Learning German
At GESM, German is a core part of the curriculum across all school sections, reflecting our strong commitment to multilingualism and international education.
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In the English Section
All students in the English Section learn German.
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In Kindergarten, German is introduced playfully through songs, stories, and activities.
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From Grade 1 onwards, German is a required subject taught as DaF (Deutsch als Fremdsprache – German as a foreign language).
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New students with little or no prior experience in German are placed in beginner-level classes and are assessed to ensure appropriate placement. They are not graded against peers who have studied German longer.
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In cases where a student is enrolled in the EAL (English as an Additional Language) program, German instruction may be delayed until the student completes EAL Stage 3.
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All students in the English Section are prepared for official German language certifications, including:
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DSD I (Deutsches Sprachdiplom I) by the end of Grade 10 (A2–B1 CEFR level)
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DSD II by the end of Grade 12 (B2–C1 CEFR level)
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More information on the DSD can be found here.
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German learning extends beyond the classroom through:
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Bilingual clubs and collaboration periods
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Cultural exchange trips and excursions to Germany
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Internship placements with German companies (local and international, where possible)
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In the German Section
Students in the German Section follow a curriculum aligned with the standards in Germany.
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Instruction is conducted in German, and students are expected to have age-appropriate German proficiency.
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However, children without prior German knowledge may be accepted from Kindergarten up to Primary grades. For older students with little or no German, enrollment is considered case-by-case. Factors such as family commitment, school support capacity, and staff availability are taken into account.
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Students needing support in German receive differentiated language assistance, which may include:
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Push-in support: language support provided during regular lessons
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Pull-out support: small-group or one-on-one sessions with a specialist teacher
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These approaches help students build their German proficiency while staying engaged with the curriculum.
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Information about the German Language Diploma (DSD)
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German Language Diploma (DSD) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK)
The German Language Diploma (DSD) is an internationally recognized school-based German language program supported by the federal and state governments of Germany. It is overseen by a central committee made up of representatives from the German states as well as federal institutions, including the German Foreign Office and the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA). This committee is responsible for all aspects of the DSD program, including the development, administration, and evaluation of the examinations, as well as the official certification of results.
Only students enrolled at officially approved DSD schools, like GESM, are eligible to take the DSD examinations. To receive approval, a school must offer a structured and goal-oriented German curriculum with a minimum number of instructional hours:
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At least 600 class hours (45 minutes each) for DSD I and DSD I PRO
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At least 800 class hours for DSD II
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The DSD exams assess German language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
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DSD I / DSD I PRO certify language skills at B1 level
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DSD II certifies advanced proficiency at B2 or C1 level
The examinations are conducted worldwide on centrally scheduled dates. For each exam session, all participating schools use the same standardized exam materials. These exams are evaluated centrally in Germany to ensure consistent and reliable assessment. As of late 2025, around 85,000 students worldwide take part in DSD examinations each year.
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At the local level, the DSD program is supported by trained German language advisors. At GESM and other German international schools, the Head of School serves as the official head of the examination process.
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For students who did not complete their secondary education at a German-speaking school, proof of sufficient German language skills is generally required in order to enroll at a university in Germany. The German Language Diploma (DSD II) fulfills this language requirement and can be used as official proof of German proficiency for admission to German higher education institutions.
