EDUCATION For all ages |
Engaging students in German language instruction since 1964 |
Das Deutsche Sprachdiplom I und II |
WHAT IS THE "DEUTSCHE SPRACHDIPLOM"?
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The Deutsches Sprachdiplom is a program designed by the German government responsible for education (KMK-Deutsch, DSD-English). Passing the final exam will provide the student with the only certificate all "Studienkollegs" and universities will accept without further validation of language abilities. Children ages 14 and up* can receive this certificate after passing a vigorous examination of their German writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. There are two levels: DSD I and DSD II, with the DSD II proving the linguistic abilities a typical German "Abiturient" (high school graduate) would have.
- The DANK Haus is the only school in Illinois that is certified to administer the DSD II exam.
Who can take the DSD?
- Any child older than 14 may take the DSD (age is a general guideline, and children may take the test earlier, if they can prove suitability). Only certified schools can administer the exam, and the child needs to be enrolled in one of these schools to be eligible for the test. The DANK Haus is a long-standing member of this program and is working closely with the Zentralstelle für Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) to continually foster our students' successes.
How much German does my child need to know for the exam?
There are two levels:
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The DSD I requires that the child is able to communicate in everyday situations beyond basic information, and can use the language somewhat independently. This level is standardized as Level B1 on the CEFR.
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The DSD II requires that the child can communicate on a near-native level, where language use is thoroughly independent.This level is standardized as Level B2 and C1 on the CEFR.
- Even if your child does not speak any German in the beginning, our dedicated teaching staff will work with her/him/them towards the DSD goal until he/she/they are ready and comfortable to take it.
Why should my child take the exam?
Taking the exam will certify your child’s German abilities. This means
- that your child has the linguistic prerequisite to study at a Studienkolleg in Germany - with the DSD I
- that your child acquires the seal of biliteracy - with the DSD I
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that you child has the linguistic prerequisite to study at a University in Germany - with the DSD II
- that your child may be able to use this certificate in school as proof of a foreign language (this depends on the individual school's policies).
WHICH CLASSES CAN MY CHILD TAKE TO PREPARE FOR THE EXAM?
- Our learning plan throughout our classes are designed with the DSD in mind, as the skills a student learns for these exams will not only allow him/her/them to master the language, but will teach life-long skills. Therefore, we start the journey towards this goal in Elementary School, while we always keep in mind that learning should be all-encompassing, and not just defined to the desk. You can read more about our philosophy of teaching and learning here.
- Our younger students might prove their speaking, presenting, reading, and listening competencies through the Internationale Vergleichsarbeit (IVA) which is a measuring tool for us to see where everyone stands. We also offer the National German Exam (NGE), associated with the American Association for Teachers of German.
- Our dedicated DSD classes are 6th grade and up.
- Students are also welcome to join our classes without taking the exam at the end - the exam is an option, not a must.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE UNTIL MY CHILD CAN TAKE THE TEST?
- The answer to this is: it depends. We want to make sure that your child can take the exam successfully (only one re-take is allowed), and to reach this level of comfort depends not only on what the child learns in school, but also how this learning is re-enforced at home, how motivated the child is, and many more factors.
- Even for bi-lingual speakers, who are comfortable with their German, it takes at least one semester of specific preparation to take the test.
- DSD I tests are taken in the spring, DSD II are taken in the fall/winter.
WHAT DOES THE EXAM LOOK LIKE?
- While the basic requirements are the same for both tests (writing, reading, listening, and speaking), the tests are slightly different.
- Open this PDF for an overview of the DSD I exam: DSD I Exam Overview.pdf
- Open this PDF for an overview of the DSD II exam: DSD II - Exam Overview.pdf
SO, IF MY CHILD HAS THE DSD II HE/SHE/THEM CAN STUDY IN GERMANY?
- No. Your child also needs additional proof of his/her/their knowledge and abilities in other subject matters, such as math and science. The DSD II certifies only that your child can understand and produce enough German to attend a University in German. The German Academic Exchange Program DAAD has a comprehensive list for admission requirements for studying at a German university.
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO PROVE LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY?
- Yes. (However, the DSD is the only one that is officially recognized by the German government and universities.)
- You can take the National German Exam (NGE) at the DANK (click here to find out more) which leads up to a CEFR Level B1.
- You can take AP classes/exams that are usually on a CEFR Level B1/B2. Check with your school for more information.
- Students 16 years and older might also be able to take the ÖSD exam with us. We are the only Prüfungszentrum in Illinois to offer the internationally recognized exam. Click here for more information.
- Not all test levels are not in themselves high enough to prove the required linguistic proficiency for German universities. They might however be combined with other certificates and then enable your child to enroll. Please check the DAAD requirement list for detailed information.