German Language Classes
DSB follows the school's own curriculum based on the curriculum for Elementary school and Gymnasium in Baden-Württemberg, and the Common European Framework of Reference for the German language.
- Exams Offered By DSB
- 2023 - 2024 Exam Schedule
- German Based Tests for German Proficiency (International school comparison tests)
- German Based Exams for German Proficiency: (Deutsche Sprachdiplom DSD I / DSD II)
- US Based Tests for German Proficiency
Exams Offered By The DSB
- International School Comparison Test IVA1: Grade 4 / DaZ-5
- International School Comparison Test IVA2: Grade 7 / DaZ-8
- Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) I: Grade 9 / DaZ-9
- Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD) II: Grade 11 / DaZ-11
- AATG*, National High School exams, Levels 1-4: DaZ-5 to DaZ-8
* American Association of Teachers of German
2024 - 2025
Exam Schedule
Exam | Date |
|---|---|
AATG National High School Exams (Level 2-4) | December 14, 2023 |
AATG National High School Exam (Level 1) | April 25, 2024 |
IVA1 International Comparison Test | March 20/21, 2024 |
IVA2 International Comparison Test (Written Exam) | April 10, 2024 |
IVA2 International Comparison Test (Oral Exam) | May 4, 2024 |
DSD I (A2/B1), Written Exam | March 13, 2024 |
DSD I (A2/B1), Oral Exam | April 12-14, 2024 |
DSD II (B2/C1), Written Exam | November 29, 2023 |
DSD II B2/C1), Oral Exam | January 12-13, 2024 |
* AATG = American Association of Teachers of German
* DSD I = Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe 1 / German Language Diploma Level 1
* DSD II = Deutsches Sprachdiplom Stufe 2 / German Language Diploma Level 2
On your Way to German Proficiency DSD II (Deutsche Sprachdiplom) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
International School | 200h | Grade 3-4 | HV 15 min | SK related writing |
International School Comparison Test(IVA2) | 400h | Grade 7-8 | HV 20-30 + 10 min | SK coherent text production/personal letter |
German Proficiency Test(DSD I) | 600h | Grade 9-10 | HV 40 + 10 min | SK related text production |
German Proficiency Test(DSD II) | 900h | Grade 1-12 | HV 40 + 10 min | SK related text production |
HV = Listening comprehension,LV = Reading comprehension,SK = Written communication,MK = Oral communication
German Based Tests for German Proficiency
(International school comparison tests)
IVA1: In 4th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-5
The “International comparison test IVA1” is taken in 4th grade Native Speaker and 5th grade German-as-a-second-language class. This test consists of a written and an oral part, which is taken during the class time.
IVA2: In 7th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-8
The “International comparison test IVA2” is taken in 7th grade Native Speaker and 8th grade German-as-a-second-language class. The written test is taken during class time, while the oral exam (including creating a poster board with an approved topic) takes place on a weekend in April. This is a great preparation for the German Proficiency Test (Deutsche Sprachdiplom DSD I).
German Based Exams for German Proficiency:
(Deutsche Sprachdiplom DSD I / DSD II)
The DSD I / II is offered by the "Central Agency for Schools Abroad".
The ‘Kultusministerkonferenz’ (KMK – Ministry of culture) annually creates new exams, which are then recognized accordingly in all German states. Upon passing the highest level (DSD II), the student receives the necessary language proficiency to study at a German university. The written examinations are sent to Germany for correction. The oral examination is chaired by the teaching adviser (BDU) from Germany, who presides over each oral examination. Only enrolled students can take part in the various tests.
The level of difficulty between the DSD I and DSD II is vast, very demanding and not easy. It requires a lot of preparation and willingness of the student to regularly take part in class and do homework in order to successfully pass. The DSB reserves the right to internally test the student’s readiness for the exam.
DSD I:
In 9th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-9 (9th grade German-as-a-second language), students are prepared for the DSD I German Proficiency Test (DSD) exam. The date of the written exam is set by the KMK worldwide and usually carried out in March. The oral exam (preparation of an approved topic including creation of poster board) takes place on a weekend in March.
DSD II:
In 11th grade Native Speaker and DaZ-11 (11th grade German-as-a-second language), the students are prepared for the DSD II German Proficiency Test (DSD) exam. The date of the written exam is set by the KMK worldwide and usually takes place at the end of November, the oral exam (preparation of an approved topic including creation of poster board) takes place on a weekend in December or January.
US Based Tests for German Proficiency
AATG Tests
In DaZ-5 to DaZ-8 German-as-second-language classes only, the ATTG tests (American Association of Teachers of German) are taken annually in 4 different levels in December and in April.
