Exam Layout Higher Level
2023 Exam Adjustments
Below you will find the details on the layout of the Leaving Cert Higher Level German exam. More specific information and guidance on each section, as well as H1 Grade Sample Answers and Guides, are available on the respective pages of this website, accessible using the menu above or by clicking the links in the text below.
Mündliche Prüfung / Oral Exam
| Marks Going | 100 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 25% |
| Timing | 15 minutes |
There is a common oral exam for both levels at Leaving Cert, and at Higher Level the Oral Exam is worth 25% (versus 20% at Ordinary Level). See the Mündliche Prüfung section of the website for information on Exam Technique, Useful Expressions, Sample Questions and H1 Grade Sample Answers.
Leseverständnis / Reading Comprehension
| Marks Going | 120 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 30% |
| Timing | 75-80 minutes |
There are two reading comprehensions at Higher Level. See the Leseverständnis section of the website for information on Exam Technique, H1 Grade Sample Answers, Past Papers and Key Vocabulary for Reading Comprehensions.
Angewandte Grammatik / Applied Grammar
| Marks Going | 25 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 6.25% |
| Timing | 10 minutes |
This section follows on from the first reading comprehension and will examine various elements of German Grammar. See the Angewandte Grammatik section of the website for information on Exam Technique and Past Papers as well as our Higher Level Angewandte Grammatik and Leaving Cert German Grammar Guides.
Äußerung zum Thema / Expression of Opinion Writing Task
| Marks Going | 25 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 6.25% |
| Timing | 20 minutes |
You will be given two options in this section and must choose one. See the Äußerung zum Thema section of the website for information on Exam Technique, Past Papers, H1 Grade Sample Answers and Useful Phrases and Vocabulary.
Schriftliche Produktion / Written Production
| Marks Going | 50 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 12.5% |
| Timing | 40-45 minutes |
You will be given two options in this section and must choose one. See the Schriftliche Produktion section of the website for information on Exam Technique, Past Papers, H1 Grade Sample Answers and Useful Phrases and Vocabulary for the Written Production.
Hörverständnis / Listening Exam
| Marks Going | 80 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 20% |
| Timing | 40 minutes |
There are four parts in the Listening Exam and is completed after the Written Paper has been completed and handed up. See the Hörverständnis section of the website for information on Exam Technique, Past Papers and Useful Vocabulary.