This key facts covers Key facts at a glance 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 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key facts at a glance
- Foundation dictation = 8 marks: Grid A (5 marks, content) + Grid B (3 marks, accuracy)
- Grid A and Grid B are INDEPENDENT — correct content earns Grid A even if spelling is imperfect
- Played three times: 1st = meaning only · 2nd = write · 3rd = fill gaps then check Grid B
- Never leave a blank — a phonetic attempt may earn the Grid A content mark
- Grid B checks: umlauts (ä/ö/ü) · ß vs ss · capital letters on nouns · verb endings (-e/-t/-en)
- Perfect tense verbs: listen for the helper (habe/hat/bin/ist) early and the past participle (gespielt, gegessen, gefahren, gehört) at the END
- Off-list words: write your best phonetic attempt using German sound rules — 'sch' for sh-sound, 'ei' vs 'ie', 'v' often sounds like 'f', 'w' like English 'v'
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.