Ateneo - UPO

The German language course for MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES students is divided into two modules: 1) The German linguistics module entitled GRAMMAR AS A TOOL FOR THE COMPREHENSION OF GERMAN-LANGUAGE TEXTS, consisting of 15 hours and taught by Dr Cernicchiaro, has a theoretical and practical focus and deals with the German grammatical structures that are relevant for text comprehension; 2) The module “GERMAN LANGUAGE PRACTICE”, consisting of 96 hours and taught by native-speaker language instructors, is a general German language course (CEFR level B1).

(LINGUISTICA - DR. CERNICCHIARO)
Peters, Jörg (2021). Intonation. 2° Auflage. Heidelberg: Winter.
Schwarz-Friesel, Monika / Consten, Manfred (2025). Textlinguistik. Eine Einführung. 2., vollständig überarb. und erw. Aufl. Tübingen: Narr Francke Attempto (=Narr Studienbücher).
Greule, Albrecht / Reimann, Sandra (2026). Textgrammatik des Deutschen. Strukturen – Analysen – Didaktik – Geschichte. Tübingen: Narr Francke Attempto Verlag.
Repp, Sophie / Struckmeier, Volker (2020). Syntax: eine Einführung. Berlin: Metzler.
(ESERCITAZIONI)
(1) Anne, Buscha. A-Grammatik: Übungsgrammatik Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Sprachniveau A1/A2. (2) Akademie-Deutsch A1+ Zusatzmaterialien mit Audios online. Hueber Verlag. (3) (1) Dreyer-Schmitt, Lehr – und Übungsbuch der deutschen Grammatik,Hueber-Verlag (2) Anne Buscha e Szilvia Zita (2008). Begegnungen Deutsch als Fremdsprache B1 Integriertes Kurs- und Arbeitsbuch. (3) Akademie-Deutsch A2+ Zusatzmaterialien mit Audios online. Hueber Verlag. (4) Testi forniti dal docente

For attending students, the 6 ECTS associated with the course are divided as follows: 4.4 ECTS (111 hours) of in-person taught instruction; 1.6 ECTS (39 hours) of self-study.
(LINGUISTICS - DR. CERNICCHIARO) The course aims to provide students with the fundamental tools of linguistic analysis required to approach, understand, and analyse written texts in German. Through the study of selected grammatical structures that are particularly relevant to text comprehension – such as verbal morphology, the syntactic structure of noun phrases and of simple and complex sentences, as well as the main mechanisms of textual coherence and information structure – students develop greater metalinguistic awareness and acquire a reading methodology that enables them to approach German texts of different genres and varying levels of complexity with increasing autonomy and confidence. At a more advanced level, students will also be able to understand how different grammatical choices contribute to the construction of meaning and to the organisation of information within a text.
(LANGUAGE PRACTICE) The course aims to achieve the following learning outcomes. Knowledge and understanding: The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of German grammar, culture, and civilization. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students should acquire the necessary theoretical and practical tools to understand and produce short written and oral texts and to use the grammatical rules covered in the course correctly and appropriately, as well as to apply their knowledge of German culture and civilization. Making judgements: Students should demonstrate that they have acquired the skills necessary to evaluate the main aspects of German culture and civilization, comparing them with those of their own culture. Communication skills: The course aims to provide students with the skills necessary to communicate in German and write short texts on a variety of topics. Learning skills: The course introduces specific study methods by providing textual examples of different types and contents. It also encourages students to independently observe and identify, within authentic texts, the grammatical rules they have learned.

(LINGUISTICS - DR. CERNICCHIARO) None.
(LANGUAGE PRACTICE) Before the starting of the lessons, students do a short test in order to be divided into two different groups according to their basic knowledge. During the first year students are divided into two groups: (i) students with no previous knowledge of German language and (ii) students with basic knowledge of the language. No prerequisite is necessary.

(LINGUISTICS - DR. CERNICCHIARO) This course is offered in two separate 15-hour modules: one designed for absolute beginners (German Language B) and one intended for students with prior school-level knowledge of German (German Language A). While both modules pursue the same learning objectives, the teaching activities, examples, and exercises are tailored to the students’ initial level of language proficiency. Teaching methods: The course consists of lectures combining teacher-led instruction with interactive learning activities. Theoretical explanations of the topics covered are followed by their practical application through guided exercises.
(LANGUAGE PRACTICE) Frontal lessons. Explanation of different topics and concrete application through exercises. Reading and comprehension of authentic texts.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request dedicated services and support tools by contacting the University’s Student Careers and Services Development and Coordination Office and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentesse-e-studenti-condizione-di-disabilit%C3%A0-e-dsa. Once they have contacted the relevant University Office, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN may contact the course instructor regarding the arrangements for examinations and any aspects related to teaching and learning activities.

The GERMAN LANGUAGE examination consists of two components: linguistics (Dr Cernicchiaro) and language practice (native-speaking language instructors). The linguistics component is assessed on a pass/fail basis and does not contribute to the final examination grade. Passing it is, however, required before the examination can be officially recorded with the grade obtained in the language practice component. Each component—the linguistics pass and the language practice grade—remains valid for two calendar years while the student completes the other component, if necessary. The grade ranges are 18–23 (basic), 24–27 (intermediate), and 28–30, with honours where awarded (advanced). Honours are awarded on the basis of the accuracy, depth and development of the answers.

(LINGUISTICS – DR CERNICCHIARO) The assessment is a one-hour written examination consisting of two parts: (a) one or two open-ended questions on course topics; and (b) one or two exercises assessing the application of theoretical concepts. It tests students’ ability to describe the grammatical structures covered in the course using appropriate linguistic terminology, and to recognise and interpret those structures in a text. The final score, out of 30, is the sum of the points awarded for each question. To pass (18/30), students must meet the minimum learning outcomes: they must demonstrate essential knowledge of the course content, generally correct use of linguistic terminology, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to the analysis of linguistic phenomena, even if only partially and with guidance. Answers with serious gaps or inappropriate use of terminology will not receive a pass. Students with disabilities, specific learning disorders or special educational needs may use support tools during the examination.
(LANGUAGE PRACTICE) The written and oral examinations are held separately. The written examination includes grammar, reading comprehension and written production. The grammar section consists of exercises assessing students’ understanding and application of the grammatical structures covered in the course. The comprehension section involves reading a text, usually a journalistic article, and answering questions about it. Students then write a short text (freier Ausdruck) expressing their opinion or describing personal experiences related to the topics covered. The written examination lasts four hours in total. A score of at least 18/30 is required to pass; honours are awarded on the basis of accuracy, depth and the ability to develop answers. The oral examination consists of reading and commenting on a text, usually a journalistic article, followed by questions about interests, hobbies, past experiences and future plans. A score of at least 18/30 is also required to pass the oral examination. Assessment takes into account students’ ability to apply the grammar rules they have learned; understand and produce written and spoken texts; use vocabulary appropriately; and express personal opinions in German, including by comparing aspects of German culture with their own experience. The assessment levels are defined as follows: Excellent: excellent knowledge of grammatical structures, excellent comprehension and text production, and appropriate use of vocabulary. Good/fair: good grammatical knowledge and good comprehension and production skills. Pass: basic knowledge of grammatical concepts, an overall understanding of the text, and simple but correct production. Fail: clear gaps in learning, inadequate knowledge of grammatical topics, and difficulty understanding and producing texts. In the oral examination, a performance is considered adequate when the student can communicate personal information and accurately report the content of the text provided.

(LINGUISTICS - DR. CERNICCHIARO) The course provides a systematic introduction to the grammatical structures of German that are particularly relevant to the reading and comprehension of written texts of different genres. It focuses primarily on morphology, syntax, and the prototypical mechanisms underlying the organisation of individual textual units.
(LANGUAGE PRACTICE) The course aims to the acquisition of the basic grammatical notions (B1.1 level). The grammar explanation is followed by exercises, in which students should apply the grammatical rules. A part of the lessons is dedicated to the comprehension of written and oral texts: students should express their thoughts using the correct terminologies and the suitable syntactic structures (subordinates,object sentences and so on).

(LINGUISTICS - DR. CERNICCHIARO) The following learning outcomes are expected. (1. Knowledge and understanding) Students acquire basic knowledge of German linguistic structures, with particular reference to morphology, syntax, and pragmatics, and understand the role of grammatical analysis in the comprehension of written texts. (2. Applying knowledge and understanding) Students are able to recognise and interpret the main grammatical structures addressed during the course and to use them to understand different types of German texts, identifying their main linguistic features. (3. Making judgements) Students develop the ability to approach the reading of new texts independently, using the grammatical tools acquired during the course to formulate well-founded interpretative hypotheses. (4. Communication skills) Students are able to describe and discuss German grammatical structures using appropriate specialised terminology. (5. Learning skills) Students acquire a method of reading and linguistic analysis that enables them to further develop their understanding of German-language texts independently, also in preparation for future courses.
(LANGUAGE PRACTICE) Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the grammar (B1.1 level)Knowledge of syntactic structures (B1.1 level)Knowledge of the proper terminology Understanding written and oral textsApplying knowledge and understanding: Producing short written and oral textsUsing properly grammar rules Making judgements: Making judgements in German about different topics Making judgments about German culture and comparing it with the own cultureCommunication: Using the proper terminology and grammar in written and oral communication Lifelong learning skills: Joining abstract grammatical rules with their concrete use in written and oral productions Learning and improving the terminology and the different grammatical issues on his own

To achieve a passing grade, students must demonstrate that they have acquired the fundamental knowledge and skills covered by the course and can apply them appropriately. At an advanced level, students must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the course content, critical analytical skills, and the ability to apply what they have learned independently.