German Translation / Reading Exam
German Proficiency Exam for Reading / Translation Exam for Graduate Students
Fall 2026
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Time: 2:00-3:15PM
Place: HQ 359
Description: Students have 75 minutes to translate, with the help of a hardcopy dictionary, one or two texts of moderate length and difficulty (appr. 270 words total) into idiomatic English. Texts are taken from various disciplines, such as history, literature, or politics.
- A hardcopy dictionary may be used (please bring your own dictionary).
- You are expected to translate the complete text(s). Incomplete translations of 50 words or more will not be considered for grading.
- You will receive a grade of “pass” or “fail.”
- Please register until November 5 for this exam via e-mail to stefan.lessmann@yale.edu (link sends e-mail)
Dates: The reading/translation exam will be administered twice a year. Exact dates are announced on this website.
How do I prepare
Students are expected to be familiar with the following upper-level grammatical structures: passive, subjunctive I+II, and, in particular, extended adjective constructions
Students should be able to pass the proficiency exam after taking our German for Reading class, GMAN 1000.
GMAN 1000 can also be taken in the summer. It is offered through GSAS and open to Yale PhD students only.
Alternatives to taking the reading/translation exam
Some departments accept a grade of B or better in GMAN 1000 as an alternative to passing the reading/translation exam. Some departments offer their own translation exam.
Please inquire with your department about the requirements that apply to you.
Questions concerning the exam should be directed to Stefan Lessmann, Lector at the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures (stefan.lessmann@yale.edu (link sends e-mail))