Tesoro High School

Academics

German

Frau Benjamin

Has taught at Tesoro since its opening in 2001
Grew up in a German-speaking family, studied at the University of Siegen, Germany
Graduated from the University of Wisconsin with German, International Studies and history degrees
Has led student groups to Germany and surrounding countries over the years, including on school exchange programs

Did you know....

- Many American students are flocking to Germany for college due to a great education and low tuition costs! http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/why-american-students-are-flocking-germany-staying-n515961 https://www.study.eu/article/study-in-germany-for-free-what-you-need-to-know

- German is the language most closely related to English?
- 70% of the most commonly used English words are Germanic in origin!
- We celebrate the food of Oktoberfest in class and do other fun cultural activities!

German is one of the most widely-spoken languages in Europe, over 100 million Europeans speak German!

It is considered one of the most useful languages in Europe, as well as in business, engineering, banking and many more professions.

Course Descriptions

German I
UC/CSU: e

NCAA: Yes
Length: Year - 10 Credits
Placement Guidelines: Grades 9-12
This course provides the student with communicative experiences in the target language necessary to gain and
give information for personal and social purposes in various contextual settings. The course offers students
without any previous formal German experience the opportunity to study the basic principles for learning to
speak, read, and write the German language.

German II
UC/CSU: e
NCAA: Yes
Length: Year - 10 Credits
Placement Guidelines: Grades 9-12
This course offers students who have successfully completed German I or the equivalent for the opportunity to
continue the study of the basic principles of the German language. The language used is authentic and current,
reflecting the language spoken and read in a Germanic society. Instruction is student-centered and
communication-based.

German III
UC/CSU: e
NCAA: Yes
Length: Year - 10 Credits
Placement Guidelines: Grades 10-12
This course offers students who have successfully completed German II, or the equivalent, the opportunity to
continue the study of the German language and culture. The student is provided with communicative
experiences in the target language necessary to inform, inquire after, and give information in more complex
situational contexts.

AP German IV
UC/CSU: e
NCAA: Yes
Length: Year - 10 Credits
Placement Guidelines: Grades 10-12
This course is conducted exclusively in German and concentrates on preparing the student to become fluent in
the language. The ability to understand, speak, read, and write German with increasing mastery is stressed.
Students are expected to give formal reports and carry on informal discussions on daily subjects in the target
language. Students will practice applying skills in expressing their thoughts and ideas about literary works by
well-known German authors, based on readings from recent German newspapers and magazines. One unit of the
course is devoted to reading scientific German. After completing this course, some students may elect to take the
Advanced Placement examination in the German language.

German V
UC/CSU: e
NCAA: Yes
Length: Year - 10 Credits
Placement Guidelines: Grades 11-12
German V Honors is a college-level German class offered to students who have already completed four years of
German or the equivalent. The class is conducted almost entirely in German and the students are requested to
use German as their main language of communication.