This course aims to introduce the German language and culture to beginners. It combines linguistic and communicative skills with a balanced emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening. Special stress is placed on mastering the sound system and the basic grammatical forms, as well as building basic receptive and productive skills in German for effective daily communication. The course also helps students develop their critical thinking through in-class discussions about the cultural dimensions of the language and acquire strategies to learn “how to learn German”. The aim is for students to reach level A1.1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.