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Year 8 - German

News article: 'gegen', 'laut'

In the news: using prepositions 'an', 'auf', 'gegen', 'laut'

Unit Summary

Using semi-authentic news articles, this unit introduces known and some new vocabulary in different contexts. Pupils also practise the use of the accusative and dative cases to communicate movement and location with 'an' and 'auf'.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use your developing vocabulary and grammar knowledge to infer the likely meanings of unfamiliar words in a news article.

Key Notes

  • German [ch] is two sounds, hard and soft, depending on the preceding vowel. [ch] and [ck] are different sounds.
  • Word patterns can help you understand unfamiliar words in a text, e.g., German words with -cht may be -ght in English.
  • It helps to think creatively; some words have second meanings which are related to the meaning you already know.
  • Vocabulary and grammar knowledge (e.g., word order and word forms) help to work out the meaning of unknown words.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • [ch]: as pronounced in 'Buch' and 'Bücher'
  • infer: work out the likely meaning of an unfamiliar word based on knowledge of the surrounding words in the text and the structure of the word itself

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Cognate recognition is the only strategy I need to understand texts in German.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.

German [ch] is two sounds, hard and soft, depending on the preceding vowel. [ch] and [ck] are different sounds. Word patterns can help you understand unfamiliar words in a text, e.g., German words with -cht may be -ght in English.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. '[ch]'

as pronounced in 'Buch' and 'Bücher'. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: Cognate recognition is the only strategy I need to understand texts in German. Correction: Cognates are helpful, but not always enough. You will understand much more if you know some common word and spelling patterns in German, and if you use your vocabulary and grammar knowledge creatively to work out the meanings of unfamiliar words.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 German guide library.