Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)
This is an examination at a lower intermediate level (Threshold
Level), which tests competence in all the language skills. It
is recognised in Germany as fulfilling the language requirement
for entry to a Fachoberschule (technical college) and for the
attainment of German citizenship.
This examination has been developed in collaboration with the
Deutsches Institut für Erwachsenenbildung (DIE), the Institut
für Deutsche Sprache der Universität Freiburg (Schweiz)
and the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD).
It is set in conjunction with the Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme GmbH
(WBT) and the ÖSD.
There are five components:
Reading
Candidates are expected to read factual texts for both gist and
specific detail. The texts are taken mainly from magazines.
There are 18 texts of different length with 20 items (matching
and multiple choice). A list of text types used can be found in
the syllabus.
Writing
Candidates are expected to write a personal letter of approximately
100 words in length. They must write on each of the four guiding
points given. The task includes a clear statement of the purpose
and audience.
Listening
Candidates are expected to understand dialogues and short texts
(announcements, monologues) about topics of general interest.
They are expected to understand the gist as well as specific details.
The first text (5 short statements) is heard once, the dialogue
and the short announcements / instructions are heard twice. The
total time for listening to the texts and answering the 20 items
takes approx. 30 minutes. The item type used is true/false.
The text types used are specified in the syllabus.
Speaking
Candidates are tested by two examiners and are expected to speak
on topics of general interest, using common communicative functions
(e.g. expressing needs, preferences and opinions, making requests,
passing on other peoples opinions, giving and seeking advice,
etc.).
This test can either take the form of a conversation between
the candidate and the examiner(s) or of a group examination (2
candidates first talk to each other and then to the examiner(s)).
There are three parts to this test. The first part deals with
getting to know each other, the second part consists of a conversation
on a topic of general interest and in the third part the two candidates
(or candidate/examiner) have to plan a common activity and come
to an agreement.
Structural Competence
Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge of specific
aspects of the language (grammar and vocabulary) which are essential
for everyday communication. This test has two parts. The first
part is a cloze test with 10 multiple choice items, the second
part a cloze test with multiple matching. There are 20 items in
all.
Weighting of components
Reading, Listening and Speaking carry each 25% of the total marks,
Writing 15%, and Structural Competence 10%.
Results
There are four pass grades: sehr gut (very good), gut (good),
befriedigend (satisfactory) and ausreichend (pass). Certificates
are awarded to all successful candidates.
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