CSET — German

The CSET — German test is broken down into three subtests. The first subtest has 15 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question about general linguistics. It also has 25 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions that deal with linguistics of French. The second subtest has 20 multiple-choice questions about literary texts and traditions, and 20 multiple-choice questions about cultural analysis and comparisons. This subtest also has 1 extended constructed-response question. The third subtest has 15 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with language comprehension: listening comprehension, 15 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with reading comprehension, 1 short-answer and 1 extended constructed-response question dealing with written expression, and 2 short-answer questions dealing with oral expression.

The general linguistics portion of the first CSET — German subtest covers the nature of language, language use, and applied linguistics. The linguistics of German portion covers language structures in the German language, analysis of grammatical and mechanical errors in the German language, and constructive analysis of German. This includes comparing and contrasting German to English, and different meanings given to words and phrases in the two languages. This section also tests on the interaction between the German language and culture, and the reasons and mechanisms for the development of dialects within the German language.

The second CSET — German subtest covers German literary and cultural texts and traditions, including major movements, genres, writers, and works and analysis of literary and cultural texts. The next section covers cultural analysis and comparisons. Subparts to this section are cultural perspectives including knowledge of German historical and political events and how they have shaped cultural perspectives, cultural practices, and cultural products including architecture, art, entertainment, and fashion.

The third CSET — German subtest covers literal comprehension of the spoken German language, inferential and interpretive comprehension of spoken communication, and critical analysis of spoken communication. The next section of the third subtest covers literal translation of written texts, inferential and interpretive comprehension of written texts, and critical analysis of written texts. The candidate is tested on the ability to write in German, and speak in German in response to unexpected situations, deliver oral presentations to different audiences and for different purposes.