Edexcel A Level German specification (9GN0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level German exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel A Level German specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level German (9GN0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level German qualification from Pearson Edexcel encourages students to develop advanced language skills alongside an understanding of the cultural, political, and social contexts of the German-speaking world. The course emphasises critical and analytical thinking, spontaneous use of language, and creative expression through the study of authentic spoken and written texts, literary works, films, and independent research. With a clear structure and themes that promote engagement and progression from GCSE, the qualification fosters linguistic confidence and prepares learners for further study and global employability:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Gesellschaftliche Entwicklung in Deutschland (Germany only)
- Natur und Umwelt: environmental awareness, recycling, renewable energy, sustainable living
- Bildung: education system, student experience, vocational training
- Die Welt der Arbeit: working life, business and industry, work ethic
Theme 2: Politische und künstlerische Kultur im deutschen Sprachraum (German-speaking world)
- Musik: trends and influence of music on popular culture
- Die Medien: television, digital and print media, impact on society and politics
- Feste und Traditionen: festivals, celebrations, customs, traditions
Theme 3: Immigration und die deutsche multikulturelle Gesellschaft (Germany only)
- Positive impacts of immigration: economic and cultural contributions
- Challenges of immigration and integration: exclusion, alienation, local responses
- State and social responses: extremism, political and public responses to immigration
Theme 4: Die Wiedervereinigung Deutschlands (Germany only)
- Life in the GDR before reunification: work, housing, communist principles
- Events leading to reunification: collapse of communism, Berlin Wall
- Germany since reunification: East–West migration, unemployment, education impact
Works (Paper 2 requirement)
- Study of two from:
- Literary texts (e.g. Der Vorleser, Die Verwandlung, Andorra, Ich fühl mich so fifty-fifty)
- Films (e.g. Good Bye, Lenin!, Das Leben der Anderen, Die Welle)
Independent Research Project
- Student-chosen topic linked to German culture/society
- Based on at least two written sources
- Presented and discussed in the speaking exam:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening, Reading and Translation (9GN0/01)
- 2 hours; 80 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: Listening (30 marks) – German audio, questions in German
- Section B: Reading (30 marks) – texts and comprehension, in German
- Section C: Translation (20 marks) – German to English
- No dictionaries permitted; based on all four themes
Paper 2: Written Response to Works and Translation (9GN0/02)
- 2 hours 40 minutes; 120 marks; 30% of A Level
- Section A: Translation – English to German (20 marks)
- Section B: Essay on one or two literary texts (50 marks)
- Section C: Essay on one film (if only one text used in Section B) (50 marks)
- Essays must be in German; no dictionaries or texts allowed
Paper 3: Speaking (9GN0/03)
- 21–23 minutes including 5 mins prep; 72 marks; 30% of A Level
- Task 1: Thematic discussion based on stimulus (30 marks)
- Task 2: Independent Research Project presentation and discussion (42 marks)
- Internally conducted, externally assessed
- Focus on cultural knowledge, argumentation, and spontaneous interaction:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level German isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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