German Demystified

Overview

Take the angst out of learning German

Interested in learning to speak German but can't tell the difference between a strudel and a schnauzer? No need to feel intimidated! With German Demystified you'll develop language skills so quickly you'll pass for a wunderkind.

Organized into twenty chapters that cover key grammar topics, this book contains the building blocks for the storehouse of your new German language skills. Covering common verb tenses, essential vocabulary, useful adjectives and adverbs, and even the correct way to ask questions, this guide makes learning what can be a difficult language both simple and entertaining. Test yourself at the end of every chapter for reinforcement that you're fast on your way to speaking, writing, and understanding German.

This fast and easy guide features:

• Clear grammatical explanations that illustrate how the language works
• Numerous examples that place new vocabulary in practical context
• Helpful writing and speaking exercises that bring the German language to life
• Coverage of everyday topics, conversational expressions, and cultural information
• Quizzes at the end of each chapter reinforce new language skills

Simple enough for a beginner but challenging enough for a more advanced student, German Demystified is your shortcut to mastering this complex language.

Table of contents

Acknowledgment xi
Introduction Xiii

PART ONE: GETTING STARTED
Chapter 1 German Prounuciation 3
Chapter 2 People and Names 15
Chapter 3 Asking Questions 33
Chapter 4 Describing People and Things51
Chapter 5 Indicting Possession 69

PART TWO: USING VERBS
Chapter 6 Actions in the Present 89
Chapter 7 Irregularties in Present Tense Verbs 103
Chapter 8 Talking About Location 117
Chapter 9 Talking Aobut the Past 137
Chapter 10 Time and Calendar 157

PART THREE: LOTS MORE ABOUT VERBS
Chapter 11 More Talking About the Past 187
Chapter 12 Important Details 205
Chapter 13 Talking About the Future 223
Chapter 14 Review of Verbs Tenses 243
Chapter 15 Linking Ideas Together 263

PART FOUR SOME FINE POINTS
Chapter 16 Comparing Things
Chapter 17 Using Commands
Chapter 18 Using the Passive Voice
Chapter 19 Using the Subjunctive Mood
Chapter 20 Expressing Wishes and Conditions

Biographical note

Ed Swick taught German for 30 years. He is the author of Essential German Verb Skills and Practice Makes Perfect: German Pronouns and Prepositions.