- On the 1st play, mark every weil / obwohl / dass / wenn you hear — you already know the verb for that clause is coming at the end, so listen out for it specifically on plays 2 and 3.
- Don't write the verb where English word order would put it. Hold the whole subordinate clause in your head, then write it with the verb last.
- For würde and hätte sentences, write the whole clause before moving on — the infinitive or past participle you need often arrives several words later.
- Break long abstract nouns into sound-chunks (Per-sön-lich-keit) rather than trying to write them in one go — this catches the umlaut and the ending.
❌ Common error: Ich würde nie einen Freund wegen seines Aussehens beurteilen, weil das wäre oberflächlich.
✓ Correct: ... weil das oberflächlich wäre.
Why it costs marks: after weil, the conjugated verb (wäre) must go to the very end of the clause, after oberflächlich. Writing it straight after das follows English word order, not German — this is a Grid B error even though every word is spelled correctly.
❌ Common error: Wenn ich genug Geld hätte, würde ich besuchen jede Woche eine Vorstellung.
✓ Correct: ... würde ich jede Woche eine Vorstellung besuchen.
Why it costs marks: würde sends the infinitive (besuchen) to the end of its clause. Writing besuchen straight after würde follows English "would visit" word order instead of the German verb bracket — a Grid B error even with the correct verb chosen.
This exam tips covers Exam Tips & Common Errors within Higher dictation practice passages for GCSE German. Revise Higher dictation practice passages in Dictation Technique for GCSE German with 3 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 4 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Higher 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.