Equality and helping others (Edexcel GCSE German): Revision Notes
Equality and helping others
Key vocabulary
Human rights and social issues
| German | English |
|---|---|
| die Menschenrechte | human rights |
| die Diskriminierung | discrimination |
| der Flüchtling | refugee |
| der Frieden | peace |
| die Gesellschaft | society |
| das Gesetz | law |
| die Heimat | home country |
| das Krankenhaus | hospital |
| das Opfer | victim |
| die Vergangenheit | past |
Useful verbs for discussing social issues
| German | English |
|---|---|
| erfahren | to experience |
| erhalten | to receive |
| erreichen | to reach |
| kämpfen | to fight |
| pflegen | to care |
| verbieten | to forbid |
| verlassen | to leave |
| zeigen | to show |
Example Sentences in Context:
- Viele Flüchtlinge verlassen ihre Heimat wegen Konflikten. (Many refugees leave their home country because of conflicts.)
- Die Gesellschaft muss gegen Diskriminierung kämpfen. (Society must fight against discrimination.)
- Im Krankenhaus pflegen die Ärzte verletzte Menschen. (In hospital, doctors care for injured people.)
Grammar focus: using adjectives effectively
Basic adjective usage Adjectives are essential for expressing opinions and adding detail to your German. They help make your writing more interesting and show your ability to express complex ideas.
Making comparisons
-
Comparative form: Add -er to the adjective stem
- schlimm → schlimmer (more serious/worse)
- beliebt → beliebter (more popular)
-
Superlative form: Add -st- to the adjective stem
- schlimm → schlimmste (most serious/worst)
- beliebt → beliebteste (most popular)
Useful adjectives for expressing opinions
| German | English |
|---|---|
| beliebt | popular |
| ernst | serious |
| möglich | possible |
| notwendig | necessary |
| schlimm | bad, serious |
| verschieden | different, diverse |
Advanced tip: You can turn adjectives into neuter nouns by adding das and capitalising them. For example: das Beste means "the best thing."
Worked Example: Using Comparative and Superlative Forms
Step 1: Start with the base adjective ernst (serious)
Step 2: Form the comparative ernst + -er = ernster (more serious)
Step 3: Form the superlative ernst + -st- = ernsteste (most serious)
In sentences:
- Das Problem ist ernst. (The problem is serious.)
- Das Problem ist ernster als gedacht. (The problem is more serious than thought.)
- Das ist das ernsteste Problem. (That is the most serious problem.)
Germany and refugee support
Germany has become one of the most important destinations for refugees worldwide. This is particularly relevant for people fleeing conflicts in countries like Syria and Ukraine.
Why Germany attracts refugees:
- Welcoming culture towards those seeking safety
- Support systems including accommodation and healthcare
- Strong legal protections and human rights framework
- Medical care available in hospitals for injured people
Challenges faced by refugees: Many refugees unfortunately encounter discrimination despite Germany's efforts to help. This shows that whilst laws exist to protect people, social attitudes can still create difficulties for those seeking safety.
Historical context: After World War II, Germany itself was divided, creating a border crossing point between East and West. This historical experience of division helps explain Germany's understanding of displacement and the need to help others.
Translation practice
Translation Practice Exercise:
German to English:
- Viele Flüchtlinge erfahren Diskriminierung.
- Deutschland hat eine Willkommenskultur.
English to German:
- Many refugees receive medical care.
- Society must fight for human rights.
Answers:
- Many refugees experience discrimination.
- Germany has a welcoming culture.
- Viele Flüchtlinge erhalten medizinische Pflege.
- Die Gesellschaft muss für Menschenrechte kämpfen.
Exam Tips:
- Use varied adjectives to show your vocabulary range
- Include comparative and superlative forms where appropriate
- Connect personal opinions with broader social issues
- Practice expressing both positive and negative viewpoints about social topics
Key Points to Remember:
- Adjectives make your German more sophisticated - use comparatives (-er) and superlatives (-st-)
- Germany is a major destination for refugees due to its welcoming culture and support systems
- Key social issues vocabulary includes Menschenrechte, Diskriminierung, and Flüchtling
- Express opinions using adjectives like ernst, notwendig, and möglich
- Historical awareness of Germany's own experience of division helps explain its refugee policies