At LISA, we strive to give your child the best possible education, and this includes a comprehensive language programme. We would therefore like to inform you about the differentiated options for learning German at LISA. The following options are available:
1. Mainstream German
For students whose first academic language and/or mother tongue is German. Students with German as their first academic language are prepared for the Matura and the IB Diploma. Students enrolled with both German and English as first languages, may attend both mainstream German and native English classes in the 1st and 2nd year. From the 3rd year onwards, students with German and English as first languages must choose either German or English as their first academic language. Please note that students with German as their first language are prepared for the Matura and the IB Diploma. Students with English as their first language are prepared for the IB Diploma.
2. German as a Second Language and German as a Foreign Language
Students learning German as a foreign language at an advanced level (B2 to C1) attend German as a Second Language (DaZ) classes. With appropriate performance, these students may transfer to mainstream German within the first two years. Please note that students in DaZ classes are assessed according to foreign language criteria.
Students learning German as a foreign language at levels A1 (beginner) to B1 (intermediate) attend the corresponding German as a Foreign Language (DaF) classes. Students who attend DaF or DaZ classes throughout lower secondary and are assessed according to DaF criteria are prepared for the IB Diploma. Two qualifications, i.e. preparation for both the Matura and the IB Diploma, are only possible if your child transfers to mainstream German by the 3rd year at the latest and is assessed according to the criteria for German as a mother tongue.
German Support Classes
LISA offers an additional support course for students attending mainstream German or DaZ classes. Students who are enrolled with German as their first language and speak German at a native level, but who have joined us from abroad or from an international primary school (e.g. ABIS), may need additional support. We want to help these students improve their language skills. We therefore also offer a free support course in which we help students improve their spelling, grammar and vocabulary.
