GERM 211 at the University of Maryland Global Campus is the first intermediate German course. UMGC lists GERM 112 or an appropriate placement score as the prerequisite, and describes further development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
The aim is to communicate in German in real-life situations and social contexts in culturally appropriate ways. At this stage students are expected to move from correct sentences to varied, connected expression, which is where many plateau.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Code and title | GERM 211 Intermediate German I |
| Credits | 3 |
| Prerequisite | GERM 112 or an appropriate placement test score |
| Credit rule | Credit for only one of GERM 114, GERM 201 or GERM 211 |
| Online requirements | Microphone, speakers and occasional synchronous work |
| Next course | GERM 212 (lists GERM 211 as prerequisite) |
What GERM 211 Covers
| Area (from UMGC's description) | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Listening | Following longer spoken passages |
| Speaking | Taking part in social conversation |
| Reading | Longer authentic or adapted texts |
| Writing | Organized paragraphs and short compositions |
| Social contexts | Using polite, appropriate language for the situation |
Grammar topics are not listed by UMGC; typical intermediate material includes subordinate clauses and more tenses, which your syllabus will confirm.
Key Concepts Explained
Subordinate Clauses
After words such as weil, dass and wenn, the conjugated verb moves to the end.
Example: Ich lerne Deutsch, weil ich nach Wien reisen möchte. Note möchte at the end of the weil clause.
Variety of Expression
Use linking words (deshalb, außerdem, trotzdem) to join ideas, and vary sentence openers.
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Choose du or Sie to suit the relationship, and keep it consistent in a text.
Example: In an email to a landlord, Sehr geehrter Herr Braun, is formal; to a classmate, Hallo Anna, wie geht's? is informal.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation tasks | Spontaneity | Practice answering follow-up questions |
| Compositions | Organized writing | Outline, draft, then check word order |
| Reading comprehension | Understanding detail | Underline key words, then answer |
| Listening tasks | Understanding speech | Replay in short sections |
A Toolkit of Connectors
At intermediate level, linking words lift writing from a list of sentences to a text. Learn them with their effect on word order, which is where errors arise.
| Connector | Meaning | Word order |
|---|---|---|
| und, aber, oder, denn | and, but, or, because | No change; verb stays second |
| weil, dass, wenn, obwohl | because, that, if, although | Verb goes to the end of the clause |
| deshalb, trotzdem, außerdem | therefore, nevertheless, besides | Verb comes right after the connector |
Planning a Short Composition
- Choose three points and one example for each.
- Write a first sentence that states the topic.
- Use a different connector for each point.
- Check verb position in each clause type.
- Read it aloud once to catch errors by ear.
This plan keeps compositions organized and reduces the number of structural errors that markers find.
Getting More from Reading Tasks
Reading tasks at this level use longer texts, so strategy matters. Read the questions first, skim for the gist, then read closely only where the questions point.
| Stage | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preview | Read the title, headings and questions | Gives context before you start |
| Skim | Read the first sentence of each paragraph | Shows the structure |
| Detail | Re-read the paragraphs the questions need | Saves time |
| Vocabulary | Guess from context before using a dictionary | Builds inference skill |
Keep a short list of new words per text and revisit it two days later. Words met twice in context are far more likely to stay.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Verb-final clauses. Practice with weil and dass sentences daily.
- Repetitive sentences. Add connectors and vary openers.
- Listening speed. Listen to short authentic clips often.
- Over-reliance on notes in speaking. Use keywords only.
Study Tips for GERM 211
- Read short German texts daily and note new phrases.
- Keep a bank of linking words.
- Record yourself and compare with a model.
- Revisit GERM 112 grammar early.
How We Help with GERM 211
Send the prompt, your draft and the course materials. A German tutor can explain grammar, correct your writing and suggest ways to extend your range. Use the help to learn and submit your own work.
GradeEssays is independent and not affiliated with the University of Maryland Global Campus. Our work is a study and reference aid; complete and submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch, with free revisions within the scope of your original request and a full refund if late.
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Share the assignment, draft and rubric. We explain corrections and help you build more varied sentences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
GERM 112 or an appropriate placement test score.
UMGC allows credit for only one of GERM 114, GERM 201 or GERM 211.
3 credits.
UMGC notes online sections need a microphone, speakers and occasional synchronous work.
GERM 212 lists GERM 211 as a prerequisite.
Yes. Send it and we correct and explain.