OVERVIEW

German syntax

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with an overview of several aspects of German linguistics, enabling them to think critically about and describe the metalinguistic factors involved in language use.

Language classes aim to improve students’ linguistic competence

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning target of the class is to reach the B1 level described in the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) in German language.

Learning target of the class is to know the structure German sentences and syntactic phrases.

Learning target of the class is to be able to operate syntactic analysis of simple and complex paratactic and hypotactic sentence constructions.

Learning target of the class is the acquisition of knowledge about the main syntactical theories.

Learning target of the class is to have competence in analyzing syntactical structures taking into consideration contrastive aspects between German and Italian language.

PREREQUISITES

Students must demonstrate a A2 level of language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

TEACHING METHODS

Il modulo teorico (II semestre) di 36 ore è affiancato da esercitazioni linguistiche di durata annuale (lettorato, 100 ore, lezioni annuali). Per gli orari, il programma e le aule in cui si terranno i lettorati e i tutorati vedi a partire da settembre 2026 le pagine personali dei docenti e la pagina dell'Aulaweb. Le esercitazioni comprendono esercizi di traduzione dal tedesco in italiano e dall’italiano in tedesco e esercizi d’interpretariato. I nominativi dei docenti e delle docenti del lettorato verranno comunicati a settembre 2026. Didattica frontale accompagnata da unità di esercitazioni di tipo seminariale.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

In the theory class, students will become familiar with the fundamental aspects of German syntax and lexis. Through a general survey of the most important features of German sentence structure, particular attention will be paid to specific characteristics of German syntax in comparison with Italian syntax. Linguistic terminology in German, as well as contrastive linguistic issues relevant to translation from German into Italian and vice versa, will also be addressed.

The practical language exercises include translation exercises from Italian into German and vice versa, as well as interpreting exercises. These activities are designed to help students progress from level A2 to level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with a focus on the four core language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) as well as the required grammatical competence.

For non-attending students, the examination program for both the practical language component and the theory class is identical to that for students who regularly attend the lessons.

The course program remains valid until February 2028 in accordance with departmental regulations.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Theory Class

Di Meola, Claudio: La linguistica tedesca, Roma: Bulzoni, 2014.

Dürscheid, Christa: Syntax. Grundlagen und Theorien, Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2012.

Pittner, Karin / Bermann, Judith: Deutsche Syntax. Ein Arbeitsbuch, Tübingen: Gunter Narr, 2004.

Tomaselli, Alessandra: Introduzione alla sintassi del tedesco, Bari: Edizioni B.A. Graphis, 2004.

Further bibliographical and didactic material will be provided during the semester (Aulaweb).

Applied module

Akademie Deutsch A2+ Intensivlehrwerk, Hueber Verlag  (ISBN 978-3-19-121650-4)
Akademie Deutsch A2+ Zusatzmaterialien, Hueber Verlag (ISBN 978-3-19-131650-1)
Akademie Deutsch B1+ Intensivlehrwerk, Hueber Verlag  (ISBN 978-3-19-141650-8)
Akademie Deutsch B1+ Zusatzmaterialien, Hueber Verlag (ISBN 978-3-19-151650-5)
Motta: Grammatik direkt neu, Loescher, ISBN 9788820136581

Further learning material will be communicated at the beginning of the semester by the lecturers and in Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Theory module: 36 h, 2nd term, start at the end of February, 2027.

Praciical language learning courses: 1st & 2nd term, start at the end of September, 2026.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The theory lessons will be concluded by a written exam in which the arguments treated during the class will be asked about. The languages classes will be completed by oral exams. During the written exam at the end of the theory class the students have to provide evidence of their profound knowledge of the arguments dealt with during the lessons, the designed texts and the materials published in Aulaweb.

Inscription for the exam of the theory class on the homepage of the University of Genoa (www.unige.it) at the link „servizi online per gli studenti“.

Theory class: written exam (40% of the final mark)

Language exercises:

oral translation exam (Italian-German) +

oral translation exam (German-Italian) +

oral interpretation exam (German-Italian)

(average of the marks of the exercise exams: 60% of the final mark)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

In the written exam of the theory class students will give evidence of their knowledge of the basics of German syntax and of the general characteristics of the structure of the lexis of German language in order to be able to analyze parts of speech and the structure of sentences and syntagmata as well as to recognize semantic relationships between words and general aspects of German vocabulary. Assessment criteria are the correctness and completeness of the answers as well as the correct usage of linguistic terminology both in German and in English.

The oral exams of the language exercises (translation Italian-German / translation German-Italian / interpretation) are designated to give proof of the knowledge of German language on B1 level regarding reading comprehension and oral skills, as well as the familiarity with basic grammar. Assessment criteria are grammatical correctness, the ability to express oneself appropriately in an oral exam as well as to be able to understand and to translate written and oral texts both globally and in detail. Assessment criteria are the correct usage and interpretation of grammatical rules and vocabulary as far as requested for attaining the B1 level.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Target group

The exam is obligatory for students in the second year of the course of studies in Theories and techniques of language mediation.

Credits

The total exam consisting in theory class and language exercises is equivalent to 12 credit points.

Languages

Lessons will be held in Italian and German language.

Not attending students:

The program of the exams of the practical language exercises and of the theory class don’t differ from exams for students that take part in the lessons.

Students with certifications:

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Prof. Sara Dickinson (sara.dickinson@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.