At Deutschstunde, we offer two tailored pathways to the Deutsche Sprachdiplom (DSD), depending on whether your child is a native speaker or learning German as a second language. Each pathway is designed to support students from their first steps in Kindergarten through to internationally recognised certification, the Deutsche Sprachdiplom (German Language Diploma) by the German Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). It’s designed for students outside Germany.
Pathway A: German as a Native Speaker
Who it’s for:
Children who speak and understand German fluently at home and begin formal German learning at early primary school age at Deutschstunde.
Progression:
- Kindergarten to Year 6:
- Deutschstunde Classes use authentic materials from German Grundschule (primary school)
- Focus on grammar, spelling, speaking, reading, and writing at native level
- Curriculum mirrors German schooling standards
- Year 7–8:
- Deutschstunde Students sit the A2 exam, confirming foundational proficiency
- Based on A2 results, students enter the DSD program
- DSD Program:
- Option to fast-track to DSD I (B1 level) with 1 year of prep
- Then progress to DSD II (B2/C1 level) over 2–3 years
- DSD II requires not just language fluency but maturity, critical thinking skills and broad cultural understanding of the world in general, and Germany in particular.
This pathway is rigorous and designed to match the academic depth of native German schooling.
Pathway B: German as a Second Language
Who it’s for:
Children who begin with limited German and build proficiency over time during their Deutschstunde classes.
Progression:
- Kindergarten to Year 6:
- Emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, listening, and speaking
- Gradual development of reading and writing skills, including grammar
- Culturally rich and engaging materials to foster immersion
- Year 6–10/11:
- Deutschstunde students sit the A1 exam, then work toward A2
- A2 exam timing varies based on individual progress
- Upon successful A2 results, students may possibly enter the DSD program
- DSD Program:
- DSD I after 1-3 years of prep
- DSD II after 2-3 additional years
This pathway is flexible and supportive and should only be seen as a rough guidance. This is helping German as a second-language learners reach native-level fluency over time.
Summary of DSD Progression Options at Deutschstunde
| Learner Type | Entry Point | A2 Exam Timing | DSD I Prep | DSD II Prep |
| Native Speaker | Kindy / Year 1 | Year 7–8 | 1 year | 2–3 years |
| Second Language Learner | Kindy / Year 1 | Year 7–11 (varies) | 1–3 years | 2–3 years |
Supporting Every Step
Whether your child is fluent from birth or just beginning their German journey, Deutschstunde provides expert guidance, authentic materials and a nurturing environment to help them thrive.
