Cassell's German Dictionary: German-English, English-German

I have studied a lot of languages, and so I've bought a lot of dictionaries. This is by far the best one I have ever used. It goes way beyond the basics, has plenty of idiom, and even archaic words/phrases, all of which is great for the beginner/intermediate student and essential to advanced ones. If you buy this dictionary, you won't need any others. It's worth the price.

I'm currently taking a Survey of Theological German course at a small, liberal arts college. I fought with smaller dictionaries for weeks, but could never find the words I needed. After consulting with the Professor, he told me to throw the others out, and go buy a Cassell's. This dictionary is absolutely indisposable -- it provides me with the old meanings I need for this class (and can't find anywhere else!), but proves equally useful with modern idioms.

I'm very sorry to see a couple previous reviews that seemed to expect more of a conversational or technical dictionary. Cassell's is unquestionably the best for reading essays, stories, novels and poetry (until you have enough knowledge to need only occasional reference to an all-German dictionary like Wahrig's for the occasional mysterious word). There is a British bias, mostly in the English-to-German part, but it seems quite modest. I've used my copy (of a previous edition) for more than 30 years. This is an essential tool for any English speaker studying German in school, college, or independently. I'd rate it at least one "star" better than comparable Langenscheidt or Oxford/Duden products.

I took it to Defense Language Institute (for a year) and subsequently to Hamburg, GE, (for nearly three years). I found it extremely helpful and light-weight enough that it was not a burden. I still make frequent reference to it nine years after I left Deutschland. It was so much a part of my life in Germany I am ordering it for a friend about to do a year of study there.

Cassell's is the best German-English dictionary that I have ever used. It went to Germany with me, and made my trip more enjoyable. It is a must for anyone serious about learning German.