• understand and discuss written articles and audio texts (e.g. interviews) on current topics in contemporary German speaking countries and internationally
• analyse graphic charts on current statistics and their effect on daily life and business in German speaking countries
• reflect on and discuss a problem in an intercultural setting and present a strategy
• do independent research on relevant geographical, political and cultural aspects in German speaking countries and their effects on daily life and business (e.g.: energy sources and attitudes towards them) and present them.
• do independent research on companies in Austria and present them with a focus on cultural aspects (e.g. corporate culture, diversity policy)
• talk about and write essays on relevant and current topics in contemporary society and economics in German speaking countries and globally and expressing their own opinion

Students are able to successfully apply all four skill areas on a B2.2 level according to the CEFR with a special focus on business related and formal communication contexts:

• Listening comprehension

e.g.: Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex discourse on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in standard language or a familiar variety, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation.
Can identify the main reasons for and against an argument or idea in a discussion conducted in clear standard language or a familiar variety.

• Reading comprehension

e.g.: Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low-frequency idioms.
Can read correspondence relating to their field of interest and readily grasp the essential meaning.
Can recognise different structures in discursive text: contrasting arguments, problem–solution presentation and cause–effect relationships.

• Speaking

e.g.: Can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to their field of interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.
Can describe the personal significance of events and experiences in detail.
Can give a clear, prepared presentation, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

• Writing

e.g.: Can produce an essay or report which develops an argument systematically with appreciation to significant points and relevant supporting detail.
Can produce a detailed description of a complex process.
Can evaluate different ideas or solutions to a problem.

• Oral interaction

e.g.: Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction, and sustained relationships with users of the target language, quite possible without imposing strain on either party.
Can highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, and account for and sustain views clearly by providing relevant explanations and arguments.

(Corresponding to the descriptors of the CEFR: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/cefr-descriptors)

In addition to the language skills students develop intercultural skills that enable them to perform successfully and socially responsibly in an intercultural context.

They develop a tolerance of ambiguity and an ability to reflect on their own identity and stereotyping.
They can apply their reflections and their knowledge of intercultural models in challenging intercultural situations and act responsibly and with consideration and respect.

Learning Outcomes

• of syntax (e.g. Satzkonnektoren and adverbs, subordinate clauses)
• of pronunciation rules (e.g.: different registers)
• of grammar (e.g. Nominalsatz and Verbalsatz)
• of relevant topics in Austria and other German speaking countries (geographical, historical, political, e.g.: energy sources, transit routes, agricultural structures)
• of various concepts and models of intercultural communication and intercultural theory (e.g. Culture Iceberg and Culture Onion, direct and indirect communication)