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Expert German Exam Preparation for all Qualifications in the Language

GCSE German Lessons and A-Level German Tuition with an experinced German tutor
German exam preparation with an excellent native German tutor

German exam preparation with a qualified native tutor

GCSE German Tutor and A-Level German Tutor in London and Online

German is not an easy language, so studying for exams can be stressful and time-consuming unless you get help from a qualified native tutor. I'm Jens Olesen, the founder and director of Olesen Tuition- a German language school offering effective exam preparation in German. Having been educated at RWTH Aachen, the LSE, and the University of Oxford, I have over 25 years of experience in preparing students for 

 

Track record of my German exam preparation tutorials

Track record of my GCSE German and A-Level German tuition

Over 95% of my students studying toward GCSE/IGCSE, A-Level, IB, the French Baccalaureate, and Pre-U German have achieved top grades with an average preparation time of four to eight months of weekly German tuition. 

90% of my students have passed their Goethe-Institut exams with an overall 80% or higher score. All of them passed their exams. One of my recent students who took the B1 exam at the Goethe-Institut after five months of German tuition passed with flying colours, achieving an average score of over 90%. Four months later, she also passed the C1 exam with 77%. C1 is the second highest level, enabling you to study and work in Germany. In other words, she went from knowing just a few German words to fluency in nine months. Whilst this is exceptional, getting to advanced level German in less than a year is a feasible goal for really committed students and with several lessons a week.

Why my students excel in their German exams

My focus lies in getting the best possible result in your exam. I will tailor texts and grammar exercises relevant to your exam and run through past papers provided by your exam board (from AQA, Cambridge Assessment to Pearson Edexcel) with you to explain typical questions and requirements and give you advice on how to achieve full marks in all parts of your exam. Having prepared thousands of students with all qualifications in my native language, I am confident that my approach and experience will help you achieve your aims.

German is often taught poorly at schools. As a result, many students lack the motivation to work hard or do not have the confidence to believe that they could achieve an A or A*. That’s where my teaching experience proves to be invaluable. I know how to establish a connection with my students and convince them that together, we can get them to the top grades.

I also prepare students for GCSE German, A-Level German and all other exams as an outside option if their schools do not offer German. Enhanced DBS and references upon request.

GCSE, A-level, IB, and Pre-U German classes with only 4-8 students per course

GCSE German, A-Level German, IB, Pre-U German Classes with A Fully-Qualified Native Tutor

Prepare for your exam with private one-to-one tuition or join one of my small group classes with up to eight students. With regard to private tuition, my lessons are tailored to your needs, and we arrange the time individually. So just contact me to arrange your lessons. As far as group classes are concerned, you will find my new courses below.

Most of our exam preparation classes are held via Zoom to allow students who are not based in London to join. The app is free of charge to our clients and ideal for high-quality tuition. However, if you prefer in-person lessons, you could also join any of the courses mentioned below from our office in Hampstead.​

Our German Exam Preparation

Anna B., A-level

"Jens is a brilliant teacher. I studied with him for 8 months via Skype to prepare for the language papers at German A-level. As a grammar teacher Jens is superb, both in explaining complex grammatical points and in particular in ensuring that his students develop a high level of accuracy. This is carried into all aspects of his teaching and provides an invaluable foundation. His lessons are always well-planned with excellent resources and consistently challenging and interesting discussion. He is good at both incorporating relevant work for the A-level while going far beyond simply preparing one 'for the exam'. Over the course of our lessons, I noticed a significant improvement in my German and I would certainly go back to Jens in the future if I wished to take the language further. I cannot recommend him highly enough."

Richard K., GCSE and A-level

"Jens is simply excellent. We have used him for my son's GCSE and A-level, and he is unwaveringly perfectionist, 100% professional and very easy to deal with. His teaching is comprehensive, covering written and spoken German and examination curricula in all detail."

Charles P., IB Higher

"Jens is one-of-a-kind. Very impressive with his command of the intricacies of the German language, he also reads his students very well and matches their needs with a specific path to mastery designed for them. He is tough, though, and expects his students to put in effort, although when they don't, he doesn't harp on it, but simply moves forward, just as determined and tough as he was before. In the end, Jens accomplished getting my son to a level that other teachers said was impossible. Perhaps. But not with Jens."

Frequently Asked Questions (German Exam Preparation)

What qualifications and experience do you and your team have in preparing students for German exams?

Answer: Our team of tutors consists of fully qualified native German speakers with decades of teaching experience. Led by our founder (an Oxford-educated instructor), we have over 25 years of expertise and have successfully prepared thousands of students for exams at all levels – from school qualifications to university degrees. Many of our tutors are also official examiners (for example, Goethe-Institut examiners), which gives us insider knowledge of exam standards and grading. We are familiar with all major German exams and boards, and we have a proven track record of students achieving top results (over 95% of our GCSE/A-Level/IB students attain top grades). This combination of qualifications, experience, and exam-specific insight enables us to provide the highest quality German exam preparation.

 

Do you prepare students for the GCSE German exam (AQA and Pearson Edexcel)?

Answer: Yes. We specialise in GCSE German preparation for both AQA and Pearson Edexcel exam boards. Our tutors are intimately familiar with each board’s syllabus and exam format, and we tailor lessons to cover all four skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We use past exam papers from both AQA and Edexcel to practice typical question types and teach students how to achieve full marks in each section. Thanks to our targeted approach, over 95% of our GCSE (and IGCSE) German students have achieved top grades (such as A* or the new grade 9) in their exams. We pride ourselves on making the GCSE preparation process efficient, thorough, and confidence-building for every student.

 

Do you offer tutoring for IGCSE German (Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE)?

Answer: Absolutely. We provide comprehensive preparation for the International GCSE (IGCSE) German, including both the Cambridge Assessment International Education syllabus and the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE. Our tutors understand the specific requirements and format of these international exams, and we adapt our teaching to address any differences from the UK GCSE. We cover the full range of skills – reading comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking – with materials tailored to the IGCSE content. We also practice with past papers from Cambridge and Edexcel International to familiarize students with the exam style. As a result of our guidance, the vast majority of our IGCSE students have attained top marks in their German exams, reflecting our deep experience with these qualifications.

 

How do you prepare students for A-Level German (AQA, Eduquas, Edexcel)?

Answer: We offer expert tutoring for A-Level German across all exam boards, including AQA, Eduquas (WJEC), and Pearson Edexcel. Our team is well-acquainted with each board’s A-Level German curriculum – we cover the core language skills as well as the specific components like literature, film, or research projects required by different boards. In A-Level sessions, we focus on advanced grammar refinement, essay-writing techniques, and intensive speaking practice for the oral exam. We routinely work through past A-Level papers and exam-style questions to ensure students are ready for every section of their exams. With our personalized support, the majority of our A-Level students have consistently achieved the highest grades (A/A* or equivalent) in their German exams. We strive not only to prepare students for the exam content but also to boost their confidence and insight into German culture, which are key to excelling at A-Level.

 

Do you tutor the International A-Level German (Pearson Edexcel International)?

Answer: Yes, we also provide tutoring for the Pearson Edexcel International A-Level German. Our tutors are experienced with the International A-Level syllabus, which closely mirrors the standard UK A-Level but is designed for international students. We understand the structure and expectations of the Edexcel International papers and ensure that our students are well-prepared for all components, from written exams to oral assessments. We use a range of official past papers and targeted practice exercises to familiarize students with the exam format and question styles. Whether you are taking International A-Level German in the UK or abroad, we tailor our lessons to meet the same high standards. Our approach has helped students around the world excel in International A-Level German, with many achieving top grades and a solid command of advanced German.

 

Can you help me prepare for the IB German exam (International Baccalaureate, Standard Level and Higher Level)?

Answer: Certainly. We have a specialized IB German program and extensive experience preparing students for both IB Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) exams. Our IB tutors are very familiar with the IB German curriculum and exam format. We provide focused training in all parts of the IB exam – reading, writing, listening, and speaking – and we tailor our lessons to the IB assessment criteria. Many of our tutors are IB specialists (indeed, several are Goethe-Institut examiners with deep insight into language proficiency standards). In one-on-one sessions or small group courses, we help students master complex grammar, refine their text analysis and essay skills, and practice extensively for the oral Individual Oral assessment. Thanks to our comprehensive support, our IB students regularly achieve top marks (6 and 7 out of 7) in their German exams and have even gone on to gain admission to elite universities. We take pride in guiding IB students to excellence through a personalized and exam-focused approach.

 

Do you tutor for the AP German Language and Culture exam?

Answer: Yes, we do. Our team is equipped to prepare students for the AP German Language and Culture exam (as administered by the College Board in the US). We are familiar with the AP exam format, which includes multiple-choice sections and free-response sections that test Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational communication skills in German. In our AP German tutoring, we emphasize practical communication abilities and cultural knowledge in line with the AP curriculum. We help students practice listening and reading comprehension with authentic materials, and we rigorously train them for the speaking and writing tasks (such as conversations, cultural comparisons, emails, and persuasive essays). Our tutors provide strategies for managing time and tackling the exam’s unique question types. With our guidance, students have been able to significantly improve their performance and often achieve top scores (5) on the AP German exam, earning them valuable college credit and placement.

 

I’m taking the French Baccalauréat – can you help with the German (Bac allemand) exam?

Answer: Yes, we have experience preparing students for the German component of the French Baccalauréat (Bac). Our tutors understand the French secondary education system’s requirements for foreign languages. We help students navigating the épreuve d’allemand (German exam) to excel in both the written and oral parts of the Bac. This includes improving reading comprehension skills (for text analysis and summaries), honing writing skills (for essays or personal responses in German), and practicing spoken German for the oral examination. We tailor our lessons to align with the French curriculum and exam format, even covering past Bac exam topics and typical questions. Thanks to our support, students from French lycées have achieved excellent results in their German Baccalauréat examsolesentuition.co.uk – often obtaining top tier scores (mentions) in this subject. We ensure that our French Baccalaureate candidates feel confident expressing themselves in German and fully prepared for exam day.

 

Do you offer preparation for Goethe-Institut exams and certificates (A1 to C2)?

Answer: Absolutely. We regularly prepare students for all levels of the Goethe-Institut proficiency exams, from A1 (beginner) through C2 (near-native). Our team includes tutors who are Goethe-Institut certified examiners, so we have an in-depth understanding of the Goethe exam format and grading criteria. In lessons, we focus on the four skill areas tested (Lesen, Hören, Schreiben, Sprechen – reading, listening, writing, speaking) appropriate to the target level. We provide plenty of practice with sample Goethe-Institut exam materials and tailor exercises to simulate real exam tasks (such as Schreiben briefs or Sprechen topics at each CEFR level). We have a strong track record of success: 90% of our students have passed their Goethe exams with scores of 80% or above, and 100% of our candidates have passed the exam on their attempt. Whether you need A2 for personal goals or C1/C2 for university or professional purposes, we can guide you through to a confident pass.

 

Can you help me prepare for the TestDaF exam?

Answer: Yes. We provide tutoring for the TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache), which is a German language exam typically required for admission to German universities. Our tutors are well-versed in the format of TestDaF, which assesses advanced academic German skills across four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. We will first ensure you have roughly a B2-C1 level proficiency (the level needed to tackle TestDaF successfully) and then focus on exam-specific strategies. Our preparation includes practicing with official TestDaF sample papers and questions, so you become comfortable with the style and timing of the tasks. We work on techniques for quickly understanding academic texts and lectures (for the reading/listening parts), structuring a coherent argumentative essay in German (for the writing part), and clearly expressing your ideas on academic topics (for the speaking part). Our tutors have helped many students achieve the required TDN scores (TestDaF levels 3-5) for university admission, and we have the experience to help you do the same. By exam day, you will know exactly what to expect and how to approach each section confidently.

 

Do you prepare students for Oxford’s MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test) for German?

Answer: Yes, we have substantial experience with the Oxford MLAT for German. Our lead tutor is an Oxford graduate himself, and we are very familiar with the content and skills that the MLAT assesses. The MLAT (German section) tests a student’s aptitude for language learning, including knowledge of German grammar and vocabulary, as well as logical language structures. We train applicants in linguistic problem-solving, grammar analysis, and translation exercises similar to those found on the MLAT. We also teach effective test-taking strategies, since the MLAT is a time-pressured, multiple-choice format exam. Through rigorous practice and expert guidance, we’ve helped students excel in the MLAT – building the accuracy and speed needed to score highly. Many of our students have performed strongly on the MLAT and subsequently secured offers from Oxford University for Modern Languages. Our goal is to boost your confidence and ability so that you can approach the MLAT with the techniques and knowledge to succeed.

 

Can you help with Cambridge’s MML admissions assessment for Modern and Medieval Languages?

Answer: Certainly. We prepare students for Cambridge University’s Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) admissions assessment in German. This is typically a one-hour written assessment that Cambridge applicants sit, usually involving reading a passage (often in English) and writing a response or essay about it. Our tutors coach you on how to analyze and summarize complex texts, identify key arguments and linguistic features, and craft a well-structured, insightful response – all within the tight time frame. We provide practice with past MML assessment papers and similar exercises to sharpen your analytical writing skills. In addition, we prepare you for any German-specific components that some colleges may include (such as a language competency exercise or discussing a text in German). With our preparation, students approach the MML assessment with strong critical thinking abilities and polished writing technique. We’re proud that many students we mentored for the MML have gone on to gain admission to Cambridge and other top universities. Our familiarity with Oxbridge admissions means we can help you showcase your strengths effectively in this exam.

 

Do you offer support for German at university level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD)?

Answer: Yes. We provide tutoring and exam support for university-level German courses — including Bachelor’s (undergraduate), Master’s, and even PhD levels. Our team’s academic expertise (which includes advanced degrees and teaching experience in German studies) allows us to assist with high-level language and content needs. We have helped students prepare for university exams in German, whether these are language proficiency exams, literature and culture module exams, or comprehensive finals. In fact, our experience ranges from working with undergraduates in their German courses all the way to supporting doctoral candidates with specialised language or reading requirements. We can help you with advanced grammar review, academic essay writing in German, text analysis, translation, and any specific coursework or thesis-related German needs. Our approach is always tailored to your level and field – whether you need to pass a German exam for your degree, improve your academic German writing, or generally boost your fluency for research, we have the qualifications and experience to guide you effectively.

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