A useful tool to improve your German
931007
I learned German in school decades ago but never used it, and wanted to prepare for
trip to Germany this summer. Learning Chinese since then made it even harder to go back to German -- got to remember that "Wo" means "where" not "I" regardless of a low, high, rising, or falling tone. This course isn't perfect, but it was a big help for bring back my basic knowledge of German.

The first disk "On-Ramp to German" is really a separate course, intended just to give a taste of the language. The main course in disks 2-4 is intended to give an ability for basic conversation. Disk one was probably added as an afterthough to give complete beginners at least a small chance; some things such as colors are later repeated in the main course. I don't agree with those who say the pronunciation in disks 2 to 4 is too fast -- it is natural conversation. CD players have Rewind and Previous Track buttons, and I needed to make frequent use of them. Breaking the disks into many tracks, each one clearly announced for lesson and section (1a through 17h) in the first seconds, is a very big help. Complete beginners will need to rewind and review each section many times, while those with a strong background might be OK with listening only once or twice. The use of native speakers is a plus, and each lesson is well organized.

The criticisms that I have with the course are
1) Some odd selections of vocabulary words that probably won't arise very often -- such as "spark plug", "parquet floor", and "baggage cart" but leaving out many much
more common words
2) Dialogs using grammar that hasn't been introduced yet. Each lesson on disks 2-4 has vocabulary words, then a dialog, then more vocabulary -- then the explanation of the new grammar in that lesson. Even then, much of the grammar especially about word ordering isn't explained until later lessons.

But these aren't huge problems, and the course is still very useful provided that you rewind and review the lessons appropriate to your proficiency in German.
38279
The approach taken in this book was particularly effective at showing similarities and connections with English, resulting in a basic know-how of German right from the beginning.  The book quickly gets more and more detailed, building on previous lessons. The author has provided a very handy 'English grammar necessary for learning German' overview if you are rusty.  The book appears to cater for all levels of skill.  I can find explanations for questions I have as a beginner, but there is clearly plenty for more intermediate and advanced German readers. It functions well as a reference guide. Exercises are provided (some with answers included).  The appendices include valuable vocabulary, important words, discussion about available dictionaries, study approaches and an excellent index.

I have a general interest in languages and this book is certainly one of the most comprehensive texts I have come across.  It is written in a way that makes difficult topics easy to understand; it is not overwhelming.  Don't expect to be fluent by lunchtime... it's not a piece of cake to learn German! Do, however, expect results 'quickly' as you progress through the book.
4878111
I've been trying for years to become semi fluent in German.  All of my previous efforts have gone down in  flames.  The Pimsleur series is fantastic.  You learn the language by speaking the language.  Complex grammr becomes second nature.  I'm halfway through the Second part of the course.  I've been working on it during my commute to work.  Makes the commute almost bearable.  I'll be going to Berlin in a couple of weeks.  Feel as though I'll be able to communicate reasonably well.

You won't get a huge vocabulary using the Pimsleur method.  But,  what you do learn will become part of you.  You will know how to use the words in complex sentences.  You will know how to use similar words as you learn them.  You will learn practical words that can be used in everyday conversations.

The series of lessons is not cheap.  However, 'the Pinsleur series is worth every penny.  Buy it!
810274
This is a well-organized overview gem of verb endings, other word endings, and word order. Book is compact smaller size 8.5 inches high and 5.5 inches across. I was impressed with the layout: lists, tables, and main point sentences and tips. Content is first year German grammar.
If you already know all about German verbs, you might find it brief. If you know zero about German, you might find it quite a grammar dose of word endings and word order, but that is German.
I think this is impressive in category of compact Executive Summary or Compact Handbook of word endings and word order. The authors know well how to organize and instruct.
This is not the only Dummies book on German so you have choices.
1617030
I quite like how this displays all the correct pronunciation and ways to say the words, however I think this list does get bland after a while of repeating the same things, not to mention it's ordered in a slightly confusing way. The list is organized so I can't quite find a word I want to with out some struggle, however after a bit you get the memorization down and you can find them with a glance. I would say this is a very useful tool for people just starting to learn this language.
1184328
Now and then while reading novels you run into foreign phrases which just aren't obvious or explained well. In know some German, but other languages are lost on me. This book really does a good job of helping you understand the meanings of many phrases. I bought it used from Amazon (relatively cheap) and it was well worth the money.  If you read a lot, you might benefit from it.
4454224
Speak German right away with this interesting material! Easy to use and clear. I recommend&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Berlitz-Self-Teacher-German/dp/0399513221/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Berlitz Self-Teacher: German</a>&nbsp;for learning this important language, but bear in mind that this book does not have deep grammar explanations, it is prepared to teach the learner to speak through conversations and different exercises. Recommended!
1146497
Wonderful book, very helpful, but could be just as complete with half as many pages.  The 501 Verbs series is wonderful for learning and writing a language, but particularly in German, patterns are repeated and rules are followed.  Every page of this book contains the exact same conjugations of the auxiliary verb for the future tense.  However, it is a great resource for learning a language and verifying one's spelling and grammar.  It contains idiom lists, which can be exceedingly useful if one does not have a desk dictionary.
4239902
Super helpful for learning to read German. I was worried this 2nd edition would be useless since there are at least 6 more editions, but it was fine for my needs.
2543439
2nd book in the series.  great German learning tool
1016741
This is the book I used learning German (mostly self study) while living there. In Germany the package came with the vocabulary booklet.  I previously had two years of German in high school (many years ago) and did some oral Primsleur preparation before going to the native land.  The exercises in the book starts out simple but can get quite complicated...as are the grammar lessons. I would not recommend using this book WITHOUT a native speaker guide who can explain and correct your answers. (there are no answers to the written exercises).  All the explanations and rules are also in German. The readings selections are outstanding!! I think a CD guide or more thorough guidance pamphlet instead of a vocabulary-booklet would make this an exceptional for reference for studying German.
4036524
I've spoken German on at least some level my entire adulthood and adolescence, and would consider myself currently a strong B2 / borderline C1 user of the language.  It all started with this colorful book in the 8th grade.  We used it for two years before moving on to "Die Welt der Jugend" in the 10th.  Haven't seen a copy since high school, but remember the lessons well, and also some of the characters like Peter Kahl, Alois Reiter, Marianne Mueller, etc.  This book had only been in print for a couple years when our German classes first began back in 1980.  By that time, the fashions were already somewhat dated, since everyday German styles still lagged a little behind North America in those days.

What I remember most from the book were the excellent grammatical exercises and clear explanations on articles and case endings, and especially the conjugation of verbs and sentence structure.  After a couple years I could properly conjugate most all irregular German verbs and make a sentence using the subjunctive mood.  Our teacher was most adept at teaching grammar, but didn't make much use of the conversational exercises.  Don't remember ever using the audio tapes, but it's possible we did here and there.  Additionally, in each chapter there were copious amounts of vocabulary presented.  After completing this book, I'd absorbed enough of the language to strike up a simple conversation with the Germans I met traveling through the U.S. while on vacation.  If our teacher had focused more on conversation and vocabulary provided in the book and not concentrated solely on grammar, I might have been better prepared when taking German in college.  As it was, "Unsere Freunde" and "Die Welt der Jugend" contained everything (if taught properly) to prepare a high school student for the rigors of intermediate college German or becoming an exchange student overseas.

As others have written, this book is an excellent foundational learning tool that provides an interesting window into the cultural and geopolitical life of the German-speaking world of the late '70s.  (Since they still haven't decided on a comprehensive Rechtschreibung that everyone can agree on, this book would also be useful to anyone wanting to master the written forms which prevailed in Germany prior to the 1997 Rechtschreibreform).
3012977
This is very helpful and seems to be just what you need to update your mind on the language.
4863649
I won this eBook in Member Giveaway on LibraryThing.com in an exchange for an honest review.

This book is a great collection of vocabulary as well as ready-to-use sentences. It is enough to efficiently communicate in German-speaking countries and is a great option for BEGINNERS who would like to learn German at home.

On the other hand, the grammar contained in this book is very basic so I don't recommend it for intermediate or advanced learners. Id like this book more if there was an audio file with pronunciation of vocabulary.
3884048
This book provides some useful words and expressions that you certainly won't learn in American high schools or colleges.  It is probably the best of its kind available for German (the Wicked series books are filled with ridiculous made-up sayings that no native speaker really uses).  That said,  it really doesn't compare with the Merde books in French, of which this is  the German equivalent.  For instance, the sentences given as examples are  not witty and they are also loosely translated into English, which might  give the right "feel" but is not the best for someone trying to  learn the intricacies of their usage.  Also, the German doesn't get as  vulgar as the French (whether this is because the German language is more  civilized or this book less complete I hesitate to answer).  One  understandable problem is that there are tons of different dialects and  regional differences in German so that a general unified version of German  slang is sure to lack some substance.  Consider also the great wealth of  Viennese slang (Wienerisch, eh  kloar!) or the different Swiss expressions  which are of necessity left out.  Over all this is a pretty decent book for  those who want to learn some "low German" or just try out some  choice words on their German teacher!
4185665
This is by far the best German language software on the market today.  I had been attending German classes through Berlitz but due to time and monetary constraints, I had to pursue other alternatives.  I reviewed both the Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur software but found them lacking for my needs.  I wanted the ability to go beyond the basics.  I  searched the internet for independent reviews of German language software and encountered [...] which was extremely helpful in evaluating various language programs.

I was amazed at how interactive this software was.  Unlike earlier programs that relied on my ability to mimic the native speaker (with hopes that I accurately repeated what was being said), this software allows me to record and play back my responses; in addition the program evaluates how closely I emulate the speaker.

Vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading, crossword puzzles, and online testing are just a few of the many features this program has to offer.  I can chose among three separate modes:  I can select the activities; the software selects the activities based on my learning objectives,  or the software selects and modifies the activities based on my progress.

Impressed?  I was!
4661925
To learn German,many peaple say it is tiresome
because German grammer is more difficult than English.
This book is very interesting.
You can understand many points
where you make  failures easily in German gramaar.