AQA GCSE German specification (8668)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE 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 AQA GCSE 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 AQA GCSE German (8668) 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 AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The AQA GCSE German (8668) course supports learners in developing their German language skills to communicate effectively and confidently in a variety of contexts. The specification encourages students to express themselves in speech and writing, understand spoken and written German, and engage with authentic sources. It emphasises intercultural awareness and aims to develop skills useful for further study or practical use. Learners explore topics relevant to them and German-speaking communities, and acquire vocabulary, grammar and communication strategies appropriate to their tier of entry (Foundation or Higher):contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Theme 1: Identity and Culture
- Me, my family and friends: relationships, marriage and partnerships
- Technology in everyday life: social media, mobile technology
- Free-time activities: music, cinema, TV, food and sport
- Customs and festivals in German-speaking countries
Theme 2: Local, National, International and Global Areas of Interest
- Home, town, neighbourhood and region
- Social issues: charity, voluntary work, health and lifestyle
- Global issues: the environment, poverty and homelessness
- Travel and tourism
Theme 3: Current and Future Study and Employment
- My studies
- Life at school/college
- Education post-16
- Jobs, career choices and ambitions
Scope of Study
- Listening: respond to spoken German across familiar and unfamiliar contexts
- Speaking: structured and spontaneous tasks, including role play and general conversation
- Reading: respond to varied written material including authentic texts
- Writing: tasks include translation, structured writing and extended pieces
- Grammar: tier-specific grammatical structures, including tenses, cases, word order
- Communication strategies: coping with unknown vocabulary, paraphrasing, repair techniques
- Vocabulary: guided by core and theme-based lists, with transferable language knowledge:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- 35 mins (Foundation) or 45 mins (Higher) including 5 mins reading time
- 25% of GCSE
- Section A: questions in English
- Section B: questions in German
Paper 2: Speaking
- Non-exam assessment (teacher-conducted)
- 7–9 mins (Foundation) or 10–12 mins (Higher) + prep time
- 25% of GCSE
- Includes role play, photo card and general conversation
Paper 3: Reading
- 45 mins (Foundation) or 1 hr (Higher)
- 25% of GCSE
- Section A: questions in English
- Section B: questions in German
- Section C: translation from German into English
Paper 4: Writing
- 1 hr (Foundation) or 1 hr 15 mins (Higher)
25% of GCSE
Foundation Tier:
- Q1: 4-sentence photo response
- Q2: 40-word passage
- Q3: Translation into German (35 words)
- Q4: 90-word structured task (choice of 2)
Higher Tier:
- Q1: 90-word structured task (choice of 2)
- Q2: 150-word open-ended task (choice of 2)
- Q3: Translation into German (50 words):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE 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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