Exam Layout Ordinary Level
2023 Exam Adjustments
Below you will find the details on the layout of the Leaving Cert Ordinary Level German exam. More specific information and guidance on each section, as well as O1 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 | 80 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 20% |
| Timing | 15 minutes |
There is a common oral exam for both levels at Leaving Cert, but the at Ordinary Level the Oral Exam is worth 20% (versus 25% at Higher Level). See the Mündliche Prüfung section of the website for information on Exam Technique, Useful Expressions, Sample Questions and O1 Grade Sample Answers.
Leseverständnis / Reading Comprehension
| Marks Going | 160 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 40% |
| Timing | 95-100 minutes |
There are three reading comprehensions at Ordinary Level. See the Leseverständnis section of the website for information on Exam Technique, Past Papers and Key Vocabulary.
Angewandte Grammatik / Applied Grammar
| Marks Going | 15 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 3.75% |
| Timing | 10 minutes |
This section follows on from the first reading comprehension and will examine compound words as well as prepositions. See the Angewandte Grammatik section of the website for information on Exam Technique, Past Papers and Grammar Notes on these elements.
Äußerung zum Thema / Expression of Opinion Writing Task
| Marks Going | 15 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 3.75% |
| Timing | 15 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, Sample Answers and Useful Phrases and Vocabulary.
Schriftliche Produktion / Written Production
| Marks Going | 30 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 7.5% |
| Timing | 25-30 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, Sample Answers and Useful Phrases and Vocabulary.
Hörverständnis / Listening Exam
| Marks Going | 100 marks |
| Percentage of Final Grade | 25% |
| Timing | 40 minutes |
There are four parts in the Listening Exam, which 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.