will sit the DSD II exam, an internationally recognised language qualification.
Recognised by German universities as proof of language proficiency for direct entry
Opens doors to study and work opportunities in Germany and other German-speaking countries
Demonstrates academic excellence and advanced bilingual ability on university applications worldwide
👉 Stay Connected to Language and Culture – Studying German in the DP allows students to maintain their connection to the language and culture—especially valuable for students with German heritage or who have lived in German-speaking environments.
💠 Course Themes
Students explore five engaging themes through texts, videos, audio, and discussions:
1️⃣ Identitäten – Identity, values, health, beliefs
2️⃣ Erfahrungen – Experiences, leisure, customs, and traditions
3️⃣ Menschliche Erfindungsgabe – Creativity, media, technology
4️⃣ Soziale Ordnung – Social relationships, education, politics
5️⃣ Ein Planet für alle – Environment, conflict, and global issues
🔸 HL Extension
Students at higher level read two literary works originally written in German.
💠 Assessment Overview
🔸 Individual Oral (IO) [25%]
SL: Respond to a visual stimulus related to a course theme
HL: Analyse an extract from a studied literary work and link it to course themes
Both versions include a discussion with the teacher about the stimulus and one or more of the five themes.
🔸 Paper 1 – Writing [25%]
Produce a text (e.g., blog, letter, article, etc.) based on a course theme. Students can choose from 3 prompts. HL responses are expected to be longer and more developed.
🔸 Paper 2 – Listening & Reading [25+25%]
Comprehension of written and audio texts in German, testing understanding, inference, and language skills
Continuing German in the DP not only strengthens academic and cultural connections, but also opens pathways to international universities, qualifications like the DSD II, and future global careers.