German 1 introduces culture in German speaking countries, spelling and pronunciation of German, and German grammar and vocabulary. Vocabulary and culture are introduced in thematic units which include: self, customs and etiquette, family and friends, sports and leisure, school, geography and weather, food and meals, stores and shopping, celebration and home. The four basic language skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing are all practiced in class. German students are also encouraged to use German outside of the classroom in the internet and with each other. First year students have the opportunity to participate in German Club, the KSU poetry contest, the state German Convention competitions, the FLAG spoken language contest and in the spring and summer of even number years, the German/American exchange.