Unit outline_

GRMN2003: German 3

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The practical language classes in this unit build on GRMN1002. By the end of the unit you will be able to communicate in a variety of simple and routine situations in German. Using authentic materials in the classroom will also enable you to improve your cultural competency and deepen your knowledge of the German-speaking world.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Germanic Studies
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
HSC Beginners course (with a mark above 70) or German Continuers (with a mark below 70) or GRMN1122 or GRMN1002
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
HSC German Continuers with a mark above 70 or GRMN1211 or GRMN2611
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Tristan Lay, tristan.lay@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Presentation Presentation
Presentation in German and submitted work
15% Multiple weeks 750 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO7
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early feedback task
See canvas for details
3% Week 03
Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 17:00
2x75wds AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
In-class quiz Grammar, listening and reading test
Grammar, listening and reading comprehension
20% Week 06
Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 12:00
1000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
In-class quiz Grammar, reading and writing test
Grammar, reading, writing test
50% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2026 at 11:00
2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Out-of-class quiz Weekly online homework exercises
Weekly online homework exercises to be submitted via Canvas.
12% Weekly
Due date: 29 May 2026 at 17:00
600 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Written. Outstanding, with an extremely high level of grammatical accuracy, evidence of very wide range of lexis and grammatical structures; highly developed sense of register and grasp of relevant linguistic skills; translation technique attaining exceptionally high standards in terms of accuracy, idiom, and cultural transfer.

Oral. Outstanding expression, fluency and accuracy, excellent comprehension, presentation and general communication skills. In written and oral language, errors of a very minor nature may be compensated by demonstrably outstanding performance overall. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Written. Excellent, with a very high level of grammatical accuracy, evidence of wide range of lexis and grammatical structures; well$developed sense of register and grasp of relevant linguistic skills; translation technique attaining very high standards in terms of accuracy, idiom, and cultural transfer.

Oral. Excellent expression, fluency and accuracy , excellent comprehension, presentation and general communication skills. In written and oral language, minor errors may be compensated by demonstrable excellence in other areas. 

Credit

65 - 74

Written. Good level of comprehension, fluency, and grammatical accuracy; reasonably wide range of vocabulary; shows sense of register and solid grasp of relevant linguistic skills. Occasional lapses are present, but do not impede comprehensibility or communication. Translation technique good overall, but may demonstrate lapses in one area that are compensated by good performance in other areas.

Oral. Reasonably good expression, fluency and accuracy; fairly good comprehension, presentation and communication skills. Though minor errors are made, they do not significantly compromise fluency, expressive capacity, comprehensibility, or communication. 

Pass

50 - 64

Written. Basic level of comprehension, fluency, and grammatical accuracy, with frequent errors; limited range of vocabulary and grasp of relevant linguistic skills, but enough to allow comprehensibility and communication. Translation technique basic, with errors and/or misinterpretations in one or more areas.

Oral. Limited expression, fluency and accuracy; basic comprehension, presentation and communication skills. Frequent errors, many of them major, are an obstacle to fluent and clear communication. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 03 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 German Language Class, 4hrs p/w Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

  • Lecture recording: Language classes are generally not recorded as they consist mainly of independent and group work rather than frontal instruction.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.
  • Class schedule: Please note that the schedule provided in the outline is only a guide. The pace at which your group moves through the unit may differ.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required text:

Birgit Braun et al.: DaF kompakt neu B1. Deutsch als Fremdsprache für Erwachsene, Kurs- und Übungsbuch mit MP3-CD. 256 pp. ISBN 978-3-12-676315-8.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. express yourself on a range of topics, discussing a point of view and articulating the advantages and disadvantages of various options in a given situation
  • LO2. report on experiences and events, dreams, hopes and goals
  • LO3. display a broader knowledge of the German language as a tool of communication, thereby demonstrating a higher degree of competence in your progress towards the command of the German language
  • LO4. demonstrate your ability to revise, practise and extend grammatical and vocabulary knowledge
  • LO5. display greater skill in the comprehension of progressively more sophisticated and complex German texts
  • LO6. understand the problems associated with the learning of a foreign language and apply problem-solving approaches to deal with these difficulties
  • LO7. organise and communicate in German their own creative, imaginative and critical thinking.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

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Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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