This introduction covers Foundation Dictation — Getting All 8 Marks within Foundation dictation practice passages for GCSE German. Revise Foundation dictation practice passages in Dictation Technique for GCSE German with 3 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 1 of 4 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🎯 Foundation Dictation — Getting All 8 Marks
The Foundation dictation is worth 8 marks split across two grids. Grid A (5 marks) rewards correct content words — the meaning-bearing nouns, verbs and adjectives. Grid B (3 marks) rewards spelling accuracy — umlauts, ß, capital letters on nouns, and correct verb endings. Understanding what each grid rewards lets you prioritise where to focus your attention on every play.
Practice questions for Foundation dictation practice passages
Listen to the passage three times, then write exactly what you hear in German.
Listen to the passage three times, then write exactly what you hear in German.
Quick recall flashcards
How is the Foundation dictation marked?
Two grids. Grid A (5 marks) = content/meaning: did you write the right words? Grid B (3 marks) = grammar and spelling accuracy: umlauts (ä, ö, ü), ß, capital letters on nouns, and correct verb endings.
When do you write ß (eszett) instead of 'ss'?
ß follows a long vowel or a diphthong: heißt, Fußball, Straße, weiß, groß, draußen. After a short vowel you write 'ss' (essen, muss). Listen and decide — the ß is a Grid B accuracy point.