Deutsch: Aktuell

This was the text book used in my high school to teach German 1. It has short chapters each with a theme, vocabulary list and dialog or short passage. Each chapter introduces a basic grammar concept. There are many review questions, so you repeat the grammar and vocab enough to recognize it later. At the end of the book is a grammar reference so it is easy to review past concepts, check what you know or look ahead. I found the grammar section and index at the end to be well done and they were helpful to me studying outside of class. (This is part of a two book set. Deutsch Aktuell 2 completes the treatment and would be used during the second year of a course.) This is a good choice of textbook to use for a class. (Teachers will want to know that a new edition has come out.) I am not sure about using this to learn German on your own. It has a section in the beginning on pronouncing German. However it is meant to be used in a class room with an instructor, and with out outside guidance it is unlikely to teach German. There are audiotapes or CDs that go with this book (ISBN 082191524X). This way you can learn to pronounce correctly. Also teachers edition has correct answers to grammar exercises. Alternatively buying a set of tapes and following another German program may be more practical. If you are learning from a friend, ask them for advice on what may work. If you have taken German in the past and want to brush up/review, then get the teacher's edition of this book. In the teachers edition answers to review questions are provided, so you can go through the book straight, or you can focus on a grammar weakness and work on it. However, as with all textbooks, you may be able to find an older edition cheaper. In summary, instructors looking for a book to use should consider Deutsch Aktuell. It is well organized and worked for the class I was in. However the new edition has come out, so look at that one and not this (the fourth). Those studying German on their own should get the teacher's edition or consider an alternative tape based program.

This is an excellent book in learning german. I used this book w/ my instructor in a german class for 2 years. Deutsch Aktuelle 1 und 2. However, there are a few typos that I was able to find. However, overall it is a 5 star book. It is very pratical, and grounded. Everything you learn can be put to pratical use. Grammar is well explaned. However, If i could change the book, i would put a little repatition in the grammar so that it is pounded in the head. If you have the chance to listen to the AUDIO CD's which are a supplement to the course, they go slow, and prounounce everying so clear. I have to say, by using the Deutsch Aktuelle texbook series, audio cd's, and chapter videos, my german is at least german 4 level.