Spread the word · All are invited · Entrance Free! Save the date! Winter Bazaar at school: 7th DECEMBER 2019, 2 to 5pm. Join us for a day of fun, games, children activities, music, food, handicrafts, and other vendors. To participate with a stall, where you can sell your hand crafts, homemade food, or pre-loved […]
FAQ German as a Foreign Language
Why does my child have to attend DaF classes?
The German language level is not sufficient to be able to completely follow the normal lessons.
Why is my child in this specific XY course?
The course XY was chosen, because your child participated in an assessment for German language and your child fits best in this course.
Why are there different courses of the same level?
To avoid having to many kids in one course. Smaller groups allow better learning environment and better individual support.
Why is my child still in level XY, it attended a language course in summer?
The assessment was done before summer vacation. Nevertheless, a specific amount of hours is needed to reach a certain language level. If your child successfully passed a certain language level, please provide the certificate.
Why is my child’s friend not in DaF?
The child’s friend most probably has the required language level.
Why are there non-first-language-speakers who do not attend DaF classes?
There are non-native speakers who already have sufficient language skills.
Why does my child have to miss subject XYZ?
Due to organizational matters, DaF lessons were planned parallel to the normal lesson schedule. Else the concept is not doable.
Why did no one realize the language level of my child before?
It is our goal to always improve the pedagogical and educational structures at the school. This also applies for DaF. Therefore, the children were assessed, and the language level was set.
Why is my child still in level XY?
The language development of each child is individual, and the actual language level was assessed with a standard test.
Who will give the mark for German language?
The grading will be in close cooperation between the subject teacher and the DaF teacher.
Who made the decision that my child will attend this specific course?
Depending on the result of the assessment the DaF teachers decided in which group the child fits best.
Who is responsible for the low language level of my child?
Nobody is responsible for the low language level of your child. Every child learns language in a different way, so is the language acquisition for each child individual.
Who decided that there shall be DaF lessons for our children?
As a result of the German and Qatari inspection our goal is to improve the German language skills of our students. As a part of the German concept the additional DaF lessons were installed.
What is the curriculum for German as a Foreign Language?
The DaF curriculum is based on the General Framework for German as a foreign language for German Schools abroad issued by the German Central Agency for German Schools abroad (ZfA)
Which language level is the „final goal“ for my child?
With the graduation in Grade 10 the language level should have reached B2/C1.
How shall my child cope with the missed classes?
We expect students to ask their teachers about the missing contents.
A main goal of the education at the German International School Doha is to teach the children to be self-responsible and this is a first step. Teachers also will provide the material and some extra time in case of additional questions. In primary, the teachers have support lessons to repeat contents and / or go through the missed content
How long does my child have to attend DaF classes?
Your child should attend DaF classes until the required language level is reached.
How is the grading handled, if my child missed one lesson of subject XYZ?
In primary school, there are many available lessons to cope with the missed material. In secondary school, the student is also responsible to check with the teacher for additional material.
How many different language levels are there?
As of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) there are 3 language levels.
How did you test my child?
For assessments we use standard tests for German as foreign language.
How can we solve this crisis?
There are no crises. The changes are a result of the further development of German as foreign language and an additional offer for your child.
Will there be a note on my child’s report card that it attended DaF?
No.
Can my child change the course if it is suddenly better within the school year?
No.
When was the assessment of my child?
The assessments took place in April 2019.
When does my child have to reach a certain language level?
The language level should be reached after attending a certain amount of teaching hours in the DaF course.