While most students were simply settling into the usual routine of the week of Jan. 12-16, 45 German students were busy proving their linguistic ability.
From German 2 up to AP German Language and Culture, students gathered each day in the school library to tackle the National German Exam. The NGE is a rigorous assessment of reading and listening skills sponsored entirely by the school’s German Club. The sponsorship is a major point of pride for the program, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to achievement.
“The registration fee of $8.00 per student will be covered by our club for about 45 students whether they are club members or not,” German teacher Elke Lorenz said.
The exam isn’t just a practice round, it carries significant weight for those who perform well. High scorers can earn achievement awards: bronze, silver or gold medals. For some, the stakes are even higher.
“High performers [gold medal winners] can be awarded a three-week study trip to Germany,” Lorenz said. “No matter the outcome, it is worth noting in a student’s resume that they took a nationally recognized language test.”
For the students in the library, the experience was a focused two-day affair involving laptops, headphones and a ticking clock. Sophomore Olivia Holden recounted her experience.
“We were sent to the library both days to take the test,” Holden said. “I was separated by one chair from another classmate. We used the library’s laptops and they were really nice. During the listening, we also used their headphones.”
Despite the formal setting, the atmosphere remained supportive.
“Frau Lorenz was very patient and did not rush us, which made the experience less stressful,” junior Camilla Ortiz said.
Preparation for the exam was a mix of year-long learning and targeted review. While the curriculum is standards-based, the class took time after winter break to look at specific themes common to the national test.
“Students focused on topics that were likely to be on the test and that we had not covered in class, mainly on environmental topics since Germans are big on those,” Lorenz said.
Students also took advantage of digital resources to get a feel for the format.
“On the website we took the test on, Lingco, they provided practice tests that we could take,” Holden said.
“The practice tests helped a lot. They made me feel more prepared and more confident going into the real exam,” Ortiz said.
The results of the testing week showed a strong performance across the board, particularly for upper-level students.
“All students in German 3 and 4 scored above the 60th percentile which was rewarding to see,” Lorenz said. “I am proud of my students because they showed a consistent above-average performance. While it is great to have a trip award winner, it is wonderful to have students who do overall well.”
Personal growth remained the biggest takeaway for the participants, showing a large number of skills in many areas.
“I learned that my reading skills are stronger than my listening skills,” Ortiz said.
Holden found the opposite to be true, noting that the listening section was her strongest area.
“I realized how many words I know in German, and how far my reading and listening has actually grown,” Holden said.
Ultimately, the German Club’s goal of fostering a competitive and capable program seems to be paying off. Both students and faculty encouraged others to take the lewould encourage other students to take it because it shows up in future years.
“It shows where you are in your German level and lets you see your improvement over time,” Ortiz said. “Since it does not negatively affect your grade, there is no harm in taking it.”
