You might have found out by now that I am a strong supporter of private tuition when it comes to German learning. And while the the books to learn German that I am going to review here are surely well produced and most likely follow some sound logic, it will turn out that working with them isn’t the best choice you can make. On the other hand, they are the most economical option… for the teacher/school.
When you sit in a language class here in Berlin, you share your teacher with people from all over the planet. When you learn German in your country, you probably sit in class with people that share your cultural background but not necessarily the same level of education or professional experience. And what’s almost for sure is that not two of you will have the same goal concerning learning German.
Factors to Consider
Now let’s take a look at the content of some books to learn German that are used in language schools not only in Germany. I’d like to ask a few questions to begin with:
- When was the last time you wrote a postcard?
- When was the last time you went to a hotel?
- Are you interested in camping?
- Would you enjoy to go to a (German) theatre play?
- How often do you talk about your flat or furniture?
- Do you think workers in a tourist office should be able to understand English?
- What is it with the weather?
- What’s your favorite food and who might be interested in your answer?
- Would you like to know and try some weird German dishes?
- When will you publish your first news-article or German ad?
- Are you maybe interested in history?
I could continue for a while but let’s not go wild, yet. These are only a few questions that I figure should interest you if you decide to learn with those books that I’ve reviewed, as these are the topics they cover (among a few! others, that make far more sense.) If you are not interested in these topics, the question is, why should you bother dealing with them?
das Regal – the shelf / Image by geralt via Pixabay
Don’t misunderstand me. The authors of these books wanted to cover a vast variety of topics to please as many learners as possible and also to make it more interesting I suppose. This is the right thing to do if you have to please tens of thousands of people with different goals learning together in groups.
To me, it doesn’t make much sense to prepare for as many possible situations that we might find ourselves in one day. What makes sense is to take what is there or at least what is reoccurring pretty regularly and learn how to handle that in German as soon as possible.
What’s the point of being able to read flat-ads if I have already found one for the next year (or half)? And I am sure that when I have to look for them again, the necessity to find a roof and my dictionary will help me out here pretty quickly. What if I have kids? I love to talk with and about my son, e.g. I didn’t find anything in these books.
We are complex beings with a high demand for meaningful things. It is painful to waste time with ‘belanglos’* stuff (meaning “meaningless”). I would myself like to read interesting short stories right from the beginning. Watch that German “Tatort” everybody seems to be crazy about and I haven’t written a postcard in ten years (might be twenty).
The Issue with the One-Size-Fits-All Approach
You get the idea, I hope. It’s not the books that are the problem here, it’s the system of putting plenty of wildly mixed together people together into one room and try to prepare them for about 40 different situations that might or might not concern them…ever.
In case you learn German outside of Germany, you might even need less topics covered in these books. It is just ridiculous, I’m sorry. You wouldn’t buy forty different kinds of beverages on stock so you can offer that one special drink to the one guest once a year demanding it.
For a More Personalized Experience
Stay out of class and hire a private tutor for the same money. Maybe 60 mins twice a week. Get some material that seems interesting and useful for you and a grammar reference using your native language to explain certain basic structures (no exercises needed).
Check out ‘Deutsche Welle German Courses’ as they offer great material for free. It’s like the German BBC. And most importantly: look for two or three tandem partners (if you can afford the time but at least one). I promise you, you will learn German in much less time than in that school you were thinking of.
In any case, I wish you success in your endeavor to learn German. It’s a lovely language and an even more lovely country (mostly).
Recommended Resources
Take a look yourself at the content of some of the more popular course books and check if what they offer is of your liking:
Studio D
More Language Learning Resouces
Here are even more language learning resources to help you tackle German grammar, improve your reading comprehension skills and consolidate common phrases. First, here are some textbooks and guides to use in your language learning journey.
“Hammer’s German Grammar and Usage”
“Hammer’s German Grammar and Usage” has long been esteemed as the leading comprehensive course and user-friendly resource for understanding both written and spoken German in contemporary formal and informal contexts. Offering concise descriptions of basic grammar rules, the book provides practical grammar examples sourced from modern German usage, facilitating a swift grasp of essential principles.
There are many useful tables of grammatical features and the book also delves into pronunciation and word stress, providing invaluable guidance in these areas. Moreover, the new edition addresses the evolving language landscape by incorporating discussions on new German vocabulary stemming from English roots. The book also sheds light on the basic German spelling conventions, offering detailed insights into the recent spelling reform.
In addition to grammar skills, this book focuses on contemporary language usage. The resource distinguishes between formal and informal spoken and written German, providing lucid explanations. Praised for its clarity, this edition is suitable for both students and teachers, whether at an intermediate or advanced level. To further aid learners, the book includes a valuable list of internet resources catering to students, teachers, and German language enthusiasts.
“Living Language German”
“Living Language German” is a set of comprehensive resources on languages and cultures is designed to cater to both beginners and advanced learners. The materials in this language learning series are well-organized, easily digestible, and provide a swift transition from basic knowledge of German grammar to fluency.
The package includes nine audio CDs and access to a complimentary online training course, offering a diverse range of learning avenues. Drawing on 65 years of linguistic expertise, the content of “Living Language German” is crafted with a proven methodology. The trademarked Living Language Method includes four stages of development in the process of learning a foreign language: establishing a foundation, getting stronger, keeping what you have learned, and reaching your goal.
“Living German” by Ed Swick
Tailored for individuals seeking immersion, this comprehensive guide caters to those with a solid grasp of German or a few years of experience. Grounded in traditional grammar, practical vocabulary, and conversational phrases, the text is a comprehensive resource. With exercise keys providing clarity on answers and the accompanying CD facilitating the interchange between speaking and listening, the guide’s key advantage lies in its integration of real-life examples and conversations, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday German situations.
Fiction
Some learners are also interested in exploring German literature and German culture, which always goes hand in hand with language skills. If you want to start reading more fiction in German in its original language, this list offers a few great suggestions to begin with:
“Café in Berlin” by André Klein
‘Café in Berlin’ by André Klein was designed specifically for beginners seeking an engaging and interactive approach. This compilation of 10 stories offers a unique method of reinforcing your German skills through alternative repetition guides.
The narratives follow the journey of a captivating young man moving from Sicily to Berlin, providing a fascinating perspective on his linguistic experiences and cultural adaptation. With a comprehensive content table facilitating story navigation and in-book dictionaries to enhance vocabulary and comprehension, this resource ensures an enriching experience for German learners.”
“German Short Stories for Beginners” by Olly Richards
Tailored for students ranging from beginner to intermediate levels, this collection is crafted to provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment. Aligned with A2-B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, these eight captivating stories are designed to entertain and foster a sense of advancement in your reading skills.
The eight stories span various exciting genres, such as science fiction, crime, history, and thriller, ensuring a fun reading experience while introducing a diverse range of new vocabulary. The language in each story is tailored to a certain proficiency level, incorporating the 1000 most common words to boost your confidence and progress. You’ll find authentic spoken dialogues to enhance conversational expressions and elevate your speaking skills, as well as user-friendly grammar explanations, allowing you to grasp new language structures effortlessly.
“Emil und die Detektive”
This German literature classic is a must-read for those beginning their journey in learning German or at an intermediate language level. First published in 1929, this renowned German children’s book narrates the tale of a young boy who departs from his small town to explore the vibrant city of Berlin.
The narrative features authentic characters and vivid descriptions of the realms of crime, art, and cabaret during the Weimar Republic. For beginners in the German language, this book is highly recommended, providing an engaging and enriching reading experience.
“Die Verwandlung” (“The Metamorphosis”)
This edition of the literary masterpiece by Franz Kafka makes use of uncomplicated German grammar and concise sentences, making this book ideal for those initiating their journey in learning German. The storyline is uniquely unconventional, recounting the tale of a salesman who, one day, awakens to discover he has undergone a transformation into an insect. The vocabulary employed is relatively straightforward, and the narrative unfolds with ease, rendering this work of fiction an excellent read for all students of the German language.
“Homo Faber”
This contemporary German classic was penned by Swiss author Max Frisch. With its intriguing narrative and relatively straightforward grammar and vocabulary, this novel proves to be an excellent choice for novice learners. The plot delves into the life of an engineer who highly values rational and practical thinking. However, a series of captivating events compels him to reassess his perspective on life. Both beginner and intermediate language students will discover this story to be engaging, presenting few grammatical challenges along the way.
Smart Reading Strategies
Beginning to read in German might seem daunting, especially when confronted with unfamiliar words. The German language is known to have lengthy words that may seem challenging to decipher and pronounce.
However, decoding unfamiliar words becomes manageable by breaking them down, understanding prefixes and suffixes, and discerning the meanings of individual components. You don’t really need to deconstruct every word in a story though; grasping the meaning of key words is sufficient. As long as you comprehend the core meaning and follow the narrative’s essence, meticulous attention to every detail is unnecessary.
Adopting smart reading strategies enhances your German reading experience:
- Stay motivated: Read enjoyable and exciting stories, focusing on comprehension rather than fixation on what is not understood. Reward yourself for understanding portions of the text.
- Regular Practice: Emphasize quantity over quality initially. Proficiency will naturally improve with consistent practice.
- Guess word meanings: If necessary, guess unfamiliar words by breaking them down. Engaging with the material in this way enhances your involvement and aids in future word retention.
Follow these five easy steps when reading in German:
- Start a book by reading the first chapter without looking up words in the dictionary. Focus on grasping the broader context.
- Review what you’ve read at the end of the first chapter, assessing your understanding and writing a short summary.
- Re-read the first chapter without excessive reliance on the dictionary. This builds confidence and allows for contextual learning.
- Take additional notes after completing the second reading, capturing details that may have been overlooked initially.
- Continue re-reading the chapter, noting unknown vocabulary, focusing on essential words, and resisting the urge to understand every detail. Proceed with the rest of the book, immersing yourself in the narrative.
Resisting the impulse to constantly consult the dictionary may be challenging, but learning new vocabulary through context builds confidence and improves with practice. If you’d like more ideas on materials you can use to enhance your German learning, check out our series on different learning methods.
FAQs
Here are some of the questions people ask about written and spoken German and German learning books.
What is the best book for self-learning German?
The best book for self-learning German often depends on individual preferences and learning styles. Popular choices include ‘German Grammar in Use’ by Martin Durrell for a comprehensive approach to grammar rules, ‘Living Language German’ for its interactive format, and ‘Deutsch Aktuell’ for a classroom-like experience.
How can I teach myself German?
Teaching yourself German involves creating a structured learning plan. Begin with basic German grammar and vocabulary, use language apps for interactive practice, engage in daily reading, and listen to German podcasts or music.
Consistent speaking and writing exercises, along with reading a German book and exposure to authentic German culture and content, will enhance your skills. Consider joining online language exchange platforms for regular communication with native speakers.
Is 1 year enough to learn the German language?
The timeframe to learn German in one year depends on factors like dedication and prior language learning experience. While significant progress is possible with consistent daily practice, achieving fluency may require more time. Set realistic goals, focus on regular practice, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible to maximize your learning within the one-year timeframe.
Summing Up: Books to Learn German
In Michael Schmitz’s examination of learning German through a standard German textbook, he challenges the conventional approach, emphasizing the drawbacks of one-size-fits-all classroom settings. His emphasis on a personalized approach, particularly through private tuition, aims to simplify the potentially complicated language learning process.
Aspiring German learners are encouraged to rethink traditional methods, embracing a more tailored and enjoyable path to improving your language skills. And of course, if you’d like to get a headstart on learning German, come check us out at SmarterGerman!