Writing Short Essays in GCSE German: Tips, Examples, and Strategies for Success

Writing short essays is a key component of the GCSE German exam's writing section. These tasks typically ask students to produce 90 and 150 word essays in German on a given topic. Despite the low word count, short essays carry significant weight in the exam and can strongly influence a student's overall grade.

Whether you're a GCSE German student or a parent supporting one, it's important to understand why these short essay tasks matter and how to excel at them. In this guide, we'll explain the importance of short essay writing, break down common themes, and provide tips on structure, language, and practice. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to achieving top marks on the 90-word essay task – and you'll know how Olesen Tuition can help get you there.

How to write short GCSE German essays

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Why Short Essay Tasks Are Important

Short essay questions in GCSE German require students to communicate information and opinions clearly within a strict word limit (90 or 150 words). These tasks appear on both Foundation and Higher Tier papers, making them essential for all GCSE German candidates. Here are a few reasons why mastering the short essay is so important:

• High Marks Potential: The 90-word task is typically worth a substantial portion of the writing exam marks. Doing well on this question can boost your overall exam score significantly.

• Precision and Clarity: With only around 90 words available, students must convey their ideas precisely and directly. This trains you to focus on quality over quantity – a skill that is valuable not just in exams but in language learning generally.

• Coverage of Key Skills: Short essays require a blend of skills: understanding the prompt (often presented as bullet points), organising content logically, using correct German grammar, and showcasing vocabulary and opinions. In one compact task, you demonstrate your ability to handle multiple aspects of language.

• Foundation for Longer Tasks: Successfully writing a short essay builds confidence and skills that also apply to longer writing tasks (like the 150-word essay on Higher Tier). It’s an excellent stepping stone for mastering more advanced writing.

Understanding the importance of the short essay can motivate students to practise it regularly. Parents should also note that strong performance on these tasks often correlates with a solid grasp of German basics – if your child can write a focused, accurate 90-word piece under exam conditions, it's a good indicator of their overall proficiency.

Typical GCSE German Essay Themes

GCSE German short essays usually centre around everyday topics that students have covered in class. Being familiar with these common themes will help you prepare relevant vocabulary and ideas in advance. Here’s a breakdown of typical essay themes and what they often include:

• School and Education: Descriptions of your school, favourite subjects, teachers, and daily routine. You might be asked to discuss what you like or dislike about school, a recent school event, or your plans for future studies.

• Holidays and Travel: Past holiday experiences and future travel plans are very popular topics. You could write about where you went on holiday, what you did and with whom, what you enjoyed or found challenging, and where you plan to go next year.

• Hobbies and Free Time: Your interests outside school, such as sports, music, reading, or any other hobbies. Tasks might include talking about how often you do these activities, why you enjoy them, and maybe something new you'd like to try.

• Family and Friends: Describing your family or best friends, relationships, and special occasions. You might be prompted to introduce who’s in your family, what you do together, and why they are important to you. Sometimes a task may involve a recent celebration or how you get along with someone.

• Future Plans and Careers: What do you plan to do after GCSEs – for example, A-level subjects, university ambitions, or career aspirations? A short essay might ask you to write about your dream job or where you see yourself in ten years, including reasons for those choices.

• Technology and Social Media: Modern questions often involve technology use. You could be asked to discuss the role of the internet or social media in your life – for instance, how you use your phone or computer daily, the advantages and disadvantages of social networks, or how technology helped you with schoolwork.

Each theme comes with its own set of vocabulary. For example, a holiday essay might need words for weather, transport, or activities (like Hotel, Strand, Sonne for "hotel, beach, sun"), whereas a school essay will include terms like Fächer (subjects) or Lehrer (teachers). By revising vocabulary by theme, you'll feel more prepared to tackle any of these topics in the exam.

Structuring a High-Scoring Short Essay

Writing a high-scoring short essay is not just about what you say – it's also how you organise and present your information. Below are some guidelines on structuring your response to maximise clarity and impact:

• Plan Before You Write: Spend a minute or two to plan. In the exam, you'll usually get four bullet points in the question outlining what to include in your answer. Jot down a quick note or keyword for each bullet point so you don’t forget to address any of them. Planning helps you organise your thoughts and ensures you cover everything required.

• Use Paragraphs Wisely: Even though 90 words is short, it's a good idea to break your essay into a couple of paragraphs for readability. For instance, you might write one short paragraph for two of the bullet points and a second paragraph for the remaining two. Each paragraph can focus on a related set of ideas or a time frame (e.g. past experiences in one, future plans in the other).

• Address All Bullet Points: Make sure you include something for each aspect the prompt asks for. Examiners are looking to see that you haven't ignored any part of the question. A common approach is to dedicate one sentence (or more if you have room) to each bullet point. Even if you’re stronger talking about some points than others, try to write at least a short sentence for every prompt bullet.

• Open and Conclude Smartly: Start your essay with a brief opening sentence that introduces the topic. This can be something general like "Ich möchte über mein Lieblingshobby sprechen..." ("I would like to talk about my favourite hobby...") or a statement of opinion if appropriate. If possible, end with a concluding sentence that wraps up or gives an overall opinion. For example, "Zusammenfassend finde ich, dass ..." ("In summary, I find that ..."). A concluding line isn’t strictly required, but it adds a nice finish and can impress the examiner.

• Mix Past, Present, and Future: High-scoring essays usually include multiple tenses. Check what each bullet point demands – often, you’ll need to describe something that happened (past tense), something about the present, and/or something about the future. For example, if the essay is about holidays, you might mention where you went last year (past), what you usually do on holiday (present or habitual), and where you will go next (future). Using a range of tenses shows off your grammatical knowledge.

• Include Opinions and Reasons: Examiners love to see personal opinions and justifications. Phrases like "Meiner Meinung nach..." ("In my opinion...") or "Ich finde, dass..." ("I find that...") followed by a reason (weil... "because...") add depth to your essay. For instance, if one bullet point asks about your favourite school subject, don't just state it – say why it's your favourite (e.g. because it's fun, useful, or you like the teacher).

• Stay Within the Word Limit: Remember that brevity is part of the challenge. The exam likely specifies about 90 words (typically allowing a little flexibility, say 80-100 words). Aim to hit close to that target. If you write far too little, you probably haven’t developed your points enough; if you write far too much, you may be penalised and you’ve also wasted time that could be spent checking your work. Practise counting words in German so you have a feel for how much to write in an exam booklet.

Structuring your essay well helps the examiner follow your thoughts easily. A clear structure with paragraphs and logical flow makes a great impression, even before the examiner digs into the language details.

Key Language Features Examiners Reward

What turns a good short essay into a great one? Examiners have specific criteria when marking the GCSE German writing tasks. Here are key language features that can earn you top marks, with an explanation for each:

• Range of Vocabulary: Using rich and varied vocabulary is essential. Try to go beyond very basic words. For example, instead of using gut ("good") repeatedly, throw in synonyms like toll ("great"), fantastisch, or interessant where appropriate. Topic-specific words also show range (e.g. names of specific foods, places, activities). A broad vocabulary shows the examiner you have depth to your language knowledge.

• Correct Use of Tenses: Accuracy with verb tenses (past, present, future, etc.) is crucial. If you talk about a past holiday, be sure to use the Perfekt (present perfect) tense properly (e.g. ich bin nach Spanien gefahren – "I went to Spain"). For future plans, you might use ich werde ... machen ("I will do ...") or the möchte construction for "would like". Showing you can handle different time frames, and doing so with correct verb forms, will gain you marks for grammar.

• Opinions with Justifications: As mentioned, including opinions is a great way to demonstrate more complex language. Examiners expect top students to express viewpoints and back them up with reasons. A simple structure is Ich finde/denke, dass..., followed by weil... (because) to give a reason. For instance, Ich denke, dass Deutsch super ist, weil die Sprache logisch und schön klingt. ("I think German is great because the language is logical and sounds beautiful."). This clear opinion + reason structure not only adds content but also naturally introduces a subordinate clause (which is grammatically more complex).

• Connectives and Linking Words: Using a variety of connectives (linking words) makes your writing flow and helps combine ideas into more complex sentences. Instead of writing several short, choppy sentences, you can use words like und (and), aber (but), oder (or) as basic connectives, and higher-level ones like weil (because), obwohl (although), wenn (if/when), damit (so that), deshalb (therefore), jedoch (however). For example: Ich spiele gern Fußball, aber Tennis mag ich auch. ("I like playing football, but I also like tennis.") Or another: Ich lerne viel, damit ich gute Noten bekomme. ("I study a lot so that I get good grades."). These words not only link ideas but often create subordinate clauses, which show more advanced sentence structure.

• Variety of Sentence Structures: Aim to mix simple sentences with some longer, complex ones. A complex sentence might include a subordinate clause or a relative clause. For instance: Das Fest, das wir gestern gefeiert haben, war fantastisch. ("The celebration that we had yesterday was fantastic.") Here we've used a relative clause (das wir gestern gefeiert haben) which is a more advanced structure. Another example: Obwohl es geregnet hat, war der Ausflug lustig. ("Although it rained, the trip was fun."). This sentence starts with obwohl which pushes the verb to the end of that clause (geregnet hat), showcasing a correct complex structure. By varying your sentence patterns, you keep the essay interesting and demonstrate grammatical skill.

• Accuracy and Spelling: While showing off great words and structures, don't forget the basics. Minor mistakes won't ruin your score, but consistent accuracy in spelling, gender (der/die/das), verb endings, and word order (remember the verb-second rule in German main clauses, and verb-final in subordinate clauses) can really set you apart. If you know you often make a particular mistake (for example, forgetting capital letters on nouns or mixing up mein and meine), pay extra attention to those in your proofread. Clean, correct language throughout your essay ensures you pick up as many points as possible for accuracy.

By focusing on these features, you align your writing with the top band of the exam mark scheme. In practice, this means: use the best vocabulary you know, check your verbs and tenses, share your opinions with reasons, link your ideas smoothly, and double-check for little errors. It sounds like a lot, but with practice it becomes second nature.

Useful German Phrases for Opinions and Complex Sentences

To help you incorporate the qualities mentioned above, it’s useful to have a toolbox of go-to phrases. Here are some opinion phrases and complex sentence starters that can boost your German essay, along with their meanings:

• Meiner Meinung nach... – ("In my opinion, ...") Use this at the start of a sentence to give a personal opinion. Meiner Meinung nach ist Berlin die beste Stadt. ("In my opinion, Berlin is the best city.")

• Ich finde, dass... – ("I find that...") This phrase allows you to state an opinion and the dass turns the rest of the sentence into a subordinate clause. Ich finde, dass Deutsch interessant ist. ("I find that German is interesting.")

• Ich bin der Meinung, dass... – ("I am of the opinion that...") A slightly formal way to say "I think that...". Using it also triggers a subordinate clause with dass.

• Was mich betrifft,... – ("As far as I'm concerned,...") A phrase to personally qualify a statement. For example: Was mich betrifft, verbringe ich meine Freizeit lieber draußen. ("As far as I'm concerned, I prefer to spend my free time outdoors.")

• ..., weil... – ("..., because ...") The word weil is a very common conjunction to give reasons. Remember that weil sends the verb to the end of its clause. Ich lerne jeden Tag Vokabeln, weil ich meine Deutschkenntnisse verbessern will. ("I study vocabulary every day because I want to improve my German skills.")

• ..., obwohl... – ("..., although ...") Obwohl introduces a contrast and also kicks the verb to the end of that clause. Ich esse gern Gemüse, obwohl Schokolade mein Lieblingsessen ist. ("I like eating vegetables, although chocolate is my favourite food.")

• ..., wenn... – This can mean "if" or "when" depending on context and introduces a conditional or time clause. Wenn ich mehr Zeit habe, besuche ich meine Großeltern. ("When/If I have more time, I visit my grandparents.")

• um ... zu ... – ("in order to ...") This structure is great for explaining purpose. It consists of um plus an infinitive clause with zu. For example: Ich spare mein Geld, um eine Reise nach Deutschland zu machen. ("I'm saving my money in order to take a trip to Germany.")

• damit... – ("so that...") Similar purpose as um...zu, but damit is a conjunction that also means "so that" and is followed by a full clause. Ich helfe meinem Bruder mit den Hausaufgaben, damit er gute Noten bekommt. ("I help my brother with homework so that he gets good grades.")

• Konjunktiv II (würde, wäre, hätte) – (the conditional "would" forms) Using conditional or subjunctive forms can impress in a short essay if done correctly. For example: Wenn ich reich wäre, würde ich um die Welt reisen. ("If I were rich, I would travel around the world."). Here wäre (were) and würde ... reisen (would travel) show an advanced "what if" sentence.

These phrases and structures help add complexity and interest to your writing. It's a good idea to practice them individually and in sentences. Try mixing and matching: use an opinion phrase and a connective in the same sentence (Ich bin der Meinung, dass... weil...), or start a sentence with obwohl for contrast. By having a few of these ready to use, you can adapt them to almost any essay topic.

Sample Short Essays in German (with Explanations)

Let's put it all together. Below are two sample short essays (around 90 words each) on typical GCSE German topics. After each German text, we'll explain what makes the response effective and highlight good elements that you could imitate in your own writing.

Beispielaufsatz 1: Meine Schule (Example Essay 1: My School)

Ich besuche ein großes Gymnasium in London. Meine Schule gefällt mir sehr gut, weil die Lehrer hilfsbereit und freundlich sind. Letztes Jahr hatten wir eine Klassenfahrt nach Wales, und es war ein tolles Erlebnis. Obwohl die Tage dort anstrengend waren, habe ich viel gelernt. Nächstes Jahr werde ich meine GCSE-Prüfungen machen, also muss ich jetzt fleißig lernen, um gute Noten zu bekommen. Meiner Meinung nach ist meine Schule insgesamt ausgezeichnet, denn sie bietet viele Möglichkeiten.

Why this essay works: This response addresses a variety of points about school in a coherent mini-essay. It starts by stating what kind of school it is (ein großes Gymnasium in London) and gives an overall opinion (gefällt mir sehr gut – "I like it a lot"). It then provides a reason using weil to link to a subordinate clause (weil die Lehrer hilfsbereit und freundlich sind – "because the teachers are helpful and friendly"). A past event is included (wir hatten eine Klassenfahrt nach Wales, es war ein tolles Erlebnis) using the correct past tense. Notice the use of hatten (had) and the detail that it was a great experience – this covers a bullet point about a past school event and includes an opinion about it. The sentence with obwohl ("although") introduces a higher-level structure: Obwohl die Tage dort anstrengend waren, habe ich viel gelernt. This shows contrast and uses the correct verb positions (*waren at the end of the obwohl-clause, habe starting the next clause). The essay also looks ahead: Nächstes Jahr werde ich meine GCSE-Prüfungen machen ("Next year I will do my GCSE exams") brings in the future tense. It even adds muss ich jetzt fleißig lernen, um gute Noten zu bekommen – using the um...zu construction to express purpose ("in order to get good grades"). Finally, it wraps up with an overall opinion: Meiner Meinung nach ist meine Schule insgesamt ausgezeichnet, denn sie bietet viele Möglichkeiten. This closing sentence uses Meiner Meinung nach (in my opinion) and denn (another word for "because", which, unlike weil, does not send the verb to the end). The content is organized (teachers, trip, exams, overall opinion) and each sentence naturally leads to the next. The student used a wide range of vocabulary (e.g. hilfsbereit, fleißig, Möglichkeiten) and several tenses (present, past, future), along with multiple connectives (weil, obwohl, also/so, um...zu, denn). Despite being under 100 words, it feels like a complete, informative piece. An examiner would likely be impressed by the variety and accuracy here.

Beispielaufsatz 2: Urlaubserinnerungen (Example Essay 2: Holiday Memories)

Letzten Sommer bin ich nach Spanien gefahren, um meine Großeltern zu besuchen. Ich habe zwei Wochen dort verbracht und jeden Tag sind wir an den Strand gegangen. Das Wetter war herrlich und das Essen hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Meiner Meinung nach war dieser Urlaub unvergesslich, weil ich Zeit mit meiner Familie verbringen konnte. Nächstes Jahr möchte ich wieder dorthin fahren. Wenn ich mehr Geld hätte, würde ich eine längere Reise durch Europa machen, aber im Moment muss ich sparen.

Why this essay works: This essay about a holiday packs in a lot of good content in a short space. It opens with a past holiday: Letzten Sommer bin ich nach Spanien gefahren ("Last summer I went to Spain"), which is the Perfekt past tense with the correct auxiliary bin for movement. It immediately adds a purpose with um...zu: um meine Großeltern zu besuchen ("in order to visit my grandparents"), demonstrating a complex structure. The student mentions the duration (two weeks) and a daily activity using past tense: jeden Tag sind wir an den Strand gegangen ("every day we went to the beach"). They give an opinion on the weather and food: Das Wetter war herrlich ("The weather was glorious") and das Essen hat mir sehr gut gefallen ("I really liked the food"). The phrase hat mir sehr gut gefallen is a nice way to say "I really enjoyed it", which is more interesting than just ich mochte das Essen. Then, Meiner Meinung nach war dieser Urlaub unvergesslich ("In my opinion, this holiday was unforgettable") clearly expresses an opinion and uses the impressive adjective unvergesslich. It follows with a weil clause to explain why: weil ich Zeit mit meiner Familie verbringen konnte ("because I was able to spend time with my family"), again pushing the verb konnte to the end correctly. The essay also mentions a future plan: Nächstes Jahr möchte ich wieder dorthin fahren ("Next year I would like to go there again"), using möchte, which is a great way to talk about future wishes. Finally, it includes a conditional sentence: Wenn ich mehr Geld hätte, würde ich eine längere Reise durch Europa machen ("If I had more money, I would do a longer trip through Europe"). This conditional construction (with hätte and würde ... machen) is advanced for GCSE level – including it shows the examiner a high level of mastery. The last phrase aber im Moment muss ich sparen ("but at the moment I have to save up") adds a realistic touch and another connective aber. Overall, this essay covers past, present (implied through general statements), future (möchte...fahren), and even a hypothetical scenario. It stays on topic and addresses the key elements of a holiday: where, with whom, activities, opinions, and future plans. The variety of verbs and structures, combined with clear organisation (chronologically from past to future), would score highly.

Takeaway: Both samples demonstrate how to include all the good stuff: different tenses, opinions with reasons, connectives, and specific details – all within ~90 words. They also directly or indirectly touch on likely bullet points (for example, who with, when, what you did, how it was, what next). When practicing, try to mimic this approach for any topic: cover the basics, add opinions/reasons, use a few advanced structures, and keep it organised.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even confident German students can lose marks on the short essay by falling into some common traps. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for, and tips on how to avoid them:

• Not addressing all bullet points: If the question asks for four things and you only write about three, you'll lose content marks. Avoid it: Always double-check the prompt and tick off each bullet point in your plan. Even if you don't have much to say on a point, include at least a simple sentence about it.

• Writing too much or too little: Some students either get carried away and write 200 words, or they finish too quickly with only 50 words. Both can be problematic. Avoid it: Practice writing to a word count. Learn roughly how a 90-word response looks in your handwriting. In an exam, if you find you've written way more than needed, prioritise quality over quantity – it may be better to stop and use time to proofread instead of adding unnecessary filler.

• Repetition and simplistic language: Using the same word repeatedly or sticking to very basic sentence structures can lower your mark. Avoid it: Diversify your language. If you notice you've said sehr gut ("very good") three times, replace one with fantastisch or ausgezeichnet. Use pronouns or synonyms to avoid repeating nouns (e.g. meine Mutter can become sie in the next sentence). Vary sentence length – mix short statements with longer ones using connectives.

• Tense confusion: Switching tenses incorrectly or using the wrong tense for the context is a common error. For example, students might describe a past event but accidentally use present tense, or start a sentence in the present and slip into past. Avoid it: Identify time markers in your essay (like "last year" indicates past, "next year" indicates future) and make sure the verb forms match. If you mention gestern (yesterday), for instance, the verb should be in past tense (e.g. gestern bin ich gegangen, not gehe). When proofreading, specifically check the verbs against the time words.

• Word order mistakes: German word order can trip up English speakers. Common mistakes include forgetting to put the verb second in a main clause or at the end in a subordinate clause. For example, a student might write weil ich mag Sport instead of the correct weil ich Sport mag. Avoid it: Be mindful of trigger words like weil, obwohl, dass – they should signal you to send the verb to the end of the clause. Similarly, after using a time phrase at the start (e.g. Nach der Schule...), remember that the verb must come immediately after the time phrase (Nach der Schule gehe ich nach Hause).

• Translating directly from English: Sometimes students think of what they want to say in English and then translate literally into German. This can lead to awkward or wrong phrasing (for example, "I am X years old" translated word-for-word becomes Ich bin Jahre alt without the number!). Avoid it: Write what you know in German. It’s better to express a simpler idea correctly in German than to attempt a complex English thought and get it wrong. If you find yourself stuck trying to translate a phrase, see if you can say it in a simpler way using grammar and vocabulary you're comfortable with.

• Missing small words or endings: Under time pressure, it's easy to drop the endings on verbs or adjectives (mein Vater ist lustig vs mein Vater ist lustig, leaving off the -g), or forget plural -n (e.g. mit meinen Freunden). Avoid it: During proofreading, do one pass just for these "small details". Check each verb ending matches the subject (ich -e, er/sie -t, etc.), and scan nouns with articles to ensure the cases look right (e.g. mit meiner Mutter, mit meinem Vater – you remembered the -m and -r endings).

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can pay extra attention to avoid them. Many of these pitfalls can be overcome with practice: the more short essays you write, the more you'll internalise the correct structures and spot your own typical errors.

Practice Makes Perfect: Tips for Regular Practice

Improving your short essay writing is much like improving a sport or musical skill – regular, focused practice is key. Here are some practical suggestions to help students hone their skills (and ways parents can support):

• Write Regular Short Essays: Aim to write one or two 90-word essays every week on different topics. You can use past GCSE questions, textbook prompts, or even make up your own. The important part is to simulate exam conditions: choose a question, set a timer (say 15 minutes), and write ~90 words on it without interruptions. This builds your confidence and speed for the real exam.

• Use a Checklist for Review: After writing a practice essay, go through a checklist. For example: Did I cover all bullet points? Did I include at least one past and one future tense? Did I express an opinion and back it up? Did I use any complex sentence (like weil or obwohl)? Is everything spelled correctly with correct gender and verb endings? If you notice something is missing, you can revise your draft – this is how you learn from the practice.

• Learn Topic Vocabulary in Chunks: For each common theme (school, holidays, etc.), make a list of key words and phrases and learn them. Parents can help by quizzing you on these or using flashcards. If "technology" is a likely topic, ensure you know words like Handy (mobile phone), Internet, sozialen Medien (social media), etc., and some verbs that go with them. Knowing the right words means you won't waste time in the exam trying to describe something with awkward circumlocutions.

• Memorise a Few Flexible Phrases: It's not cheating to memorise phrases, as long as you can adapt them to the question. In fact, it's smart. Phrases like Meiner Meinung nach..., Ich habe ... gemacht, Ich werde ... (infinitive), Es gibt... ("there is/are...") can fit into many essays. Just be sure you use them appropriately. Having these building blocks in mind can kick-start your writing and fill in gaps when you're not sure what else to say.

• Seek Feedback: If you're self-studying, try to get someone proficient in German to look over your practice essays – this could be your school teacher or a tutor. They can point out recurring errors or suggest alternative phrases. For parents who know some German, offering to read a child's short essay aloud and seeing if it makes sense can also be beneficial. If something sounds off when translated directly, it might be wrong in German. An outside perspective helps catch things you might miss on your own.

• Read Sample Essays: Reading other well-written short essays can be incredibly helpful. You’ll pick up new words and see exemplars of structure. Olesen Tuition’s blog, for example, offers several GCSE German sample essays with translations and explanations. By reading these, you get a feel for what a top-notch 90-word response looks like. Pay attention to how they incorporate the very features we’ve discussed – and feel free to borrow some phrases or structures you like for your own repertoire.

• Use Tutoring and Classes Wisely: If you have access to a German tutor or classes, use that time to practise writing too. Perhaps you can ask for a short essay homework each week. A good tutor will not only correct your mistakes but also explain why they are mistakes and how to fix them next time. They can also provide customized questions or twist questions in new ways to ensure you’re ready for anything the exam throws at you.

• Stay Consistent and Positive: Finally, keep at it! Writing in a foreign language gets easier the more you do it. Parents can encourage a consistent study schedule, and students should try to stay positive. Not every practice essay will be perfect – that's okay. Over time, you will see improvement. Celebrate progress, like when your word count flows more easily or you finally remember the correct weil word order without thinking.

Remember, every short essay you practise is a step towards exam success. It's far better to make mistakes now, learn from them, and build confidence, than to walk into the exam unprepared. With regular practice and the right support, you'll find that 90 words in German can be tackled with ease and even enjoyment.

Olesen Tuition: Supporting Your GCSE German Success

At Olesen Tuition, we specialise in helping students excel in GCSE German. With over 25 years’ experience and an Oxford-educated tutor leading our team, we have a track record of guiding learners to top grades. In fact, 95% of our students achieve a Grade 9 (A)* in GCSE German – a success rate we’re extremely proud of. We offer a range of services to support every learner:

• Weekly GCSE German Classes: Join our small-group classes (in London or online) to cover the GCSE curriculum in a structured, engaging way. Regular classes ensure you continuously practise all skills – including writing short essays – with peers and a skilled instructor.

• 1:1 German Tuition: For personalised attention, our one-on-one tutoring is tailored to each student's needs. We can focus intensively on writing skills, iron out individual problem areas like grammar or vocabulary, and provide detailed feedback on your essays. It's a customised approach to boost confidence and competence.

• Half-Term and Easter Revision Courses: We run intensive revision courses during school breaks to prepare students for upcoming exams. These courses are perfect for reinforcing essay techniques, practising under timed conditions, and doing a thorough review of exam topics. In a short time, you can consolidate what you've learned and go into the exam with greater assurance.

• Expert Guidance and Feedback: No matter which format you choose, you'll be taught by an expert German tutor (native-level proficiency and experienced in GCSE requirements). Our tutors not only teach the language but also share insider tips on exam strategy – like how to approach the 90-word task effectively or common pitfalls to avoid (many of which we’ve shared in this article!).

• Proven Results: Our approach is results-driven. With a 95% Grade 9 success rate, we know how to bring out the best in our students. We stay up-to-date with GCSE exam board standards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.) and adjust our materials and advice accordingly. When you learn with us, you're getting tried-and-tested techniques that have worked for hundreds of students.

Friendly, expert support can make a huge difference in a student’s journey to GCSE success. Whether you're struggling with German writing or aiming to turn a strong Grade 7 into a Grade 9, Olesen Tuition can provide the guidance and practice you need. We believe in making learning enjoyable and effective – our students often comment on how our lessons are rigorous yet fun, a balance that keeps them motivated.

If you’re interested in boosting your (or your child’s) German skills, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you master those short essays and every other part of the German exam. With dedication and the right support, you can walk into that GCSE German exam feeling confident and well-prepared. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)

On my our blog, you'll find many other posts for your revision, such as how to prepare for your speaking exam, how to revise for the listening, reading, writing papers, the 10 most important grammar topics to revise for GCSE German, mastering German to English and English to English translations at GCSE level, and finally how to get a 9 in GCSE German.