Writing essays is a big part of the German A Level and can seem daunting, but with proper preparation and practice, you can learn to write high-scoring essays that showcase your knowledge of the language and the topics. This guide will cover the basics of German A Level essay structure, provide tips on how to plan and write effective essays, and give examples of strong essay writing.
The main types of essays you will encounter are literary/film analysis essays and opinion/discussion essays on themes or topics related to German culture and society. Both Literary and Discussion essays follow similar structures and guidelines set by the exam board. Literary essays focus on analyzing aspects of a text or film you have studied, such as characters, themes, styles or contexts, while Discussion essays express your viewpoint on a given topic or statement and requires supporting arguments.
Regardless of the essay type, a clear structure is essential for organizing your ideas and arguments in a coherent way that addresses the topic. All German A Level essays should follow these basic structural components:
Introduction (Einleitung) – The introduction should be 2-3 sentences stating the title or topic of the essay and outlining your main arguments. For literary essays, introduce the text/film and the specific aspect you will analyze. For discussion essays, state your opinion on the given topic/statement.
Main Body (Hauptteil) – The main body makes up the bulk of your essay and should be divided into clear paragraphs, each with a focus on one main argument or analysis point. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence outlining the point, followed by examples and details from the text/research to support and explain it. Aim for 3 well-developed paragraphs for each major point or aspect discussed.
Conclusion (Schlussfolgerung) – The conclusion should be 2-3 sentences that summarizes your key points and restates your opinion on the topic without introducing new information. For literary essays, reflect on the significance or deeper meaning of the analysis. For discussion essays, reaffirm your position on the statement in question.
When preparing for essay writing, it’s important to practice planning thoroughly using point form notes. Brainstorm potential topics, arguments, relevant quotes or details from required reading. Develop an outline with an intro, 3 body paragraphs, and conclusion before starting to write. This helps ensure a logical flow and focus on key areas. Stay focused on analyzing or discussing the specified aspect or statement – don’t go off topic.
Some additional tips for strong German A Level essay writing:
Write clearly in standard, formal German (Sie-Form). Use complex sentences and an active writing style. Avoid slang.
Integrate relevant quotes or passages from required texts and films to support analysis points. Restate quotes in your own words.
Discuss themes, characters or sociocultural contexts using terminology and concepts covered in class.
Consider different perspectives – for literary essays analyze how diverse views shape interpretations. For discussions, acknowledge alternative opinions.
Use a variety of linking and transition words (jedoch, darüber hinaus, folglich etc) to connect points smoothly.
Check grammar, punctuation and spelling thoroughly as even minor errors can impact your marks.
Practice timing to write 1 essay within the 50 minute limit without rushing. Leave 5-10 mins at the end to proofread.
Ensure your conclusion ties back clearly to the introduction and doesn’t introduce new information or arguments.
Here is a sample Literary Analysis essay on the required film “Das Leben der Anderen” that demonstrates strong structure and use of evidence/ quoting:
Der Einfluss der Staatssicherheit auf die Charaktere in “Das Leben der Anderen”
Einleitung
Dieser Aufsatz analysiert den Einfluss der Staatssicherheit der DDR auf die Hauptcharaktere Georg Dreyman und Captain Gerd Wiesler im preisgekrönten Film “Das Leben der Anderen” von Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck.
Hauptteil
Erster Paragraph: Am Anfang ist Wiesler ein fanatischer Anhänger des Systems, der Dreyman ohne Skrupel bespitzelt. Jedoch ändert sich dies mit der Zeit:”Zu Beginn war Wiesler ein hartgesottener Überwacher, doch durch die Beobachtung von Dreyman lernt er die Menschen hinter den Akten kennen.”
Zweiter Paragraph: Dreyman wird zunächst von der Staatssicherheit nur überwacht, doch der Druck steigt:” Die Staatssicherheit verschärft die Maßnahmen gegen Dreyman und seine Frau.” Dies hat negative Folgen für Dreyman: “Er leidet zunehmend unter der psychologischen Belastung.”
Dritter Paragraph: Am Ende kommen beide Charaktere zu einer neuen Sichtweise: “Durch ihre wechselseitige Beeinflussung ändern sich ihre Weltsicht und Loyalitäten.” Wiesler wendet sich vom System ab und rettet Dreyman.
Schlussfolgerung
Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass der totalitäre Überwachungsstaat der DDR einen enormen, oft zerstörerischen Einfluss auf die Persönlichkeiten und das Leben der Charaktere hatte.
Dieser Essay zeigt durch die Verwendung von literarischen Beispielen und Zitaten aus dem Film, wie die Stasi die Hauptcharaktere formte und veränderte. Damit erfüllt er die Anforderungen an eine stringente Struktur und fundierte Textanalyse.
This sample essay demonstrates strong German language usage, clear structure following the introduction-3 paragraphs-conclusion model, and supports its key points through direct quotes taken from mandatory viewing “Das Leben der Anderen”.
Essay writing is a core skill for German A Level success. With appropriate planning, focused research, and lots of practice applying feedback, students can feel confident in their abilities to craft high-scoring responses that showcase their knowledge and analysis. Taking time to learn from model essays is also beneficial. Following the structural guidelines and incorporating textual evidence is key. With effort, any student can become a capable German essayist!
Andrew Stroud