This key facts covers Key facts at a glance within Dictation method: three plays, hold, write for GCSE German. Revise Dictation method: three plays, hold, write in Dictation Technique for GCSE German with 10 exam-style questions and 15 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
- Audio is played 3 times; Foundation 8 marks, Higher 10 marks
- 1st play = meaning · 2nd play = write · 3rd play = check
- Write every word, including small ones (und, aber, auch, ist)
- Attempt off-list words phonetically — never leave a blank
- Capitalise all nouns (der Tisch, die Schule, das Haus)
Practice questions for Dictation method: three plays, hold, write
How many times is the dictation passage played in the AQA 8662 German exam?
How many marks is the Foundation tier dictation worth on AQA 8662?
Quick recall flashcards
What is the 'hold' technique in dictation?
Hold a short chunk of words in your head, THEN write it down. Don't try to write while new words are still coming — you will miss them. Listen to a chunk, pause, write, then catch the next chunk.
What should you do on each of the three plays?
Play 1: listen to the WHOLE thing for meaning — don't write yet. Play 2: write as you hear, sentence by sentence. Play 3: check spelling, umlauts (ä/ö/ü), ß and capital letters. One clear job per play.