Cambridge International · International A Level · 9717
German — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge International A Level German (9717)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge International International A Level German (9717)
Cambridge International International A Level German (9717)
Cambridge International A Level German (9717)
Cambridge 9717 (2026) develops advanced German through Speaking (Paper 1), Reading & Writing with translation (Paper 2), Essay (Paper 3), and Texts & Films analysis (Paper 4) — built on thematic areas spanning youth, family, education, media, environment, politics, and culture.
Mark schemes: Cambridge A Level rewards accurate Konjunktiv I in indirect speech and Konjunktiv II for hypothetical statements, complex sentences using subordinate clauses with verb-final order, and a range of cultural references from set works and films. Case accuracy under genitive prepositions and two-way prepositions is heavily weighted. Essay markers want clear thesis development with textual evidence.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verb conjugations | Essential | All GCSE tenses | Präsens, Perfekt, Präteritum, Futur, Plusquamperfekt — the AS Level baseline. | |
| Verb conjugations | Core | Konjunktiv I | Used in indirect speech to report what was said — er sagte, er sei krank — preserves neutrality. | |
| Verb conjugations | Core | Konjunktiv II | Hypothetical and polite forms — würde + infinitive or wäre/hätte + past participle for unrealised past. | |
| Verb conjugations | Advanced | Vorgangs- vs Zustandspassiv | werden + past participle (process passive) vs sein + past participle (state passive). | |
| Verb conjugations | Advanced | Modals in compound tenses | ich habe es machen müssen — double infinitive in perfect, also possible in Konjunktiv II hypothetical past. | |
| Advanced grammar | Core | Accusative-only prepositions | durch, für, gegen, ohne, um — always trigger accusative case. | |
| Advanced grammar | Core | Dative-only prepositions | aus, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu — always trigger dative case. | |
| Advanced grammar | Core | Two-way prepositions | an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen — wo? takes dative, wohin? takes accusative. | |
| Advanced grammar | Advanced | Genitive prepositions | trotz, während, wegen, statt — formal register; spoken German often replaces with dative. | |
| Advanced grammar | Advanced | Declined relative pronouns | der, die, das with case matching role in clause and gender/number from antecedent. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Essential | Cambridge themes | Youth concerns, family & society, education & employment, technology & media, environment, politics, history & culture. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Core | Set works & films | Awareness of prescribed novels and films — used as evidence in Paper 4 essays. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Core | DACH cultural range | Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — broaden references beyond the Bundesrepublik. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Core | Sociopolitical vocabulary | Wiedervereinigung, Integration, Klimawandel, Digitalisierung — debate-ready terms. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Advanced | Literary analysis | Erzählperspektive, Symbolik, Motiv — describe narrative choices using genre vocabulary. | |
| Exam technique | Essential | Paper 1 Speaking | Topic presentation followed by discussion — examiners reward fluency, idiom, and case accuracy. | |
| Exam technique | Core | Paper 2 Reading & Writing | Comprehension, summary, and translation into German — verb-final order in subordinate clauses must be precise. | |
| Exam technique | Core | Paper 3 Essay | Discursive essay on a thematic question — plan thesis, two perspectives, justified conclusion. | |
| Exam technique | Core | Paper 4 Texts & Films | Analytical essay on prescribed works — use textual evidence, avoid plot retelling. | |
| Exam technique | Advanced | Translation strategy | Render meaning not word-for-word — restructure to keep verbs final in dependent clauses. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
German (9717) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International A Level German keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important german terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge International A Level German (9717) (9717). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this German glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for A Level German (9717) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for German.
- Can I download this German keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this German list aligned to the 9717 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge International A Level German (9717) for Cambridge International A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for German at A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.