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Rating: 
Summary: Complete as it gets...
Review: For the absolute beginner, this book (especially combined with the workbook, with exercises complete with answers in the back) is fabulous. IT DOES USE THE NEW REFORMED SPELLING, which is a PLUS PLUS PLUS. (In each chapter there are 2 vocabulary boxes with the vocab used in context within mini-dialogues, arranged by verb, noun, adj., idioms, etc. and grammar. (Be forewarned, don't attempt to swallow all the grammar in one chapter in one gulp, that's where the workbook comes in to test what you really know). There is a cultural section at the end of each chapter explaining German culture (women's movements, WWII, etc.) and also additional thematic vocabulary. The explanations are in English and are clear and easy to comprehend. The wonderful thing is that this book has an Einfuhrung, where the names of the letters, numbers, articles, formalities, and basics are printed out. The lively pictures are a great adjunct feature and IT'S NOT DRY, there is some personality in the instructions and dialogues. The characters in the dialogues have attitudes and emotions. But the best part is that by the end, all the basic grammar you ever need to know is learned (unlike others where they stop at the imperfect, etc.) Certainly, the strong/weak verb table is not complete, but all the rules (but not all the exceptions, although the book still does a TERRIFIC job) are clearly explained. But hey, that's a lot to ask of a first-year course. My suggestion if you are attempting to learn German by yourself is to get this book WITH the workbook (w/o the workbook you are certain not to catch errors in your learning). There is also a cassette and video set but that's optional. THE WORKBOOK DOES TEACH PRONUNCIATION (a little less clear to understand.) Don't hesitate to buy this. I have researched it thoroughly. This is the ONE book you need to start you off. If you stick with it, you'll be sure to succeed. Viel SpaB mit eurer neue Fremdsprache!
Rating:
Summary: Complete as it gets...
Review: For the absolute beginner, this book (especially combined with the workbook, with exercises complete with answers in the back) is fabulous. IT DOES USE THE NEW REFORMED SPELLING, which is a PLUS PLUS PLUS. (In each chapter there are 2 vocabulary boxes with the vocab used in context within mini-dialogues, arranged by verb, noun, adj., idioms, etc. and grammar. (Be forewarned, don't attempt to swallow all the grammar in one chapter in one gulp, that's where the workbook comes in to test what you really know). There is a cultural section at the end of each chapter explaining German culture (women's movements, WWII, etc.) and also additional thematic vocabulary. The explanations are in English and are clear and easy to comprehend. The wonderful thing is that this book has an Einfuhrung, where the names of the letters, numbers, articles, formalities, and basics are printed out. The lively pictures are a great adjunct feature and IT'S NOT DRY, there is some personality in the instructions and dialogues. The characters in the dialogues have attitudes and emotions. But the best part is that by the end, all the basic grammar you ever need to know is learned (unlike others where they stop at the imperfect, etc.) Certainly, the strong/weak verb table is not complete, but all the rules (but not all the exceptions, although the book still does a TERRIFIC job) are clearly explained. But hey, that's a lot to ask of a first-year course. My suggestion if you are attempting to learn German by yourself is to get this book WITH the workbook (w/o the workbook you are certain not to catch errors in your learning). There is also a cassette and video set but that's optional. THE WORKBOOK DOES TEACH PRONUNCIATION (a little less clear to understand.) Don't hesitate to buy this. I have researched it thoroughly. This is the ONE book you need to start you off. If you stick with it, you'll be sure to succeed. Viel SpaB mit eurer neue Fremdsprache!
Rating:
Summary: All the grammar in a single textbook - yay
Review: I had to have this as reference for a college class I took. It has 16 chapters, each with the usual new grammar concept, new vocabulary words and exercises that stress that grammar and vocab. Each has reading passages about Germany in German and dialogues that reinforce concepts in that chapter. It covers the basics and is a fine text book. But here is something super super cool: It covers all the grammar. So you can use it for German 1 and German 2. This makes it a good choice for college classes to teach from, and a good book to review on you own if you already know German but want to brush up.
One huge deficiency in this book was the lack of an appendix of grammar at the back. Instead I had to use the index to try to find the particular item of grammar I was trying to brush up on. This meant that I had to remember that name of the particular grammar concept that I wanted information on and then use the index. This was not so convenient. So if you get this text book you will also want to get a good grammar reference. On the other hand this is a good price for a textbook, and the added price of a German grammar reference can be absorbed.
I recommend using this text in colleges. I think that this book is meant to go through German 1 and 2, so this is going to appeal very much to students who will be glad to learn that they don't need a new expensive text book for German 2 next semester. In high schools, where each textbook is checked out to a student, there isn't a big advantage to having a single comprehensive text over 2 separate texts, and it would be better to use a two textbooks = two years system with textbooks that have a good grammar reference built in as an appendix.
If you are learning German on you own: This has a tape set (0395929490) and workbook (ISBN 0395909848). I think these are designed to give you extra practice outside of class, and not to teach you German by themselves.
Rating:
Summary: german language learning
Review: very cool book. esspecially if u are a beginner in german language.
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