Reading comprehension and vocabulary extension: economic and commercial texts in German

Teacher(s)

Collard Marie-Luce;

Language

Deutsch

Prerequisites

B2 level of listening and reading and B2 level of speaking (Common European Framework of Reference).

 

Main themes

The course is based on a detailed description of the linguistic (grammatical, lexical and stylistic) features that are typical of the economic and commercial domain as opposed to other registers of the German language. The focus is on significantly increasing specialised vocabulary to enable students to easily understand any text in this domain. Articles from newspapers, magazines, scientific books and websites are used for reading comprehension and vocabulary extension exercises.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of the course, students should be able to understand economic and commercial texts in German and have acquired a solid vocabulary in these areas (at C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference).

Content

The course is based on a detailed analysis of economic and commercial German using original texts. These articles are centred on important themes, particularly macro-economics, trade, sales techniques, accounting, the management and structure of companies, production and staff recruitment. Various exercises and internet research are used to enhance reading skills and vocabulary extension in this domain.

Teaching methods

Communicative approach. Oral and written exercises. Individual and group work. Role-playing games. Weekly homework assignments. Contextualization, presentation and explanation of vocabulary. Comprehension and active use of newly acquired vocabulary are reinforced through targeted exercises. Comparison between different jargons. Personal reformulation exercises. Critical reading of a corpus of texts. Exercises focused on register identification. 

Evaluation methods

Written examination during the session : reading comprehension questions on original texts related to themes covered in class and vocabulary exercises based on vocabulary studied in class.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) must be used responsibly and in accordance with the practices of academic and scientific integrity. As scientific integrity requires that sources be cited, the use of AI must always be reported. The use of artificial intelligence for tasks where it is explicitly forbidden will be considered as cheating.
 

Other information

Course materials: Texts used include current economic affairs, theoretical texts on economic issues and internet and newspaper articles.

Online resources

Course content available on Moodle from the first class in addition to the paper version

Bibliography

Bibliographie exhaustive incluse dans le syllabus (aussi via Moodle)

Teaching materials

• Syllabus distribué lors du premier cours et disponible sur Moodle dès le premier cours. Exercices également distribués en classe et disponibles sur Moodle

Faculty or entity

> ELAL