Students of foreign languages are having often quite disparate expectations of how long it takes to learn a language. There are a couple of consideration to keep in mind: When we talk about proficiency, what do we mean? Native-like? Professional proficiency? Making oneself understood? The U.S. Foreign Service Institute categorizes languages and the necessary hours of instruction to reach “General Professional Proficiency” (whatever that is).
Language learning (like any learning) is a path that does not really have a finish line. That might sound frustrating at first, but it is a reality we have to deal with. We can, however, set smaller goals that we aim for. The American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) has designed some helpful graphics that illustrate the different (smaller) proficiency levels one can achieve.
You will find below a breakdown of what exactly you should know by now and what our goal for the end of the semester is. The nuances are often very small, so we highlighted them. You might think that this is not much progress, but believe us that this perceived small progress will need quite some work.
I. Der Pfad zur Sprachkompetenz
You finished your previous German class at the Novice Mid to Novice-High Proficiency level. This semester we are aiming for the Intermediate-Low proficiency Level. What does this mean?
Path to Proficiency
The five Proficiency Levels (from “Elementary” to “Distinguished”) are defined by the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). You will find the full text of definitions, based on language skills here: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening.
Let’s have a look at how where you stand where we want to go in more detail:
Interpretive Communication
Novice-High
identify the topic and some isolated facts from simple sentences in informational texts
identify the topic and some isolated elements from simple sentences in short fictional texts
understand familiar questions and statements from simple sentences in conversations
Intermediate-Low
identify the topic and related information from simple sentences in short informational texts
identify the topic and related information from simple sentences in short fictional texts
identify the main idea in short conversations
Interpersonal Communication
Novice-High
request and provide information by asking and answering practiced and some original questions on familiar and everyday topics, using simple sentences most of the time.
interact with others to meet my basic needs related to routine everyday activities, using simple sentences and questions most of the time.
express, ask about, and react to preferences, feelings, or opinions on familiar topics, using simple sentences most of the time and asking questions to keep the conversation on topic.
Intermediate-Low
request and provide information in conversations on familiar topics by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions
interact with others to meet my basic needs in familiar situations by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions
express, ask about, and react with some details to preferences, feelings, or opinions on familiar topics, by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions
Presentational Communication
Novice-High
present personal information about my life and activities, using simple sentences most of the time
express my preferences on familiar and everyday topics of interest, using simple sentences most of the time
present on familiar and everyday topics, using simple sentences most of the time
Intermediate-Low
present personal information about my life, activities and events, using simple sentences
express my preferences on familiar and everyday topics of interest and explain why I feel that way, using simple sentences
present on familiar and everyday topics, using simple sentences.
Learning Objectives
Novice-High
In my own and other cultures compare products related to everyday life and personal interests or studies
In my own and other cultures compare practices related to everyday life and personal interests or studies
recognize that significant differences in behaviors exist among cultures, use appropriate learned behaviors and avoid major social blunders
Intermediate-Low
In my own and other cultures make comparisons between products and practices to help me understand perspectives
In my own and other cultures compare practices related to everyday life and personal interests or studies
recognize that significant differences in behaviors exist among cultures, use appropriate learned behaviors and avoid major social blunders
