In Wisconsin, natürlich!

The Deutscher Sprach- und Schulverein (or German Language and School Society of Wisconsin, Inc.) is a state-wide Society that provides an annual German test and an essay contest for high school students in the state of Wisconsin.

To participate you must be currently enrolled in a German language course at a public or a private high school in the State of Wisconsin. How long you've been in that course determines what you are eligible to participate in.

2nd through 4th year high school students may take the National German Language Exam (from the American Association of Teachers of German).

3rd and 4th year high school students may participate in the DSSV Essay Contest;

students are given a topic and 30 minutes to write a brief essay in German (5 paragraphs), which is evaluated on content and grammar.

In 2013 the DSSV awarded over $7,000 in cash prizes! Plus, the top prize in the essay contest is a 4-week trip to Germany and a cash prize. Runners-up receive cash prizes of up to $500.

Click here to visit the DSSV website and learn more about the essay contest. It would be well worth the time invested to take the test and/or participate in the essay contest!

Mark your calendars now! The contest takes place in December and January, so you have plenty of time to plan ahead, write a few sample essays, and have them checked by your teacher(s). This alone would be a great way to expand your German skills, and it is a great way to help you prepare for such a contest.

How else can you prepare for such a contest? Comment below and share your ideas!