Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (5)

Every bit as good as Pimsleur German I
Pimsleur Language Programs products are among the best-selling audio language courses available.`Organic learning' seeks to approximate the conditions in which ordinary language-learning takes place.The process is almost entirely aural, supplemented only minimally-or at the student's discretion, not at all-by reference to reading lessons after each half-hour lesson.
Sehr Gut
I took two years of German in high school, which was some decades ago, and after a ski trip to Austria I decided to brush up on my German. I've bought numerous books, dvds, tapes, etc. and for learning conversational German this has been far and away the best. It's pricey, no doubt, but it's very, very well done and very user friendly. I had a professor in college who said we learn the most in an area of "just manageable difficulty". In other words, stretched and challenged but not made to despair. This is the arena the Pimsleur cd/tapes work in.
The best of the Pimsleur German series.
If you thought Pimsleur German I helped you to learn German, you really must move onto Pimsleur German II.It is, without a doubt, one of the best tools you could possibly use to progress from barely being able to get your message across to being able to express not only what you want, but what you think about things.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Language    2. Foreign Language Study    3. French    4. German    5. German language    6. Self-instruction    7. Sound recordings for English speakers    8. Spoken German    9. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    10. Foreign Language Study / German   

Features

• Unabridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (21)

The Best Language Course of Its Kind
The following comments come from a rank beginner.I have had no prior study of German at school or otherwise. Bookchip version is better and easier to use,
Bookchip version is better and easier to use, ( 3 bookchips compared to 52 cds) I bought bookchips and cds, send cds back. Buy Bookchip (Audiofy Bookchip) instead.

A better way for a beginner to learn a language
First off let me say that these programs are great.There are ways to buy them where you can spend well less than $200 -- and lets face it.You can turn around and sell them used and recoup much of your investment.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Language    2. Foreign Language Study    3. German    4. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    5. Foreign Language Study / German   

Reviews (25)

German Made Easier
Through lack of use, German verbage eludes me often.This manual is very accurate and easy to use.

Good stuff
This book is a must have if you are serious about devloping your German.

If only you spoke french!
This is a great book to keep near your desk to leaf through when that pesky verb comes up (preterit of "werden" - third person plural... can't remember??) pick up this book and leaf through it to find what you need. This being said, I still don't feel that it is a complete survey of the entire german verb system. While it does a good job picking many indicative and model verb forms, it still leaves something to be desired.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. Foreign Language Study    3. German    4. German Language    5. Grammar    6. Language    7. Tables    8. Tables, etc    9. Verb    10. Foreign Language Study / German    11. Grammar & vocabulary   

Reviews (1)

The mother of all German dictionaries
If there is a word in the German language, this venerable tome has it.It is a constant reference and I find the section on business correspondence especially helpful when I am looking for the corrent way to phrase a request/order just so.My edition, published in 2001, does not have the section on internet-lingo, but that just adds to it's versatility.
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Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. Dictionaries - General    3. English    4. English language    5. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    6. Foreign Language Study    7. German    8. German language    9. Language    10. Polyglot Dictionaries    11. Bilingual dictionaries    12. Foreign Language Study / German    13. Reference | Bilingual Dictionaries | German   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (4)

Good if you have never been to Germany.
I was stationed in Germany 15 years ago. I am going back this Dec so I wanted to brush up / learn German so I'm not lost when I get there. The CD's proved to me that I actually remembered much more than I expected. I didnt think my vocabulary was that good until I listened to all 16 lessons. These CDs were not very helpful to me. If you spent anytime in Germany and got off the base on a regular basis, these cd's probably wont help you much.

Learning for "dummies"
This has been and is great.It is taking me several reviews of each lesson to feel comfortable in speaking and not having to "think" of my response, but it just comes - which is amazing.The only drawback, is that sometimes the pronounciations seem to change, especially between the female speaker and the male speaker, and I'm not talking about the way youare to say a word, but when they break it down and then say it whole, the next time they say it is sounds different.
If you are ready to learn German, this is the course for you!!
I took German in high school (30ish years ago) and was taught the way many of us have been taught...the ball, the bed, I am hungry,etc. but this course was a pleasant surprise.Basic conversational words and phrases are repeated and gradually built upon.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Language Study    2. German    3. German Language    4. Language    5. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    6. Foreign Language Study / German   

Reviews (3)

All the grammar in a single textbook - yay
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.
Complete as it gets...
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. german language learning
very cool book. esspecially if u are a beginner in german language. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civilization    2. English    3. Europe, German-speaking    4. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    5. Foreign Language Study    6. German    7. German language    8. Grammar    9. Language    10. Textbooks for foreign speakers    11. Language teaching & learning material & coursework   

Reviews (12)

The Best I've Ever Seen
I studied linguistics in college and have studied and learned several languages to fluency. This is the best grammar review text I have ever used. It's straight forward, comprehensive, well laid out and unusually readable. The use of green ink to illustrate examples and highlight what's important is especially effective. I wish it were part of a series that included similar texts for French, Russian and Italian.

Wonderful book--if used correctly!
This is really a good litte book, and thoroughly covers all aspects of grammer, some in clearer ways than my elementary German book.I used this book for my Intermediate German class in college, and found it dull and repetitive in the way we used it.We went way too slow, and some of the exercises get incredibly dull and repetitive if you do all of them.
Clear, Straightforward, and Priceless for Study
I am currently attending 1-on-1 German language training with a native-speaking instructor prior to a Government assignment in Germany.I studied German in high school and college and (thank goodness) saved all of my textbooks.I dug around in my garage a few weeks ago and found the 2nd edition of "German in Review," published in 1986, that I used in my college courses.I have not put the book down since.Even my current instructor is pleased with the layout and structure of the textbook and the clarity of discussion.This is the bedrock text for understanding German grammar. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Foreign Language Study    4. German    5. German language    6. Grammar    7. Language    8. Textbooks for foreign speakers    9. Usage    10. Foreign Language Study / German    11. Language teaching & learning material & coursework    12. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (1)

Great Starter book
I got this book for my first German book in college. This is currently my third year and I am still referring to it sometimes. Everyone in my class still uses their copy. I certainly recommend this book as a great way to help with a beginner learning German. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. German    4. Language Experience Approach    5. Foreign Language Study / German    6. Language self-study & phrasebooks   

Reviews (4)

designed for the student's backpack and other violent locations
I have worn out more than one copy of the LANGENSCHEIDT GERMAN COMPACT DICTIONARY, but that's no criticism: these sturdy little guys are designed for mistreatment and mobility.
not too bad
This is a nice compact dictionary with most of everything you need.One size above this would be better because it has more words and is in an easier print to read.If I had to choose again, though, I would choose the bigger one.

Excellent small dictionary
I bought this book, because I came to the United States one year as an exchange student from Germany.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. Foreign Language Study    3. General    4. German    5. Language    6. Bilingual dictionaries    7. English   

Reviews (20)

If you need to read German- buy this book!
I have both this book and German for Reading Knowledge.German Quickly is by far more helpful and worth every penny.It was developed by the author after years of teaching students how to read/translate German (without worrying about speaking).Because the focus is on translation and not "learning" German language in the manner of a formal school course, the book is much more intuitive than any other I have encountered on this topic.After working with this book for 5 weeks, I was able to translate an amazing amount of German!

Wilson's GERMAN QUICKLY Soars (5 star+)
April Wilson's GERMAN QUICKLY is an excellent, thoughtful, well-crafted text.It is clear that this book was carefully and gently prepared, especially with students, new to the language, in mind.However, I am sure advanced students already familiar with German would also appreciate this book.I have thoroughly enjoyed Wilson's approach of using examples from classic works, proverbs, and the wonderful adventures of Fraulein Meier and the mailman (this adventurous subplot motivates students to finish the book).This grammar is a must for anyone having to learn German quickly or for anyone in need of review (of German and English!)Thank you April Wilson for this book!!!

Very helpful book and Author
This book is an excellent grammar for learning a new language.Also, while it is missing some of the answers for the exercises, emailing the author will produce those answers and possibly other German readings that may better fit your interest (for example, theological readings).A good purchase. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Foreign Language Study    4. General    5. German    6. German language    7. Grammar    8. Language    9. Textbooks for foreign speakers    10. Grammar & vocabulary    11. Language teaching & learning material & coursework   

Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (28)

Berlitz Method for Beginners
I am a big fan of Berlitz method. I was never good at English, my second language, in school days but now I am writing in English like this. That is all Berlitz method gave me.
German for dummies
This set of Cd is very simple, just gives you the basic. Even tough there are 8 cds on the set, it could be easily 3 or 4, because most part of the time you listen to the two "students" that speaks with Michel Thomas trying to speak correctly, or saying the phrases wrong. They are just terrible, the woman the whole program can't even speak "ich" correctly - she says "ik" the whole time. In fact is not a book trying to teach YOU German - is just a record from a classroom, where somebody is teaching others, but no you. If you think that with these eight cds you will be able to speak German, forget about it. You won't be able even to ask directions! If you are planning to travel to Germany, buy something best. If you think is nice enough to know some words in another language that you don't want to understand seriously, go ahead, buy this.

It works!
I tried a couple other CD teaching programs and this one from Thomas works the most effectively.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Language    2. Foreign Language Study    3. German    4. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    5. Foreign Language Study / German   

Reviews (19)

Good exercise, but only as reinforcement
The author seems to have her heart in the right place and the book is well organized, but I really doubt anyone will learn more than number, colors, or other such items.
Finally:A guide that makes sense!
After many books on Italian, French, Spanish, I finally found a learning guide that makes sense. Chapter 1: the alphabet.Chapter 2: key question words (who, what, where, when, why, how, how much).Chapter 3: Odds 'n ends (the words for "the" and "a").And so on.All words are shown phonetically, as well as how they are spelled in the native German.Tear-out sheets for reviewing on the go.Peel-off stickers to put around the house.This one seems to have it all.

Sorry, this book is not a good way to learn German
I've been learning Russian by self study for the last couple of years and recently decided to brush up on my German as well.I've purchased a LOT of language learning products as of late, and I've found that the quality and effectiveness of learning materials can vary greatly.I bought the Russian version of this text and was incredibly disappointed.I was in a bookstore recently and checked out the German version.Yup, more of the same.This book might be okay for kids, but it's not a serious learning tool. Learning a language in ten minutes a day may be a fun fantasy, but the resources available in this series of books won't do much to help you learn German.
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Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. English    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Foreign Language Study    5. German    6. German language    7. Language    8. Travel / Europe / Germany    9. Europe - Germany    10. Language self-study & phrasebooks    11. Self-instruction    12. Textbooks for foreign speakers    13. Travel   

Reviews (11)

Awesome For German Students
I`ve taken german class at my highschool for 2 years, but could not finish due to schedual difficulties.I bought this book to continue learning on my own and I must say, This is the best investment I have ever made on my road to learning german. Be wary though, I do not recommend this book for people who have no background in german, this book fails to explain basic fundamentals that are nessessary for a german student to learn. Overlooking this fact, this book's information is usefull and explains everything in a simple to understand format. It comes with an audio CD with most of the conversations from the book.I like this feature because it helps me to understand the tone and pronounciation of native german speakers. Another area where this book fails is it's dictionary.I recomend you purchase a english/german german/english dictionary for use with this book. But overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who is seriously intrested in learning German.

Amazing "Merger"
This book is the TOP NOTCH considering the ones on German learning. The fusion between the famous know-how of Berlitz Institutions (and their methodology) with the practicability of "For Dummies" books makes German a SUPER FUN language to learn, as well as gives you the precise and necessary knowledge, right-to-the-point, straightforward info.
German for Dummies
Great book for learning the very basics of German especially the CD ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. Dictionaries - General    3. English    4. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    5. Foreign Language Study    6. German    7. German Language    8. German as a second language    9. Language    10. Self-instruction    11. Foreign Language Study / German    12. Language learning: audio-visual & multimedia    13. Language self-study & phrasebooks   

Reviews (12)

good for beginners only - has one serious lack
This book was initially very helpful in my first quarter; however, the "du/ihr" form is omitted from discussion and conjugation of verbs.The author says you will hardly need it as you will mostly be using the formal form of address; HOWEVER, I have not found this to be true.You will hear the du/ihr form all around you and sometimes you will be included in that "ihr".Also, you will hear it on the news and in music lyrics and see it in writing.Even if you don't use "du/ihr" that much in the beginning (always wait for the native speaker to invite you to use "du"), why not learn it from the first rather than later having to go back and try to add it.When I was 12 and started learning Spanish, my teacher told us we didn't have to worry about the "Vosotros" form, but I went ahead and learned anyway and by golly I have used it and needed it.
not good
I don't like how this book organizes the nouns into five groups. It's so confusing. My German professor taught me a simpler way of knowing the plural forms of nouns. This book doesn't use the "du" or "ihr" forms, and it doesn't use the "?".

GreatHelp with German Grammar
This book is very informative. I took German quite a few years ago and find this book great for a refresher course in the Grammar. Many people tend to think that German is a difficult language, but really it isn't once you know the the grammar, the cases etc.A must for anyone taking German. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. German    3. Foreign Language Study / General   

Reviews (8)

A disappointment--Shame on Harper Collins!
I ordered this dictionary based on all the fulsome reviews. (Some of) the good news: This dictionary tends to give phrases rather than words in isolation. Example: Close = in der Nähe, etc. This is essential in German because the preposition takes a particular case.The bad news: This dictionary is printed in the tiniest type, on the cheapest, natural-coloured paper just one step above newsprint. I've had things wrapped in better paper than this! It's also saddle-bound. This might seem a very superficial criticism, but a dictionary, particularly pocket size, gets a tremendous workout. Mine just arrived, but I can see it starting to fall apart in a month or two. The less-than-white paper and tiny print make it hard to read. After all the effort that went into the content, it's a real shame that it was so shabbily printed.Yes, it was cheap, but I would sooner have paid twice as much and get something that would hold up for a couple of years. I've had my Langenscheidt Pocket Dictionary for 16 years and it's still going strong. The content of this one is better, but.... Shame on you, Harper Collins!

Very nice dictionary :) !!
If you aren't sure about buying this Dictonary, I would really recommend it because it is very good. It has excellent German-English translations as well as English-German.
Maybe good for travel,
but not of much use otherwise. I know most people will rate my review "not helpful", since that always happens to negative reviews. But so be it.
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Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. Dictionaries - General    3. English    4. English language    5. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    6. Foreign Language Study    7. German    8. German language    9. Language    10. Multi-Language Dictionaries    11. Foreign Language Study / German   

Reviews (5)

Excellent grammar primer.
This book is excellent for the moderately fluent German student.Mine is dog-eared from continual use, and it is the only grammar reference I ever use now.Almost everything else is too complex/insufficiently explained.The section on adjectival endings is poor, I admit, for which one can consult The Essentials of German, published by REA and written by Linda Thomas.Pages 58 and 59 will give you all the adjective endings you will ever need.

Essential for any serious student of German
I have explored a number of German grammar books and have found this one to be the only one that's actually useful.The modular approach is fantastic and allows quick review of specific topics that are troubling you.It is not meant for beginners, as each chapter assumes an understanding of basic grammar -- so, even though there are specific chapters on adjectival endings, passive voice, and the varying cases, those grammatical points are used in examples in all of the chapters.
not all that helpful
I am an American student studying abroad in G�ttingen, Germany for the year. I had to buy this book for the last German grammar class that I took in the US. Read more

Subjects:  1. English    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Foreign Language Study    4. German    5. German language    6. Grammar    7. Language    8. Textbooks for foreign speakers    9. Grammar & vocabulary   

Reviews (11)

Completely ignores phonology and completely unsuitable for a beginner
This book and CD are a grave disappointment compared to the other Teach Yourself books I've used.Although it introduces itself as suitable for the "adult learner with no previous knowledge of German and studying on your own," it's completely unsuited for that purpose, since it fails to begin by teaching the basic sounds of German.I actually know a bit of German, at least enough to know that my pronunciation of "ch" needs work.The book and CD give no help on this, or on German's other phonemes which differ from English; the first lesson starts using, for instance, "Ich," with no warning or explanation.Much later there is some discussion of some points on which German's spelling conventions differ from English, but this still largely assume you have already mastered German phonology and only need help with its orthography. Compare this with, for example, _Teach Yourself Esperanto's_ careful introduction to Esperanto's (vastly easier) phonology and orthography, and you'll see how far the publisher's standards have fallen, presumably with the goal of looking easier by avoiding necessary discipline.

Pretty Good Self-Study Package
This book and CD package is structured around visiting and living in Germany and its lessons include activities, conversations and material you would encounter there.Small cartoons and illustrations are used to liven the material.The lessons progress rapidly; each introduces between twenty to forty words and it would take one or two weeks of careful part-time study to absorb all the information in each lesson.There are exercises and a discussion on grammar at the end of each lesson, and every other lesson also describes pronunciation.Students are encouraged to complete the self assessment tests at the end of every four lessons.
If you really want to learn German
I think this program is a good way to learn German. I have tried many foreign language programs before this and this one is the best.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Language    2. Foreign Language Study    3. German    4. German Language    5. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    6. Foreign Language Study / German   

Reviews (2)

A very impressive effort that fills a much needed gap
In recent years, I've purchased over 20 German study texts, and the Living Language "Ultimate German" series is the best I've come across.The textbook offers tried-and-true, nuts-and-bolts grammar and vocabulary review, along with interesting, useful dialogs and cultural and business essays.The two sets of CDs -- one to accompany the text and another, parallel set for "on the go" review -- are equally well-produced and relevant (although two of my CDs were mislabeled).
From a 2-year highschool, 1-year college German study
When I originally bought the book, I didn't know that you could buy it with CD's.That would have helped tremendously, had I known.As it was, I sat down every lunch hour and did a lesson.Usually I only made it through the story (and looking up vocabulary).Then do the lesson on a future lunch hour.I thought the book was extremely helpful in explaining how things fit together.It also has pretty helpful cultural hints.I would also suggest All-Audio German (listen to it as much as you can, to perfect your pronunciation, you'll be glad you did).I also bought the English-German dictionary...for my Palm - this is an ABSOLUTE MUST if you are going to be going to Germany and you are serious about getting more fluent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Language    2. Audio Adult: Language    3. Foreign Language Study    4. German    5. Foreign Language Study / German    6. Language self-study & phrasebooks   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (10)

Solid Material
Ive been using this product for awhile now to help with my attempt to learn german. My pronunciation has gotten much better. This is by listning to the German speaker on the CD. The guy who does this can not pronounce German to save his life. Fortunatley, he rarely does speak German on the CD.
Wonderful Teaching Tool!
I am very pleased with this CD set.I have had the CDs for only a few weeks and have already learned many useful words and phrases.I am absolutely amazed.

Recommended Buy!
If you want to learn a lot of practical German fast and enjoy the process, I recommend you buy 'Behind the Wheel German'.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Language    2. Foreign Language Study / German    3. German    4. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    5. Audiobooks    6. Foreign Language Study    7. German Language   

Subjects:  1. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    2. German