German · XGN01 / YGN01

How International A level German works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level German.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level German is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XGN01) is Unit 1, Unit 2. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YGN01) is all 4 units: the AS units plus Unit 3, Unit 4.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WGN01	Spoken Expression and Response	AS	January and June only
Unit 2	WGN02	Understanding and Written Response	AS	January and June only
Unit 3	WGN03	Understanding and Spoken Response	A2	January and June only
Unit 4	WGN04	Research, Understanding and Written Response	A2	January and June only

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in German. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2.
Together they give the International AS (XGN01).

Answer: The International AS in German (XGN01); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YGN01).

Key idea: International AS German = Unit 1, Unit 2 (XGN01). Full International A level = all 4 units (YGN01). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in German?
- XGN01
- YGN01
- ZGN01
- WGN01
Show answer
YGN01. YGN01 is the full International A level; XGN01 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in German?
- YGN01
- WGN01
- QGN01
- XGN01
Show answer
XGN01. XGN01 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in German?
Show answer
4. The full A level is 4 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit German Unit 1 (Spoken Expression and Response)?
- October, January and June
- June only
- January and June only
- January only
Show answer
January and June only. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: January and June only.
Which German unit has the code WGN02?
- Unit 2
- Unit 1
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Show answer
Unit 2. WGN02 is Unit 2: Understanding and Written Response.

Practise with instant feedback

Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.