OVERVIEW

German Vocabulary: An Introduction

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with a expert of a number of aspects of German linguistics, enabling them also to think critically about and describe the metalinguistic factors at play in language use

Language classes aim to improve students’ linguistic competence

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims of the course ('theoretical module') are:

• develop metalinguistic skills
• provide the basic categories of the lexical and semantic description of German, also cross-linguistically with Italian
• develop understanding of the internal structure of German words;
• develop understanding of semantic relationships and phraseology
• develop the ability to understand and analyse the role of vocabulary in the information structure
• know and apply the essential scientific terminology of the lexical and semantic analysis of German
• know how to use linguistic and terminological databases, mono- and multilingual repertoires, online dictionaries, and corpora.

The global aim of the language learning courses is to enable students to reach level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

At the end of the course ('theory module') the students

• will be able to recognize and analyse the internal structure of German words, as well as semantic relationships and phraseology;
• will know how to analyse the role of vocabulary in the information structure;
• must know, understand and be able to use properly the basic categories of the semantic description of German, also cross-linguistially with Italian;
• must know, understand and be able to use properly the essential scientific terminology in the areas discussed, both in Italian and in German;
• will know how to use linguistic and terminological databases, mono- and multilingual repertoires, online dictionaries,and corpora.

Course attendance is not mandatory, but recommended.

PREREQUISITES

Students must demonstrate a B1 level of language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

TEACHING METHODS

The course ("theory module") will combine various modes, mainly frontal lecturing, flipped classroom, and blended learning; PPT presentations and multimedia will be used. During the course (theoretical 'module') various exercises will be assigned with the aim of gradually checking the knowledge acquired. 

The "theory module" (30 h, 2nd semester) is accompanied by year-round language learning courses (100 h).

• Theory module: 30 h (2nd semester) (Prof. Dr. Simona Leonardi). 
• Language learning courses: 1st & 2nd term

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1) Theoretical 'module': dictionaries; online dictionaries; lexical and terminological databases; corpora; basic, common, extended vocabulary; the lexicon; lexical dynamism; ‘Definition’, homographs and homonyms; dimensions of lexical variation; word formation; loans; neologisms; collocations and phraseologisms.

The metalinguistics reflections on the lexical structures of German will be integrated with textual examples fromvarious genres as well as with multimedia materials.

2) Language learning courses: Over the two semesters period students’ knowledge of German should reach level B1 according to the European framework in all four abilities. 

According to University regulations, this syllabus is valid until February 2026.

Non-attending students

For non-attending students, the same syllabus applies; non-attending students should contact the lecturers at the beginning of the course for guidance on course activities and for clarification of the syllabus.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Theory module

• Elsen, Hilke. 2022. Neologismen. Tübingen: Narr
• Flinz, Carolina. 2024. Linguistica dei corpora. Una nuova prospettiva teorico-metodologica per lo studio di morfologia e sintassi in ambito DaF. Milano: University Press <https://libri.unimi.it/index.php/milanoup/catalog/view/165/483/1500>
• Graf, Peter. 2019. Was nicht mehr im Duden steht. Eine Sprach- und Kulturgeschichte. Berlin et al.: Duden-Verlag
• Habermann, Mechthild / Gabriele Diewald / Maria Thurmair. 2015. Fit für das Bacherlorstudium. Grundwissen Grammatik. Mannheim u.a. Dudenverlag
• Herberg, Dieter/Kinne, Michael/Steffens, Doris. 2004. Neuer Wortschatz. Neologismen der 90er Jahre im Deutschen. Unter Mitarbeit von Elke Tellenbach und Doris al-Wadi. Berlin/New York: de Gruyter, 2004. (Schriften des Instituts für Deutsche Sprache 11)
• Knipf-Komlósi, Elisabeth /Roberta V. Rada / Csilla Bernáth. 2006. Aspekte des deutschen Wortschatzes. Budapest: Bölcsész Konzorcium <http://mek.oszk.hu/04900/04913/>
• Leibniz-Institut für Deutsche Sprache: "Propädeutische Grammatik". Grammatisches Informationssystem grammis. DOI: 10.14618/programm Permalink: <https://grammis.ids-mannheim.de/progr@mm>
• OWID. Online-Wortschatz-Informationssystem Deutsch des Leibniz-Instituts für Deutsche Sprache (IDS). https://www.owid.de/

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

Language learning courses
* Schmohl/Schenk/Glaser (2021): Akademie Deutsch B2+. Intensivlehrwerk mit Audios online. Band 4, Verlag: Hueber. - ISBN 978-3-19-161650-2 auch als digitale Version verfügbar
* Schmohl/Schenk/Glaser (2021): Akademie Deutsch B2+. Zusatzmaterial mit Audios online. Band 4, Verlag: Hueber. - ISBN  ISBN 978-3-19-171650-9 auch als digitale Version verfügbar

Grammar course 
Recommended handbooks
* Giorgio Motta: Grammatik direkt NEU. Grammatica tedesca con esercizi. Loescher Editore, 2014. (soluzioni degli esercizi inclusi) - ISBN 9788820136581
* Hilke Dreyer/ Richard Schmitt: Grammatica tedesca con esercizi. Die neue Gelbe. Italienisch-deutsch. Verlag: Hueber. - ISBN 9783190472550 (soluzioni: ISBN 9783191072551)
* Paola Bonelli/Rosanna Pavan: Grammatica attiva della lingua tedesca, Hoepli Editore, 2012. - ISBN 978-8820351854

Further bibliographical and didactic material will be communicated at the beginning of the semester (Aulaweb).

Non-attending students

For non-attending students, the same syllabus applies; non-attending students should contact the lecturers at the beginning of the course for guidance on course activities and for clarification of the syllabus.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SIMONA LEONARDI (President)

JOACHIM HANS BERND GERDES

SERENA SPAZZARINI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Theory module: 2nd semester

Start: 19th February, 2025

Wed 1 p.m.-3 p.m.  polo, Aula E 

Thu 12-1 p.m. polo, Aula E 

Language learning courses: 1st + 2nd semester (start: October, 2024)

Language learning course + Grammar (Bergemann)

Tue, 11:00-2:00 p.m. (Aula 15, AdP)
Start: 1st October 2024

Translation (Italian > German) (Ferrari)

Mon 1.00 - 3.00 p.m. (Aula E, Polo Didattico)
Start: 30. September 2024

Class schedule

GERMAN LANGUAGE III

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Theory module: written examination (2/3) + PPT presentation + discussion (1/3) (40% of the final grade)
Language learning courses: written examination (essay) + written examination (grammar) + written examination (German-Italian translation) +
oral examination (60% of the final mark)(average of the marks of the exercise exams: 60% of the final mark)

In accordance with further public health measures designed to contain the COVID-19 exam forms may differ from the above.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Theory module: During the course verification of the learning process through tests and quizzes + written examination, in which the arguments treated during the class will be asked about + PPT presentation + oral examination.

The final examination will consist of a written examination + oral commentary on the PPT presentation. During the written examination of the theoretical 'module', knowledge of the course content will be tested.

The final assessment will take into account a) the PPT presentation (previously sent to the lecturer); b) the adequacy of the bibliography accompanying the presentation; c) the knowledge of the course contents (written examination/presentation); d) familiarity with the readings discussed during the course and with the materials made available on the Aulaweb platform.

The languages learning courses will be completed by written examinations and an oral examination.

Assessment system

The assessment is graded according to the following evaluation system for lowest and highest marks:

• 18/30: lowest positive grade.
• 30/30: highest positive grade
• 30/30 cum laude: highest positive grade, excellent performance.

Registering for the examinations on the homepage of the University of Genoa (www.unige.it), the link "servizi online per gli studenti“.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Target group: Mandatory modules for third year students of Modern Languages and Cultures (Lingue e Culture moderne) who have German as a main subject.

Credits: The entire course (theory class + language learning courses)  is credited with 9 credit points (CP / ECTS).

Language: 

• Theory module: Lessons will be held mainly in German.
• Language learning courses: Lessons will be held mainly in German.

Students with certified special educational needs (DSA)

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.