Ideas on the most effective way to prepare for a German test without lots of tutoring.

[TheRubyRedshoes]

We have a test coming up, dd doesn't need or want a tutor every week before.

I was thinking get dd to write some paragraphs about the topics eg hobbies, family, school then get a tutor for about 3 sessions to work on that work, point out where improvements could be made, increase vocabulary, run through verbs and tenses?.
She's a strong student, I just want to firm her up before the test...

I'm no linguist... Is this a good idea? Any other ideas?

What sort of test is it? Is there something depending on this test?

Yes, there is, does that change anything?

Try to get hold of previous tests and get her to practice those. The tutor can then help with the specific areas she finds difficult.

Duolingo? Lots of it!!!

She really needs to know her basic grammar - all types of past tenses, cases, adjectival endings etc. What verbsgo with stein andhaben. Extra points if you know the ones that commonly trip people up. Obviously the more vocabulary you’ve got the more adaptable you can be in a test/exam setting. Some learners find grammar ‘boring’ but there’s no easy way round it. I see you’ve been rude to one respondent already but it would be easier to suggest things if we knew what level it was, whether it’s written or oral, etc.

What level is she supposed to be on? Within the framework?
Do you know the examination board involved?

Apart from that: Past exams are a good guide!

Well, the best way is probably to get a tutor to see what she does know so she knows what she needs to learn.
Grammar and vocab esp cases and which verbs take cases/prepositions and cases.
Find a native speaker to chat with her.
Watch a few films, listen to audio books.
Practice papers.

Which verbs commonly trip people up?. The problem is there is a lack of past tests but I found one.

*'' I see you have been rude to one poster already ''.

No, I was robust because I know on mumsnet people ask random questions, the poster responds and yet that person doesn't bother to come back.

Thank you to the helpful posters who have given us useful tips on their response

Lutin, the problem with that is that it may take time, to go through, she would only want a few lessons and I don't think she would need more. I was just wondering of the best way to use that tutors time.

It's not a question of which verbs trip people up - it's more complex than that.
Like many languages, German has regular and irregular verbs. It also has separable verbs, which can cause all sorts of fun, especially in the past tense.

If you can let us know what the test is for, perhaps we can give targeted advice.

Perhaps look for films on Netflix in German, with German subtitles, if her language is good enough.

If the test is important, can you get a tutor who knows the standard expected and can establish the gaps between where she is and where she needs to be? That way DD can focus her efforts in the right place. Knowing the expectations is almost important in exams as knowing the material.

Love yes, I think she's at expected standard I just want to be totally sure, I've managed to find some papers but only 2!
I can see for myself now the standard I think a tutor going over the verbs and irregularities pp mentioned... Perhaps expanding her vocabulary a little more will do the job. Thank all

Magazines for 2nd language learners can be good, such as these maryglasgowplus.com/subscribe/german/das-rad

They tend to follow the news and current affairs at a level that fits with the student so the vocabulary is current but also stretches a bit. If the 'Ubungsbuch' still exists (published by the same) then this is a workbook and can also be a good thing to keep up, allowing grammar and spelling practice.

Doing past papers is good, plus if she is a gcse student she should be mature enough to revise from her school books and notes. If she is at expected standard I don’t think she will need too much support.

Coffee break German is great for going over concepts. It’s a podcast.

Some great tips thanks everyone, I've made a list of the grammar stuff. I am confident in her abilities, just want that extra boost.

Every mark counts!!