Another Milestone for GISA – German Language Diploma DSD I from 2028

Another important step in the development of our Secondary School has been achieved: the German International School Accra has signed the Joint Declaration of Intent for the German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs – Level I (DSD I).

This clears the way for GISA students to take the DSD I examination directly at our school for the first time from examination session T1 in 2028.

For GISA, this is much more than an additional examination. It is another important building block in the systematic development of our Secondary School and a significant recognition of our work in German as a Foreign Language.

What is the German Language Diploma?

The German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs – commonly known as the DSD – is the Federal Republic of Germany’s official school-based programme for German as a Foreign Language abroad.

It is jointly supported by the German federal government and the federal states and is conducted worldwide according to common quality standards.

The DSD I examination assesses four key language skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Listening comprehension
• Written communication
• Oral communication

Students who successfully complete the examination at the required level demonstrate German language proficiency at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The DSD is therefore not about short-term preparation for a single test. It is the result of long-term, systematic German language learning at school and demonstrates that students are able to understand and use German independently in a variety of situations.

What does this mean for our students?

For our students, the DSD I provides a clear and internationally comparable goal for their German language development.

This is particularly important at an international school such as GISA, where many children and young people learn German as an additional language. Their progress is not only visible in everyday school life but can also be documented through an official German language diploma.

The DSD I is a recognised certificate of German language proficiency at B1 level. In Germany, it can also serve as proof of the language skills required for admission to a Studienkolleg, a preparatory programme for international students wishing to enter a German university.

The diploma itself remains valid permanently.

For our students, this means that they do not only acquire language skills at GISA. They also gain an official qualification that can open up additional opportunities on their future educational journey.

More Than an Examination – Systematic Language Development

The introduction of the DSD will have an impact far beyond the examination day itself.

The programme provides an additional common framework for German language teaching across several years. Reading, listening, writing and speaking are systematically developed and connected.

This supports one of the key aims of our school: students should not simply “learn German”. They should increasingly be able to use German confidently as a tool for communication, learning and participation in school life.

Preparation for the examination also takes place within a clearly defined quality framework. The German side supports the school through professional guidance, examination materials, standardised assessment procedures as well as support with quality assurance and monitoring.

GISA, in turn, commits to providing qualified DSD teachers and ensuring that the examinations are conducted according to the required standards.

The Road Is Now Officially Open

The signing of the declaration marks the culmination of a process that has taken several months.

Following GISA’s application on 9 July 2026, the Central Committee for the German Language Diploma approved the introduction of DSD I examinations at the German International School Accra on 9 September 2026, beginning with examination session T1 in 2028.

The initial approval covers three examination cycles. Provided that the required quality criteria are met, the programme can subsequently continue on a permanent basis.

On 11 November, the Joint Declaration of Intent was formally signed by the GISA school leadership. This marks the beginning of the next phase of preparation.

Over the coming years, this will include the continued systematic development of German language skills, preparation of our teachers for the examination format and, ultimately, targeted preparation of our students for the first DSD I examination.

Another Step on Our Journey

For GISA, the DSD I is part of the long-term development of our Secondary School. Our aim is to provide students in Accra with increasingly broad educational pathways and recognised qualifications that offer perspectives in Ghana, Germany and internationally.

Language is a key part of that journey.

The German Language Diploma provides a clear framework, a meaningful goal and an internationally recognised certificate.

For our school, the signing of the declaration is therefore another genuine milestone – and for our students, another opportunity to continue building their future with German.

Building Bridges – now with another strong foundation.