1. Listening

• Understanding Complex Speech: Comprehend extended speech and lectures on abstract or complex topics, even when delivered quickly or with advanced vocabulary.

• Critical Listening: Analyse and evaluate arguments, opinions, and ideas presented in discussions, debates, and media broadcasts.

• Detail and Nuance: Grasp subtle details and implied meanings in a variety of contexts, including professional and academic settings.

2. Speaking

• Fluent and Spontaneous Communication: Speak fluently and spontaneously, with a high degree of precision and nuance, on a wide range of topics, including complex and abstract subjects

• Presentations and Public Speaking: Deliver well-structured and coherent presentations or speeches, with effective use of rhetorical strategies and clear argumentation.

• Negotiation and Persuasion: Engage in detailed discussions, negotiations, and debates, presenting and defending complex ideas and positions convincingly.

• Advanced Pronunciation: Achieve near-native pronunciation and intonation, ensuring clarity and subtlety in communication.

3. Reading

• Comprehending Complex Texts: Read and understand a broad range of demanding texts, including academic articles, professional reports, and literary works, with an ability to interpret subtle meanings and critical viewpoints.

• Critical Analysis and Synthesis: Analyse and critically evaluate the content, style, and structure of complex texts, synthesising information from multiple sources.

• Literary and Technical Texts: Engage with both literary and technical texts, understanding intricate details and abstract concepts.

4. Writing

• Producing Detailed Texts: Write clear, well-organised, and detailed texts on complex subjects, such as academic essays, detailed reports, and analytical articles.

• Effective Argumentation: Develop and support arguments with strong evidence and clear reasoning, using appropriate academic or professional conventions.

• Creative and Reflective Writing: Engage in creative writing tasks, such as opinion pieces, reflective essays, or literary analysis, demonstrating a high level of expression and sophistication.

• Adapted Style and Register: Adapt writing style and register to suit different contexts, including formal, informal, academic, or professional settings.

5. Grammar

• Advanced Sentence Structures: Master complex sentence structures, including the use of multiple clauses, embedded clauses, and sophisticated connectors.

• Precision in Tenses and Moods: Use a wide range of tenses and moods (e.g., subjunctive, conditional) with precision and appropriate context.

• Fine-Tuning Grammar: Refine understanding and application of advanced grammar points, including nuanced uses of passive voice, causative constructions, and intricate prepositional phrases.

• Variation and Nuance: Demonstrate flexibility and nuance in the use of language, including idiomatic expressions, advanced connectors, and stylistic variations.

6. Vocabulary

• Extensive and Specialised Vocabulary: Use a broad and specialised vocabulary effectively in both general and specific contexts, including academic, professional, and technical fields.

• Nuanced Expression: Employ idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and figurative language to convey subtle meanings and nuanced thoughts.

• Sophisticated Language Use: Utilise complex word forms and collocations to express sophisticated ideas and arguments.

• Semantic Precision: Choose words and phrases with a high degree of accuracy and appropriateness, avoiding ambiguity and misinterpretation.

7. Cultural Awareness

• In-Depth Cultural Understanding: Gain deep insights into the cultural, historical, and social contexts of German-speaking countries, including contemporary issues and cultural trends.

• Intercultural Communication: Develop advanced skills in intercultural communication, understanding and navigating cultural differences and commonalities in professional and personal interactions

• Analysing Cultural Products: Critically analyse and discuss cultural products, such as literature, cinema, and art, appreciating their cultural and historical significance.

• Contextual Adaptation: Adapt communication and behaviour appropriately to various cultural contexts and settings, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and awareness.

This C1 curriculum aims to help learners achieve a high level of fluency and accuracy, enabling them to communicate effectively and confidently in complex and demanding situations. It prepares students for the ultimate level of proficiency, C2, where they will demonstrate near-native mastery of German in all aspects.