German Grammar

German

Learner’s Guide

Berlitz Publishing/APA Publications GmbH & Co. Verlag KGSingapore Branch, Singapore

GERMANLEARNER’S GUIDENO part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrievalsystem or transmitted in any form or means electronic,mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without priorwritten permission from Apa Publications.Contacting the EditorsEvery effort has been made to provide accurate information inthis publication, but changes are inevitable. The publisher cannotbe responsible for any resulting loss, inconvenience or injury. Wewould appreciate it if readers would call our attention to anyerrors or outdated information by contacting Berlitz Publishing,

193 Morris Ave. Springfield, NJ 07081

, USA.Fax: 1-908-206-1103, email: comments@berlitzbooks.comAll Rights Reserved ©2003 Berlitz Publishing/APAPublications GmbH & Co. VerlagKG, Singapore Branch, SingaporeBerlitz Trademark Reg. U.S. Patent Office and other countries.Marca Registrada. Used under license from Berlitz InvestmentCorporation

Introduction

VEC1

O

verview of the

C

ourse and

S

tudy

T

ips

C

ontents

•Overview of the Course and Study Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1•Grammar Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3•German-English Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Who's It For?

It's designed for adult learners with no previous knowledge of German, but is also useful forpeople who have studied German in the past and want to brush up their skills. The goal is tobring you to the point where you'll be able to function in a variety of everyday situations. You'llbe working on understanding what's being said, speaking, reading, and writing.

Course Book and Audio

The course book will tell you when to work with the audio. The presenters on the audio willgive additional instructions. You'll be asked to listen, to listen and repeat or answer, and to write answers in the course book.

How Is the Material Structured?

The course is divided into units, and each unit deals with a different theme. Each unit is inturn divided into three short lessons, so you'll never feel overwhelmed.•Word Bank Each lesson opens with a Word Bank containing new words. Don't worry, there's a glossary beginning on page 21 of this booklet containing all the terms covered in the course. Spend afewminutes reviewing the WordBank before beginning each lesson, but don't try to learn allthe meanings at once. They'll come up in context one by one.•Close-UpThese brief segments each address a different aspect of grammar, spelling, or punctuation.Generally a rule is stated with examples, together with any major exceptions.•PronunciationTake advantage of the nativeGerman voices on the audio and try to imitate exactly what youhear.Here's a trick: everyone knows how to "put on" a German accent. Do the same: try toimpersonate a German. You'll be amazed—it helps.•Did You Know?These segments focus on cultural aspects of the major German-speaking countries. We've keptit practical, discussing levels of formality,business hours, and the like.•CheckpointsThis segment comes at the very end of each unit and is designed to give you an opportunity totest yourself on what you've learned. All the major points of the unit are included and if youpass the test, you'reready to moveon to the next unit.•ExtraThis material is designed to take on an additional challenge—to expand beyond the level of the unit. We've separated it from the rest of the unit, placing it at the back of the book.