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German

SAT Subject Test in German Practice

Introduction

The German Subject Test specifically measures the ability to understand written German. It is recommended that you have two to four years of German language study in high school, or a gradual development of competence in German over a period of years. This test is offered at all test centers in June only.

Practice Questions

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Test Basics

Points	Minutes	Questions
200-800	60	80-85

Topics on the Test

Skills Measured
≈50%	Vocabulary in context and structure in context (grammar) Sentence completion and paragraph completion questions test vocabulary and grammar, requiring you to choose the meaning of words and idiomatic expressions in context and to identify usage that is structurally correct and appropriate. For each blank, you must select the choice that BEST fits each sentence.
≈50%	Reading Comprehension Tests your understanding of the content of various materials taken from sources such as advertisements, timetables, street signs, forms, and tickets. Also examines your ability to read passages representative of various styles and levels of difficulty. Each test edition has several prose passages followed by questions that test your understanding of the passage. The passages, mostly adapted from literary sources and newspapers or magazines, are generally one or two paragraphs in length and test whether you can identify the main idea or comprehend facts or details in the text.

Skills Measured

≈50%

Vocabulary in context and structure in context (grammar)

Sentence completion and paragraph completion questions test vocabulary and grammar, requiring you to choose the meaning of words and idiomatic expressions in context and to identify usage that is structurally correct and appropriate. For each blank, you must select the choice that BEST fits each sentence.

≈50%

Reading Comprehension

Tests your understanding of the content of various materials taken from sources such as advertisements, timetables, street signs, forms, and tickets. Also examines your ability to read passages representative of various styles and levels of difficulty. Each test edition has several prose passages followed by questions that test your understanding of the passage. The passages, mostly adapted from literary sources and newspapers or magazines, are generally one or two paragraphs in length and test whether you can identify the main idea or comprehend facts or details in the text.

Anticipated Skills

Wide-ranging knowledge of the language. The test complies with the German spelling reform (Rechtschreibreform) as much as possible.

Recommended Prep

This test reflects general trends in high school curricula and is independent of particular textbooks or methods of instruction. Recommended preparation includes:

2-4 years of study in high school or the equivalent
gradual development of competence in German over a period of years

When should you take the German test?

There are a few factors to consider while you're deciding when to take the test. You should have at least two years of strong preparation in the language, but the more the better. So, if you're continuing in high school German next semester/year, then wait to take the test. You should be in a German class when you take the test. You're likely not to do as well if you take the test after you haven't been in a German class for several months. For seniors studying German: if German is a strong subject for you, be sure it's one of the SAT Subject Tests you take in time for your colleges to see your score. If you're only taking it for placement purposes, and not as part of your application for admission, wait until you're as far along in your course as possible.

What's the difference between the German test and the German with Listening test?

The German test usually includes reading only—you read in German and answer multiple choice questions. However, besides the reading portion, the test given in November also includes a listening portion—you listen in German and answer multiple-choice questions. Although students report feeling more anxious about the listening portion, they also tend to do better on that part of the test. Plus, colleges say the German with Listening test gives them a fuller picture of your ability and is more useful for placement purposes. In any case, remember that you won't have to write or speak in German on either of these tests.