German Language Conjugation Errors in Written Assessments Among UiTM Degree Students

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates grammatical errors made by 12 Mechanical Engineering students in learning German as a third language at Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang (UiTMCPP). At UiTMCPP, foreign languages, including German, are offered as elective courses to diploma and degree students across various programmes, including engineering. To pass the course, students are required to complete three types of assessments: a listening test, a written test, and a role play. In this study, theresearchers utilised students’ written test responses as the primary data source. All data were collected, tabulated, and analysed using an error analysis approach. The errors identified were examined and discussed in relation to standard German grammar rules. The findings revealed that half of the participants were unable to conjugate verbs correctly. Additionally, the study confirmed that German verb conjugation forms are more varied and complex compared to those in English. The results of this study can assist German language educators in developing more effective teaching tools and strategies to enhance students’ understanding and retention of German verb conjugation patterns.