German IA

Full-year course. This introductory course is designed to excite younger students about the language and cultures of German-speaking countries and give them a foundation for continued study in high school or at the college level. Over the course of the academic year, students will learn how to talk about their likes and dislikes, describe their hobbies and what they do during the day, talk about favorite foods, and order in a restaurant.

A note on our middle school offerings: students in the logic stage (grades 6-9) benefit from different instructional strategies, and will thrive when spending additional time with grammar instruction. This course moves through the same core textbook as the high school course, but at half pace. Students who complete Foundational German 1A and 1B will have covered all the topics necessary for moving into German II (high school level) at the Well-Trained Mind Academy.

Students will use skills in the following areas and build global competency skills for future careers and experience based on the World-readiness Standards for Learning Languages from the ACTFL: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. 

Click here to read about the Well-Trained Mind Academy’s approach to world language learning. Note: We do not offer a delayed section for this course due to the live interaction that is key to learning language.

We recommend that students enrolling in German IA be comfortable with the topics covered in Grammar I. Grammar instruction is not a pre- or co-requisite, however we have found that students are more successful learning a new language when they have a strong understanding of grammar rules. Use the placement tests found in our grammar course descriptions to find the appropriate grammar course for your student.


Register Now



You may also like...


Grammar I

One-semester. For middle school students.


Learn More

World Language Culture Clubs

One-semester. Taught in English.


Learn More

German IA Information




  • Example Syllabus
  • Class meets two times per week for 50-55 minutes.
  • Class cap: 15 students.
  • Designed for grades 6-9.
  • Students who complete both German 1A and German 1B may be awarded 1 World Languages high school credit.
  • Taught by Elizabeth Edwards
  • Excellent course for new online learners.

Course Materials




  • Click here to purchase the course texts.
    • Klasse! A1 Kursbuch (Textbook) + online access to audio and videos
    • Klasse! A1 Arbeitsbuch (Workbook) + online access to audio and videos
    • Die Stadtmaus und die Landmaus
    • Die Ameise und die Heuschrecke


Expand for More Course Resources


You may also like...


Grammar I

One-semester. For middle school students.


Learn More

World Language Culture Clubs

One-semester. Taught in English.


Learn More