Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE German specification (7159)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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 Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE German (7159) 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 Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge IGCSE German encourages learners to develop confident communication skills in German through practical and relevant use of language. The syllabus focuses on developing the ability to understand and respond to spoken and written German in various everyday situations. It promotes linguistic competence, cultural awareness, and the skills required to interact in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts, supporting progression to further study and international communication.
Subject content breakdown
Topic areas for assessment
A. Everyday activities
- Home life and school routine
- Food, health and fitness
B. Personal and social life
- Self, family, personal relationships
- Holidays and special occasions
C. The world around us
- Home town and local area
- Natural and made environments
- People, places and customs
D. The world of work
- Continuing education and careers
- Language and communication in the workplace
E. The international world
- Tourism and environmental issues
- Global perspectives and current affairs
Language skills are developed through topics that require:
- Listening and understanding spoken material
- Reading and interpreting various texts
- Writing short and extended responses
- Speaking with fluency and appropriate pronunciation
Assessment structure
Paper 1 – Listening
- Approx. 50 minutes, 45 marks
- Understanding spoken German from different contexts
- 25% of total marks
Paper 2 – Reading
- 1 hour, 45 marks
- Understanding written texts and completing tasks
- Includes short-answer and multiple-choice questions
- 25% of total marks
Paper 3 – Speaking
- 10 minutes, 100 marks
- Conducted by the teacher and externally marked
- 3 parts: role play, topic presentation/discussion, general conversation
- 25% of total marks
Paper 4 – Writing
- 1 hour, 45 marks
- Short and longer writing tasks in response to set prompts
25% of total marks
- All four papers are compulsory
- Assessment objectives include understanding, communicating and applying linguistic knowledge accurately
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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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