Basic German: A Grammar and Workbook

BASIC GERMAN: A GRAMMAR AND WORKBOOK

Basic German: A Grammar and Workbook comprises an accessible reference grammar and related exercises in a single volume. It introduces German people and culture through the medium of the language used today, covering the core material which students would expect to encounter in their first years of learning German. Each of the 28 units presents one or more related grammar topics, illustrated by examples which serve as models for the exercises that follow. These wide-ranging and varied exercises enable the student to master each grammar point thoroughly. Basic German is suitable for independent study and for class use. Features include: ? Clear grammatical explanations with examples in both English and

German ? Authentic language samples from a range of media ? Checklists at the end of each Unit to reinforce key points ? Cross-referencing to other grammar chapters ? Full exercise answer key ? Glossary of grammatical terms Basic German is the ideal reference and practice book for beginners but also for students with some knowledge of the language. Heiner Schenke is Senior Lecturer in German at the University of Westminster and Karen Seago is Course Leader for Applied Translation at the London Metropolitan University.

Other titles available in the Grammar Workbooks series are:

Basic Cantonese Intermediate Cantonese

Basic Chinese Intermediate Chinese

Intermediate German

Basic Polish Intermediate Polish

Basic Russian Intermediate Russian

Basic Welsh Intermediate Welsh

Titles of related interest published by Routledge:

Colloquial German by Dietlinde Hatherall and Glyn Hatherall

Modern German Grammar: A Practical Guide, Second Edition by Bill Dodd, Christine Eckhard-Black, John Klapper, Ruth Whittle

Modern German Grammar Workbook, Second Edition by Heidi Zojer, Bill Dodd, Christine Eckhard-Black, John Klapper,

Ruth Whittle

BASIC GERMAN: A GRAMMAR AND WORKBOOK

Heiner Schenke and Karen Seago

First published 2004 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE

Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001

Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group

This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2005. "To purchase your own copy of this or any of Taylor & Francis or Routledge's collection of thousands of eBooks please go to eBookstore.tandf.co.uk."

? 2004 Heiner Schenke and Karen Seago All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book has been requested

ISBN 0-203-64270-8 Master e-book ISBN

ISBN 0-203-67466-9 (Adobe eReader Format) ISBN 0?415?28404?X (hbk)

0?415?28405?8 (pbk)

CONTENTS

Preface

vii

1 What's different in German? Basic tips and patterns

1

2 Verbs in the present tense

6

3 Verb variations and irregular verbs

12

4 Irregular verbs: haben and sein

19

5 Separable verbs in the present tense

24

6 Imperatives

30

7 Questions

36

8 Nouns and gender

42

9 Plural of nouns

50

10 The four cases

56

11 The nominative case

62

12 The accusative case

65

13 The dative case

70

14 The genitive case

75

15 Personal pronouns

79

16 Possessive adjectives

87

17 Reflexive verbs

92

18 Negatives

97

19 Comparison of adjectives and adverbs

102

20 Modal verbs

109

vi Contents

21 The present perfect tense

116

22 The simple past tense

124

23 The future tense

130

24 Prepositions

135

25 Adjective endings

143

26 Numbers and dates

151

27 Conjunctions and clauses

158

28 Word order

167

Key to exercises and checklists

175

Glossary of grammatical terms

200

Common irregular verbs

203

Index

205

PREFACE

Basic German is aimed at absolute beginners and those learners who have some knowledge of German but who need to refresh and consolidate basic structures. It can be used on its own or in connection with any major German coursebook and it is suitable for self-study, class-based learning or reference purposes.

Presentation of grammar

The book explains the essentials of German grammar in clear and simple language. The format is easily accessible and grammar topics follow a progression, which moves from simple aspects to more complex features. For more in-depth study, there are cross-references to related grammar items. Explanations are simple and avoid specialised terminology while introducing key terms. The vocabulary is practical and functional. It is introduced on a cumulative basis and builds on vocabulary associated with topics featured in major course books.

Structure of units

There are 28 units. Each unit covers one key grammar topic, which is contrasted with English structures where appropriate. Each topic starts out with an overview. This is followed by detailed explanation in an easy-to-follow step-by-step layout, breaking down complex aspects into simple segments. Examples in English and German illustrate each point and introduce relevant vocabulary.

Checklists and exercises

Integrated exercises allow immediate practice to consolidate each grammar point. Exercises are varied and progress from simple recognition to more complex application of grammar points.

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