A-Level German Revision Guide: Year 2 (A2) Themes Explained
- Jens Olesen
- Apr 3
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Introduction
In Year 13 of A-level German, students are expected to demonstrate not only a strong grasp of grammar and vocabulary but also an in-depth understanding of key societal and political themes relevant to the German-speaking world. These Year 2 topics form the backbone of Paper 1 (Listening, Reading, and Translation) and Paper 3 (Speaking), and are often rich in both historical context and contemporary relevance.
This post offers a comprehensive overview of each theme: Einwanderung, Integration, Rassismus, Deutschland und die Europäische Union, Politik und die Jugend, and Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen. Each section includes cultural and historical insight, exam-relevant facts, and 25+ key vocabulary terms to help you perform at your best.
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Einwanderung
Immigration is one of the most important and controversial issues in modern Germany. Historically, Germany has welcomed various immigrant groups, from post-war Gastarbeiter (guest workers) to refugees in the 2015 crisis. Today, Germany is one of the most popular destinations for migrants in Europe, with people arriving for work, education, family reunification, or asylum.
The 1950s and 1960s saw large numbers of workers from Turkey, Italy, and Greece brought in to support Germany's booming post-war economy. These groups were initially seen as temporary, but many settled permanently, leading to the development of multicultural communities. More recently, Germany has accepted large numbers of refugees from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.
Immigration brings benefits, including economic contributions, cultural diversity, and demographic support in an ageing society. However, it also presents challenges such as integration, housing shortages, and pressure on public services. Understanding the motives, experiences, and contributions of immigrants is key for A-level students when evaluating this theme.
Key vocabulary:
die Einwanderung (immigration)
der Einwanderer / die Einwanderin (immigrant)
das Herkunftsland (country of origin)
die Flucht (flight)
der Asylantrag (asylum application)
der Flüchtling (refugee)
die Zuwanderung (influx of migrants)
der Arbeitsmigrant (labour migrant)
das Einwanderungsgesetz (immigration law)
der Aufenthaltsstatus (residency status)
die Staatsbürgerschaft (citizenship)
das Integrationsprogramm (integration programme)
die Aufnahmegesellschaft (host society)
der Migrationshintergrund (migration background)
die doppelte Staatsangehörigkeit (dual citizenship)
die Arbeitsgenehmigung (work permit)
die Ausländerbehörde (immigration office)
der Familiennachzug (family reunification)
die Sprachbarriere (language barrier)
die Freizügigkeit (freedom of movement)
das Aufenthaltsrecht (residency rights)
die Herkunft (origin)
die Einbürgerung (naturalisation)
der Pull-Faktor / Push-Faktor (pull/push factor)
der Asylbewerber (asylum seeker)
In Paper 1, expect to encounter texts and listening tasks dealing with immigration trends, refugee crises, or government policy. In Paper 3, students may be asked to assess the advantages and challenges of immigration or compare immigration in Germany to the UK or other European countries.
Integration
Integration is closely linked to immigration and is a key topic in understanding social cohesion in German-speaking societies. It involves not only language acquisition and employment opportunities but also the inclusion of immigrants in cultural, educational, and political life. Successful integration benefits both immigrants and the host society by promoting stability, tolerance, and economic contribution.
Germany has introduced a range of measures to improve integration, including compulsory language and orientation courses (Integrationskurse), support for migrant children in schools, and initiatives to encourage intercultural dialogue. Yet challenges remain: ghettoisation, discrimination, and barriers to the job market persist for many immigrants, particularly those from non-EU countries.
There is a debate in society about the balance between preserving cultural identity and encouraging assimilation. Politicians and commentators often argue whether Germany should become a Leitkultur (guiding culture) society or embrace multiculturalism more openly.
Students should be able to present arguments on both sides and evaluate the effectiveness of current integration policies. They should also reflect on generational integration and the identity of German-born children of immigrants.
Key vocabulary:
die Integration (integration)
sich integrieren (to integrate)
das Integrationsgesetz (integration law)
der Integrationskurs (integration course)
die Sprachkenntnisse (language skills)
die Chancengleichheit (equal opportunities)
die soziale Gerechtigkeit (social justice)
die Mehrsprachigkeit (multilingualism)
die Bildungschancen (educational opportunities)
das Schulversagen (academic failure)
die ethnische Herkunft (ethnic background)
die Wohnsituation (housing situation)
die Parallelgesellschaft (parallel society)
das Zusammengehörigkeitsgefühl (sense of belonging)
die kulturelle Identität (cultural identity)
die Leitkultur (guiding culture)
die Wertevermittlung (value transmission)
der Integrationsbeauftragte (integration commissioner)
die Integrationspolitik (integration policy)
die Willkommenskultur (welcoming culture)
die Integrationsbereitschaft (willingness to integrate)
die interkulturelle Kompetenz (intercultural competence)
die Diskriminierung (discrimination)
der gesellschaftliche Zusammenhalt (social cohesion)
das Einleben (settling in)
In Paper 1, texts may focus on successful integration stories, education policies for migrant children, or ongoing social debates. In Paper 3, students could be asked how integration can be improved or to discuss tensions between cultural diversity and national identity.
Rassismus
Racism remains a pressing issue in German society, particularly in the context of increasing diversity and immigration. Although Germany has made progress in promoting equality and condemning hate crimes, structural racism and everyday discrimination (Alltagsrassismus) still affect many people, particularly those with visible differences or a migration background.
Racist incidents have targeted refugees, Jewish communities, Muslims, Black Germans, and Sinti and Roma. Far-right violence, like the NSU murders and attacks in Hanau and Halle, shocked the public and sparked widespread debates. At the same time, there are strong counter-movements like “#MeTwo” and “Kein Platz für Rassismus” that challenge racism and raise awareness.
Germany has introduced anti-discrimination laws such as the Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG), and education campaigns aim to promote tolerance and respect for diversity. Nonetheless, racism in schools, housing, and employment remains a reality. Institutional racism is also being discussed more openly, especially within the police and justice system.
Students should be prepared to explain how racism affects individuals and society, what responses exist, and whether they are effective. They should also understand how racism is tied to broader issues like history, nationalism, and identity.
Key vocabulary:
der Rassismus (racism)
die Diskriminierung (discrimination)
der Fremdenhass (xenophobia)
der Antisemitismus (antisemitism)
die Islamfeindlichkeit (Islamophobia)
die Rechtsextremisten (right-wing extremists)
die Hasskriminalität (hate crime)
die Gewalt gegen Minderheiten (violence against minorities)
der Alltagsrassismus (everyday racism)
die Hetze (incitement)
die Vorurteile (prejudices)
die ethnische Zugehörigkeit (ethnic affiliation)
der Migrationshintergrund (migration background)
die Polizeigewalt (police violence)
das Bewusstsein (awareness)
die Zivilcourage (moral courage)
die Aufklärungskampagne (awareness campaign)
die Gleichbehandlung (equal treatment)
das Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (equal treatment law)
die Bürgerrechte (civil rights)
das Mahnmal (memorial)
die Erinnerungskultur (culture of remembrance)
die Vielfalt (diversity)
die Betroffenen (those affected)
der Widerstand gegen Rassismus (resistance to racism)
In Paper 1, expect articles or audio texts discussing current debates on racism or efforts to fight it. In Paper 3, students may be asked how racism can be addressed, how it affects integration, or whether Germany is doing enough to protect minorities.
Deutschland und die Europäische Union
Germany plays a central role in the European Union, both economically and politically. As the most populous member state and the largest economy in the EU, Germany influences key decisions regarding trade, migration policy, environmental standards, and international relations. For A-level students, understanding this relationship is crucial, especially in light of Brexit, refugee policy coordination, and responses to crises like the Eurozone debt crisis and the war in Ukraine.
Germany is one of the founding members of the EU and has traditionally supported European integration (europäische Einigung). Former Chancellor Angela Merkel was known for her strong pro-European stance, and Germany continues to be a driving force behind reforms and unity in the EU.
Germany benefits from the EU through free trade, freedom of movement, and political stability. At the same time, there are debates within Germany about financial contributions to the EU, the management of borders, and democratic legitimacy. Right-wing populist parties like the AfD often criticise EU policies and call for national sovereignty.
Students should understand how EU membership influences domestic policies in Germany and be ready to explain both the benefits and criticisms of Germany’s role in the EU. Topics like youth mobility, Erasmus+, and the Euro currency may also appear in exam questions.
Key vocabulary:
die Europäische Union (European Union)
das Mitgliedsland (member state)
der Binnenmarkt (single market)
die Freizügigkeit (freedom of movement)
die Zollunion (customs union)
die europäische Einigung (European integration)
der Euro (euro currency)
die Europawahl (European election)
der EU-Bürger (EU citizen)
das Erasmus-Programm (Erasmus programme)
die Flüchtlingspolitik (refugee policy)
die Klimapolitik (climate policy)
die Schuldenkrise (debt crisis)
der Brexit (Brexit)
der Euroskeptiker (Eurosceptic)
die Souveränität (sovereignty)
die EU-Erweiterung (EU enlargement)
die EU-Kommission (European Commission)
das Europäische Parlament (European Parliament)
die Richtlinie (directive)
die Verordnung (regulation)
die EU-Fördermittel (EU funding)
die gemeinsame Außenpolitik (common foreign policy)
das Schengen-Abkommen (Schengen Agreement)
der Stabilitätspakt (Stability Pact)
In Paper 1, texts may cover Germany’s influence on EU decisions or youth programmes like Erasmus+. In Paper 3, students might be asked to discuss Germany’s role in Europe, evaluate EU advantages, or reflect on how the EU affects young people’s futures.
Politik und die Jugend
The political engagement of young people in Germany is a topic of increasing importance. While traditional political party membership among youth has declined, political interest remains strong—particularly around social justice, climate change, education, and digital rights. Movements like Fridays for Future have shown that youth activism is alive and well.
Young people in Germany can vote from the age of 18 in federal elections, though some Länder (states) allow voting from 16 in local and regional elections. Many young people express their views outside formal politics—through petitions, protests, and social media. The debate around lowering the voting age nationwide continues, with some arguing it would enhance democratic participation.
Political education is part of the school curriculum, and parties such as Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and Die Linke tend to attract younger voters. At the same time, concerns exist around political apathy, disinformation online, and the accessibility of political institutions.
Students should be prepared to discuss how young people engage with politics, whether voting age should be lowered, and what can be done to boost participation.
Key vocabulary:
die politische Beteiligung (political participation)
das Wahlrecht (right to vote)
die Bundestagswahl (federal election)
die Landtagswahl (state election)
die Wahlbeteiligung (voter turnout)
die Jugendbewegung (youth movement)
das politische Interesse (political interest)
der Aktivismus (activism)
das Demonstrationsrecht (right to protest)
die Meinungsfreiheit (freedom of opinion)
die digitale Kampagne (digital campaign)
der Klimastreik (climate strike)
das Engagement (engagement)
die Unterschriftenaktion (petition)
die Volksinitiative (popular initiative)
der Parteieintritt (party membership)
die Parteienlandschaft (political party landscape)
die politische Bildung (civic education)
das Vertrauen in die Politik (trust in politics)
die Desinformation (disinformation)
das Protestverhalten (protest behaviour)
die Wahlpflicht (compulsory voting)
die Senkung des Wahlalters (lowering the voting age)
der Politiker / die Politikerin (politician)
das Wahlprogramm (election platform)
In Paper 1, expect texts on youth participation, protest culture, or voting trends. In Paper 3, students might be asked whether today’s youth are politically engaged, how democracy could be strengthened, or whether voting should be compulsory. texts and listening tasks dealing with immigration trends, refugee crises, or government policy. In Paper 3, students may be asked to assess the advantages and challenges of immigration or compare immigration in Germany to the UK or other European countries.
Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen
The reunification of Germany in 1990 is a pivotal event in modern German history and has far-reaching social, political, and economic consequences. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the former East Germany (DDR) and West Germany (BRD) were officially united on October 3, 1990. While the event symbolised freedom and national unity, it also brought significant challenges that still shape Germany today.
Economically, the East struggled to match the prosperity of the West. Many former East Germans faced unemployment, outdated infrastructure, and social dislocation. Billions of euros were invested in rebuilding the East, but regional inequalities persist. Many young people migrated westward in search of better opportunities, leading to demographic imbalances.
Culturally, differences in identity and mentality remain between East and West. Despite shared language and traditions, some people still speak of a "Mauer im Kopf" (wall in the mind). However, progress has been made in bridging these gaps, particularly among younger generations.
Students should understand the causes of division, the process of reunification, and its long-term consequences—both positive and negative. They should also explore how memory and national identity are shaped by the legacy of division.
Key vocabulary:
die Wiedervereinigung (reunification)
der Mauerfall (fall of the Berlin Wall)
die DDR (GDR/East Germany)
die BRD (FRG/West Germany)
die deutsche Einheit (German unity)
der Einigungsvertrag (unification treaty)
die Treuhandanstalt (privatisation agency)
die Ost-West-Unterschiede (East-West differences)
der Soli / Solidaritätszuschlag (solidarity tax)
die Stasi (East German secret police)
die Arbeitslosigkeit (unemployment)
die Infrastruktur (infrastructure)
die Binnenmigration (internal migration)
die Abwanderung (emigration)
die Nachwendezeit (post-reunification period)
die Identitätsfrage (question of identity)
die Mauer im Kopf (wall in the mind)
der Einheitsfeiertag (reunification holiday)
die Friedliche Revolution (peaceful revolution)
die Diktatur (dictatorship)
die Demokratie (democracy)
die Vergangenheitsbewältigung (coming to terms with the past)
der Generationenwandel (generational change)
die Ostalgie (nostalgia for East Germany)
das geteilte Land (divided country)
In Paper 1, students may encounter articles discussing the effects of reunification or reflections on East-West dynamics. In Paper 3, they could be asked to evaluate the success of reunification or explain how it still affects modern Germany socially, economically, and politically.
Conclusion
A strong command of the Year 2 (A2) A-level German themes—Einwanderung, Integration, Rassismus, Deutschland und die Europäische Union, Politik und die Jugend, and Die Wiedervereinigung und ihre Folgen—gives students the tools to discuss complex social and political issues with accuracy and confidence. These topics are central to understanding the challenges and values shaping contemporary Germany, and they provide rich material for both analytical writing and oral discussion.
Make sure to actively practise key vocabulary, structure your arguments clearly in speaking, and back up your points with relevant facts or examples. Paper 1 and Paper 3 are your opportunity to show not only your linguistic skills, but also your cultural and societal awareness.
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