Years 9 to 10 German Achievement Standard
9 statements aligned to content descriptors and elaborations
Achievement standard (as ACARA publishes it)
Achievement standard
Click any sentence to jump to its statement and linked content descriptors.
By the end of Year 10, students initiate and sustain German language to exchange and compare ideas and experiences about their own and others’ personal worlds. They communicate using non-verbal, spoken and written language to collaborate, plan and reflect on activities and events. They interpret and analyse information and ideas in texts and demonstrate understanding of different perspectives. They synthesise information and respond in German or English, adjusting language to convey meaning and to suit context, purpose and audience. They use structures and features of spoken and written German to create texts.
Students apply features and conventions of spoken German to enhance fluency. They select and apply knowledge of language conventions, structures and features to interact, make meaning and create texts. They support discussion of structures and features of texts, using metalanguage. They reflect on their own language use and cultural identity, and draw on their experience of learning German, to discuss how this learning influences their ideas and ways of communicating.
Years 7 to 10 sequence
The 9 achievement standard statements
Open a statement to see the content descriptors ACARA links to it, then open a descriptor's elaborations.
By the end of Year 10, students initiate and sustain German language to exchange and compare ideas and experiences about their own and others’ personal worlds.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC01 Communicating meaning in German
initiate and sustain interactions in familiar and some unfamiliar contexts to exchange ideas, opinions and experiences about their own and others’ personal worlds
Elaborations (7)
- Elaboration participating in conversations with peers, using strategies such as asking for repetition, clarification and confirmation to sustain interactions, for example, Was denkst du? Was bedeutet das? Meinst du …?
- Elaboration recounting events and describing activities and personal experiences from the past, for example, Gestern Abend hat Bayern-München gegen Mainz gewonnen. Hast du das Spiel gesehen? Wir sind in den Ferien zum Strand gefahren.
- Elaboration discussing and giving opinions on lifestyle by describing own Wohnort and commenting on advantages and disadvantages of living there such as whether there are sporting or shopping facilities nearby, for example, Ich wohne gern auf dem Land. Es gibt in der Nähe einen Fluss und einen Fußballplatz, Leider haben wir kein Kino. Gibt es einen Supermarkt, wo du wohnst? Es ist ein Vorteil, dass ...
- Elaboration posing and responding to questions about future plans and aspirations, for example, Was wirst du in den Ferien machen? Wir werden zu Hause bleiben. Was sind deine Zukunftspläne? Nach der 12. Klasse werde ich vielleicht Betriebswirtschaft studieren. Und du, was hast du vor?
- Elaboration stating a problem and asking for advice, for example, Ich habe mein Passwort vergessen. Was soll ich machen? Ich möchte einen Nebenjob finden. Wie kann ich meine Eltern überreden?
- Elaboration participating in scenarios or interactions related to travelling or living in a German-speaking country, alternating between formal and informal language depending on the context, for example, using Sie when speaking with host parents on first meeting, using du with host partners or children in the family
- Elaboration participating and responding in written or secure online correspondence, for example, through online penpals, digital communication or video responses
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC02 Communicating meaning in German
use German language in exchanges to question, offer opinions and compare and discuss ideas
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration participating in an exchange of opinions or a guided debate to form conclusions or solve issues on topics relating to their personal worlds, for example, Wohin sollen wir reisen? Soll Sport ein Pflichtfach sein? Wo ist das Leben am besten, in der Stadt oder auf dem Land?
- Elaboration exchanging personal information, views and opinions, for example, in secure digital communications or conversations with peers about their school, family, friends and lifestyle, Meiner Meinung nach ist meine Schule sehr gut, obwohl …, Ich komme gut mit meinem Bruder aus, weil …, Ich denke, dass Sport sehr wichtig für die Gesundheit ist.
- Elaboration discussing and sharing ideas, for example, learning strategies such as Lerne jeden Tag zehn neue Wörter! Ich lerne Vokabeln am besten, wenn ich sie in einem Satz schreibe.
- Elaboration comparing aspects of their personal worlds to form an opinion, for example, Ich höre gern klassische Musik aber ich höre lieber Rockmusik. Am liebsten höre ich Rap. Rap ist schneller und am coolsten.
- Elaboration using a range of interrogatives, including warum to elicit reasons and wozu to clarify purpose, and using different forms of questions to confirm or clarify understanding, for example, Kommst du zur Party? compared with Du kommst zur Party, oder?
They communicate using non-verbal, spoken and written language to collaborate, plan and reflect on activities and events.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC02 Communicating meaning in German
use German language in exchanges to question, offer opinions and compare and discuss ideas
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration participating in an exchange of opinions or a guided debate to form conclusions or solve issues on topics relating to their personal worlds, for example, Wohin sollen wir reisen? Soll Sport ein Pflichtfach sein? Wo ist das Leben am besten, in der Stadt oder auf dem Land?
- Elaboration exchanging personal information, views and opinions, for example, in secure digital communications or conversations with peers about their school, family, friends and lifestyle, Meiner Meinung nach ist meine Schule sehr gut, obwohl …, Ich komme gut mit meinem Bruder aus, weil …, Ich denke, dass Sport sehr wichtig für die Gesundheit ist.
- Elaboration discussing and sharing ideas, for example, learning strategies such as Lerne jeden Tag zehn neue Wörter! Ich lerne Vokabeln am besten, wenn ich sie in einem Satz schreibe.
- Elaboration comparing aspects of their personal worlds to form an opinion, for example, Ich höre gern klassische Musik aber ich höre lieber Rockmusik. Am liebsten höre ich Rap. Rap ist schneller und am coolsten.
- Elaboration using a range of interrogatives, including warum to elicit reasons and wozu to clarify purpose, and using different forms of questions to confirm or clarify understanding, for example, Kommst du zur Party? compared with Du kommst zur Party, oder?
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC03 Communicating meaning in German
use non-verbal, spoken and written exchanges to discuss, plan and reflect on activities, events and experiences with peers
Elaborations (8)
- Elaboration completing tasks involving authentic or simulated transactions such as shopping for clothes or comparing similar offers for goods in online catalogues on German language internet sites, for example, Ich möchte diese Hose anprobieren. Haben Sie Größe 38? 30 Euro? Das ist sehr preiswert.
- Elaboration sharing posters, infographics or multimedia presentations with peers to invite feedback, concern or support for social or environmental issues such as Diskriminierung, Entwaldung, Tierschutz
- Elaboration discussing and negotiating a resolution to a problem, for example, a disagreement with a parent, sibling or classmate about having to share a room or device, Was soll ich tun? Ich kann es nicht haben, wenn …, or making a complaint about unsatisfactory goods or services Ich habe eine vegetarische Pizza bestellt, aber …, Die Hose ist die falsche Gröβe. Ich möchte mein Geld zurück.
- Elaboration participating in classroom activities and discussions to manage shared learning experiences, considering and commenting on the contributions and views of others, for example, Ja, das stimmt. Sie hat Recht. Ich bin anderer Meinung.
- Elaboration questioning and reflecting on reasons, justifications and impacts for individual or collective action, for example, personal care, environmental/social activism or planning for the future, Warum nehmen die Kinder an einer Aktion teil? Warum muss man jeden Tag viel Wasser trinken? Warum sparst du dein Geld? and responding with um ... zu, damit
- Elaboration sharing suggestions with peers to organise an event, holiday or reservation such as for a Konzert and agreeing or disagreeing with a suggestion, for example, Gute Idee! Das ist/wäre super/blöd!
- Elaboration organising and conducting an interview with a family or community member in English about their life and then summarising the information in German, for example, Er ist in Berlin geboren. Als er zehn Jahre alt war, ist er nach Australien gekommen. Er ist mit seiner Familie nach Sydney gekommen.
- Elaboration checking on progress using comments and questions such as Bist du damit einverstanden? Ich stimme zu. Meinst du das? Ja, and responding to feedback on a written draft or class activity
They interpret and analyse information and ideas in texts and demonstrate understanding of different perspectives.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC04 Communicating meaning in German
interpret information, ideas and perspectives in a wide range of spoken, written and multimodal texts and respond appropriately to cultural context, purpose and audience
Elaborations (9)
- Elaboration reading tourist brochures and websites detailing lifestyles in diverse locations in German-speaking communities, identifying features of local lifestyles that reflect modernity or tradition, and evaluating the information for relevance, appropriateness, audience and significance
- Elaboration listening to and viewing short informative texts such as television news items or documentaries, for example, Deutsche Welle, and using tools such as guided note-taking or a concept map to extract key information to use in a summary, infographic, article or promotional/informative video
- Elaboration listening to, reading or viewing interviews with people, sports stars, musicians, environmentalists or politicians, and summarising and recording information and opinions, for example, writing a journal entry or blog describing a typical day or working conditions in a particular profession
- Elaboration listening to or reading First Nations Australians' stories in English, and creating a profile of them in German
- Elaboration responding to a stimulus such as a documentary or article on global issues and using descriptive and expressive language to exchange views, for example, Klimawandel, Soziale Medien, Jugendkultur
- Elaboration gathering information from appropriate sources about a topic of interest and reporting about the information, reflecting on their own opinion, for example, use of technology, healthy lifestyles, or aspects of life in German-speaking communities, such as sporting clubs, travel and holiday destinations
- Elaboration listening to, reading and viewing texts such as songs, stories, television programs and films with German subtitles, and responding by expressing views or by modifying key aspects, for example, creating a new scene, continuing the story, recreating a video clip using parody, role-playing an interview with a character, or retelling or performing the text from the perspective of one of the minor characters
- Elaboration writing a review of a film, television series or performance for an entertainment guide
- Elaboration investigating and reporting on evidence of current and historical influences of German-speaking communities’ language and culture in the local and broader community of Australia, for example, place names such as Heidelberg, Hahndorf, Leichhardt; food such as restaurants or bakeries; festivals and celebrations such as film festivals, community festivals, Weihnachtsmärkte, and organisations such as language learning institutes, community schools and German radio stations
They synthesise information and respond in German or English, adjusting language to convey meaning and to suit context, purpose and audience.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC04 Communicating meaning in German
interpret information, ideas and perspectives in a wide range of spoken, written and multimodal texts and respond appropriately to cultural context, purpose and audience
Elaborations (9)
- Elaboration reading tourist brochures and websites detailing lifestyles in diverse locations in German-speaking communities, identifying features of local lifestyles that reflect modernity or tradition, and evaluating the information for relevance, appropriateness, audience and significance
- Elaboration listening to and viewing short informative texts such as television news items or documentaries, for example, Deutsche Welle, and using tools such as guided note-taking or a concept map to extract key information to use in a summary, infographic, article or promotional/informative video
- Elaboration listening to, reading or viewing interviews with people, sports stars, musicians, environmentalists or politicians, and summarising and recording information and opinions, for example, writing a journal entry or blog describing a typical day or working conditions in a particular profession
- Elaboration listening to or reading First Nations Australians' stories in English, and creating a profile of them in German
- Elaboration responding to a stimulus such as a documentary or article on global issues and using descriptive and expressive language to exchange views, for example, Klimawandel, Soziale Medien, Jugendkultur
- Elaboration gathering information from appropriate sources about a topic of interest and reporting about the information, reflecting on their own opinion, for example, use of technology, healthy lifestyles, or aspects of life in German-speaking communities, such as sporting clubs, travel and holiday destinations
- Elaboration listening to, reading and viewing texts such as songs, stories, television programs and films with German subtitles, and responding by expressing views or by modifying key aspects, for example, creating a new scene, continuing the story, recreating a video clip using parody, role-playing an interview with a character, or retelling or performing the text from the perspective of one of the minor characters
- Elaboration writing a review of a film, television series or performance for an entertainment guide
- Elaboration investigating and reporting on evidence of current and historical influences of German-speaking communities’ language and culture in the local and broader community of Australia, for example, place names such as Heidelberg, Hahndorf, Leichhardt; food such as restaurants or bakeries; festivals and celebrations such as film festivals, community festivals, Weihnachtsmärkte, and organisations such as language learning institutes, community schools and German radio stations
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC05 Communicating meaning in German
apply strategies to interpret and translate non-verbal, spoken and written interactions and texts to convey meaning and intercultural understanding in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
Elaborations (9)
- Elaboration examining and interpreting idiomatic expressions, including expressions that cannot be translated literally, for example, Du spinnst! Ich habe die Nase voll!
- Elaboration examining culturally specific terms, developing appropriate explanations, and discussing possible equivalent terms in English, for example, Pfandflaschen, Arbeitsgemeinschaften, Fernweh
- Elaboration comparing contemporary music from German-speaking origins, by reading music websites or online magazines, viewing video clips and listening to music, and identifying similarities and differences in expression, themes and styles of performance
- Elaboration analysing the translation of Australian English terms and noting that translation equivalence is not always possible, for example, 'schoolies' and 'school formal'
- Elaboration translating public signs, notices and slogans, and considering reasons for any similarities or differences, for example, comparing road signs in Germany such as Nur bei Grün den Kindern ein Vorbild with road signs in Australia
- Elaboration using print and online resources such as dictionaries, grammar references and encyclopedias to support comprehension and research, and discussing issues associated with using reference materials and online translators, comparing different versions of a translated text and suggesting reasons for differences and mistranslations
- Elaboration compiling and comparing information and views/opinions from a range of spoken or written reports, for example, from interviews and evaluation forms related to a Schüleraustausch or Arbeitspraktikum
- Elaboration discussing loan words in colloquial language use in German-speaking communities and comparing with Australian expressions, for example, Ich habe das downgeloadet. Chill mal! Das ist crazy!
- Elaboration comparing German and English versions of texts with easily recognisable language features, such as love songs or recipes, noticing differences or similarities in imagery or focus that might be culturally significant
They use structures and features of spoken and written German to create texts.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EC06 Communicating meaning in German
create spoken, written and multimodal, informative and imaginative texts, selecting vocabulary, expressions, grammatical structures and textual conventions for familiar and some unfamiliar contexts and purposes, to engage different audiences
Elaborations (8)
- Elaboration presenting information in a range of informative texts such as advertisements or slogans, for example, an advertisement for young German-speaking travellers looking for work in Australia, indicating different regional employment possibilities and providing key points of information about each region, Farmarbeit in Queensland, Kindermädchen im Outback, Küchenhilfe an der Südküste
- Elaboration explaining a procedure or activity using simple language and supporting graphics, materials and gestures, for example, how to play a game or sport, a cooking show segment, or fashion tips
- Elaboration completing an application form such as an online application for services or for opportunities in student exchange programs or scholarships, and explaining reasons for applying
- Elaboration writing a journal entry, or contributing to a school newsletter in German reflecting on the impact of a visit to a significant cultural location on a First Nations Country/Place, and, with permission, referring to cultural knowledge of the site
- Elaboration describing an imagined experience using a familiar text type, for example, a diary entry describing the first day as an exchange student in a German school, or a guide for a great birthday party
- Elaboration creating an imaginative interaction incorporating communicative styles and social behaviours observed in German texts, for example, a digital persona or avatar in a German-speaking fantasy world or imagining they are the ‘characters’ in a painting and creating a scenario and dialogue
- Elaboration creating an imaginative text such as a picture storybook, puppet play, short film, song or poem with particular themes or for imagined occasions, to entertain an audience, for example, Elfchen, a string poem or Konkrete Poesie
- Elaboration constructing texts, applying knowledge of textual conventions popular with young German speakers, for example, using contractions, abbreviations and acronyms in text messages and informal emails, sz = schreib zurück, lg = Liebe Grüße, hdl = hab’ dich lieb
Students apply features and conventions of spoken German to enhance fluency.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EU01 Understanding language and culture
apply features of the German sound system, including pitch, rhythm, stress, pronunciation and intonation, and show how these are represented in familiar and some unfamiliar contexts
Elaborations (5)
- Elaboration examining the role of pronunciation, rhythm and pace in enhancing meaning and creating effects (mood, etc.) in spoken texts such as stories, poems, songs and conversations
- Elaboration applying correct pitch and stress in context, for example, in exclamations or when expressing emotions and Schadenfreude, for example, Du bist gemein! Das ist ausgezeichnet! Haha, er ist an die Wand gelaufen!
- Elaboration listening to and/or viewing excerpts of authentic German conversations in familiar and some unfamiliar contexts, noting examples of contractions and the impact of their use
- Elaboration identifying key differences and examining pronunciation variations across different German-speaking communities and dialects
- Elaboration recognising and applying rhythms in complex sentences, using pauses and intonation to signal clause sequence and emphasis
They select and apply knowledge of language conventions, structures and features to interact, make meaning and create texts.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EU02 Understanding language and culture
select and use structures and features of the German grammatical and writing systems to enhance meaning and create spoken, written and multimodal texts
Elaborations (12)
- Elaboration applying German punctuation and spelling rules in writing and systematically editing their own and others’ written work
- Elaboration noting that German grammar underwent changes in spelling and punctuation in the official Rechtschreibreform, requiring, for example, β to be used only after long vowel sounds or diphthongs, such as Fuβball, Spaβ, weiβ, except in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which do not use the β
- Elaboration understanding and applying the ‘verb as second element’ and ‘subject-time-object-manner-place’ (STOMP) word order rules for main clauses and realising that German word order is flexible, allowing other elements apart from the subject to begin the sentence, for example, Langsam verstehe ich mehr Deutsch. In der Schule gibt es viele Umweltaktionen
- Elaboration linking and sequencing events and ideas using a range of cohesive devices, including adverbs such as dann, früher, danach, vorher and coordinating conjunctions such as und, oder, aber, denn, sondern, and common subordinating conjunctions such as, als, dass, obwohl, wenn, weil, usually with the subordinate clause after the main clause
- Elaboration understanding and giving instructions using the imperative mood, applying the different forms for singular/plural addressees and formal/informal register, for example, Mach dein Buch zu, Angela! Freunde, helft mir! Hilf mir! Machen Sie das Fenster bitte zu, Frau Berger! Spielen wir Tennis!
- Elaboration describing current, recurring and future actions selecting and conjugating regular, irregular, modal verbs, for example, Ich mache meine Hausaufgaben, Er sieht viel fern, Man darf hier nicht essen, Wann stehst du jeden Tag auf? Wir werden nächstes Jahr in der 10./11. Klasse sein, and separable and inseparable verbs, recognising that the prefix alters the meaning of the base verb, for example, Er kommt um 17.15 Uhr an, Kommst du mit? Ich bekomme manchmal Geld zum Geburtstag.
- Elaboration applying knowledge of the German case system (nominative, accusative, dative and some genitive), and using definite and indefinite articles, personal pronouns including man, and possessive, demonstrative and interrogative adjectives such as ihr, sein, unser, dieser, jeder and welcher
- Elaboration understanding the relationship between word gender, article and case and the adjectival endings, and applying this when describing people, objects, places and events, for example, Mein Freund hat lange, schwarze Haare und trägt einen kleinen Ohrring., Es gibt kein groβes Einkaufszentrum in dieser Stadt
- Elaboration describing past events and experiences in the present perfect and/or simple past tense using a limited range of common verbs, for example, Ich bin gestern Skateboard gefahren, Als Kind trank ich gern Milch
- Elaboration using reflexive verbs in present tense with their appropriate reflexive pronouns to describe daily routines and express emotions and interests, for example, Ich wasche mich morgens, Interessierst du dich für Geschichte? Wir freuen uns auf die Ferien, Erinnerst du dich an …?
- Elaboration understanding and using prepositions, including dative and accusative prepositions in high-frequency contexts, for example, Ich komme aus Australien, Das Eis ist für mich, Der Junge geht zum Bahnhof and understanding the meaning of and using Wechselpräpositionen, for example, Wir gehen ins Kino, Sie wohnen in der Schweiz.
- Elaboration making comparisons using a range of structures, for example, Ich esse lieber Salat als Fleisch, Welches Auto ist am sichersten? Kaffee ist nicht so gesund wie Wasser.
They support discussion of structures and features of texts, using metalanguage.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EU03 Understanding language and culture
reflect on and evaluate German texts, using metalanguage to discuss language structures and features
Elaborations (8)
- Elaboration applying knowledge of the interrelationship of context, purpose and audience, using knowledge of text types and their use to predict the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary in texts
- Elaboration extending understanding of metalanguage to communicate in German and English about case, word order, verb tenses and moods, for example, Dativ, Wechselpräpositionen, das Imperfekt, der Imperativ, Hilfsverben, trennbare Verben
- Elaboration identifying how grammatical choices, words and images combine in a text to achieve intentions and effects, for example, the positioning of the reader in advertisements using personal pronouns, imperative/interrogative verb forms and emotive language and images
- Elaboration analysing structural and linguistic differences through reading, viewing, listening to and/or performing texts with common content, for example, print, radio and television advertisements for the same product
- Elaboration understanding, creating or transforming texts with different purposes to persuade or to entertain different audiences such as children, German speakers, people living in Australia, using different text formats, for example, creating an infographic, advertisement or brochure
- Elaboration analysing differences in register and style when using language in different contexts, for example, watching video clips showing introductions, greetings and farewells in different situations, or noticing the use of Jugendsprache in songs, graffiti and text messages
- Elaboration interpreting, evaluating and explaining textual conventions popular with young German speakers, such as the use of contractions, abbreviations and acronyms in text messages, for example, 4u = für dich = for you, brb = bin gleich wieder da = be right back, 8ung = Achtung! sz = schreib zurück, sTn = schönen Tag noch
- Elaboration analysing linguistic choices in a range of texts, for example, language for addressing potential conflict involving an apology and outcome, dealing with a contentious issue, expressing agreement and disagreement in different ways, Ich bin nicht damit einverstanden. Das stimmt nicht ganz. Ich sehe das anders.
They reflect on their own language use and cultural identity, and draw on their experience of learning German, to discuss how this learning influences their ideas and ways of communicating.
Content descriptorAC9LG10EU04 Understanding language and culture
reflect on and explain how identity is shaped by language(s), culture(s), attitudes, beliefs and values, and how these affect ways of communicating
Elaborations (6)
- Elaboration reflecting on how learning German impacts on own assumptions about German language, culture and identity, for example, through personal journals and group discussions
- Elaboration analysing how language use and culture reflect and construct relationships, practices and attitudes, including expressions and concepts in German, for example, the changing use of the familiar and formal forms, and the impacts of migration and the increasing use of words from other languages in German language
- Elaboration considering how the experience of learning a new language impacts on their awareness of their own communicative and cultural behaviours and of how these may be interpreted by others
- Elaboration reflecting on and explaining the protocols required to authentically co-create an Acknowledgement of Country/Place with a First Nations Australian, to present in German to a group of German-speaking visitors at a school assembly
- Elaboration considering the interaction of German and other languages within constantly changing environments due to globalisation, technology, and language shifts and exchange
- Elaboration considering how language reflects values and attitudes such as respect and equality, and includes and excludes, for example, the use of titles or first names such as Herr Doktor Schmidt, Herr Schmidt, Georg, or the gendered nature of professional titles der Lehrer, die Lehrerin, die Lehrkraft, das Kindermädchen
This achievement standard describes the expected learning for Years 9 to 10 German · Years 7 to 10 sequence. Use it to plan teaching and assessment with the Australian Curriculum v9.
At a Glance
| Strand | Substrand | CDs | Elaborations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communicating meaning in German | Interacting in German | 3 | 20 |
| Communicating meaning in German | Mediating meaning in and between languages | 2 | 18 |
| Communicating meaning in German | Creating text in German | 1 | 8 |
| Understanding language and culture | Understanding systems of language | 3 | 25 |
| Understanding language and culture | Understanding the interrelationship of language and culture | 1 | 6 |
| Total | 10 | 77 | |