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Learn basic german grammar12/2/2023 ![]() While the text includes sections that discuss similarities and differences between German and English grammar, and reference German, Austrian and Swiss relations, I found no culturally insensitive or offensive passages. Infinitive Phrases: "Your will notice" instead of "You will notice" issue in both PDF and online versions. The display features are well organized, functional and do not distract the reader, taking the reading experience to a more trendy level.īesides the spelling error mentioned above, I found no significant grammatical errors. Based on its format, the online text book version is more interactive. I did not experience any formatting problems. Therefore, readers should proceed chronologically throughout the text versus jumping back and forth between sections.Īll topics are presented in a logical and clear fashion, which makes the text easy to follow and the material not difficult to acquire.īesides the previously mentioned lack of glossary within the PDF version of the text, I found no significant interface issues. Each unit builds on the skills learned in previous units. The text is easily divisible into smaller reading sections, which continuously progress from simpler to more complex and more advanced structures and examples. The text is consistent in its whole including terminology and framework throughout each unit. However, I do agree with Alexis Smith, Assistant Professor of German, Hanover College on 3/25/20, who "noticed one confusing passage in Unit 8 section "4 Werden in Probability Statements:" "Work out your own translations of the seven examples on this page to experience this decision-making process." Please refer to his review for more clarification on this behalf. The structure and all grammar explanations including examples are very clear. ![]() But contextually, I don't see why this book should become obsolete any time soon. This tells me that the text is somewhat older. My only concern, as previously stated, relates to the -ß versus -ss issue in the use of German example and practice sentences, and the lack of mention of the Rechtschreibreform. As there are no cultural references or time-referenced jargon, the book feels up-to-date. In my opinion, the book would benefit from an addition that references major changes, which were implemented during the Rechtschreibreform.Īll content is up-to-date. ![]() For example: der Fuß (the foot) = long -u but: der Fluss (the river) = short vowel -u sound. Among others, it was decided that a short -s sound at the end of a word should be spelled as -ss, whereas a long -s sound should remain -ß. Introduction, Learning Vocabulary, point 4: "beeinflüssen" which should be without the Umlaut (beeinflussen).ĭuring the "Rechtschreibreform" (a spelling reform of the German language that became effective) in August 1998, the "ß" underwent certain revisions. The content of this book is for the most part accurate. However, it can also serve as a clear and more or less concise grammatical review of major concepts for intermediate and advanced language learners in a foreign language classroom. Based on many years of experience, graduate, post-graduate students and grammatically very well versed readers will benefit most from this text. It is made clear that a thorough understanding of the English grammar and syntax is eminent. Also, there is no glossary in the PDF version.The author states that he targets readers, who aspire to read and translate German texts, yet who have no previous experience studying the German language. Noun Gender and the Nominative Case other sections since 2014). I love the fact that readers have the option to work with either the easy to print PDF format or to use an online live textbook version, which however has not been revised since August 2020 (1: Basics, 3. As this is not a language text, there are no practice activities within the respective chapters. All practice activities can be found at the very end of the book. After working through these sixteen units of grammatical concepts, the reader has finally an opportunity to practice in the "Review" section. "Tips For Using This Textbook" guide the reader into the first of sixteen units, again, each starting with clear objectives for each respective chapter. ![]() It commences with a brief preface followed by a useful introduction that includes "Objectives," a brief summary of the "Relationship between German and English" and "Learning Vocabulary". Reviewed by Veronika Roth, Adjunct Faculty - German Language Instructor, College of DuPage on 4/18/21
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