This module takes you to an intermediate level of linguistic competence in German, equivalent to the B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You'll develop your confidence in listening, reading, writing, speaking and interacting in German, as well as your knowledge and understanding of German-speaking societies and cultures. In addition, you'll expand your academic, digital and employability skills in German contexts. Study materials include books and activities on the module website, which features authentic resources that support both independent and collaborative learning, offering a flexible way to progress in real-world German.
What you will study
This module is based around six themes: geography; leisure, culture and the media; work and education; celebrations and traditions; history; and society. Through each theme, you will gradually develop your German knowledge and skills by:
familiarising yourself with core vocabulary and grammar
learning about and reflecting on language, culture and intercultural communication skills
studying with audio recordings and videos featuring speakers of German and their lives and environments
engaging in a wide variety of speaking and interactive activities
practising direct translation to support your language learning
working independently and in collaboration with others
reviewing and monitoring your progress using checklists, and reflective questions.
The study materials are carefully structured and graded. They provide ample opportunities to practise the language in realistic contexts.
Entry requirements
This is an OU level 1 module. OU level 1 modules provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning.
You require a working knowledge of German to study this module, equivalent to A2 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for languages. It is ideal if you have successfully completed Rundblick: beginners’ German (L103) or who have reached a similar linguistic standard. You do not need a formal qualification in the language, but may have acquired your knowledge in adult education classes, time spent in German-speaking countries, regular contact with German-speaking people or other sources. You should be able to understand basic written and spoken materials and to hold a basic conversation in German in everyday situations such as talking about yourself, your family and where you are from, booking a hotel, or asking for directions.
To help decide if you have sufficient German to take this module with confidence, use our self-assessment quiz.
Preparatory work
Before the module begins, we suggest that you continue to use your German in any way you can. You could do this by reading a German newspaper, using online resources, or watching some films in German. Anything you can do to keep practising your German will be helpful. Preparatory materials which help to revise the content of the previous module are available to students once they have registered with the University.
In addition, if you have studied the previous level 1 module, you can also revisit some of the activities and watch and listen to the audio materials from your materials. If you haven't studied this module, you can practise with these free online materials from OpenLearn by selecting German, Level 1.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
The online tutorials will also give you the experience of using the conferencing tool used for the end-of-module speaking test.
Assessment
Course work includes:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
The TMAs test your writing and speaking skills. The final TMA is an interactive speaking assignment, which will be conducted online by your tutor. In addition, the study planner includes 4 formative CMAs (Computer-Marked Assignments), designed to help you practise your reading and listening skills.
What's included
Three printed books, each covering two blocks of study. You'll also have access to a dedicated module website, which includes:
a module guide
a week-by-week study planner
interactive reading, writing, listening and speaking activities
audio and video content
downloadable versions of the printed books
assessment details and submission section
access to forums where you can interact with your tutors and fellow students
access to online tutorials.
You will need
We recommend that you purchase a good bilingual dictionary. We will provide you with details of the latest editions of those that we consider will be most suitable, prior to you starting this module.
You’ll be asked to watch a German-language film that you’ll need to source yourself. Suggestions for films and more information will be provided when you begin the module.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying L113 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
German studies 1 (intermediate) (L113) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.