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German: How to Speak and Write It
This is probably the most delightful, useful, and comprehensive elementary book available for learning spoken and written German, with or without a teacher. Working on the principles that a person learns more quickly by example than by rule, the author has put together a book that abounds in immediately usable German sentences and phrases on a wide variety of subjects.
The student will find pleasure in the amusing sketches and drawings used to imbed new vocabulary firmly in the student's mind, in the many excellent photographs of cities and landmarks in German-speaking countries, and in the glimpses of German culture and custom subtly interwoven into the conventional material.
The book, though eminently useful for self-study, is especially amenable to classroom use or study with a private tutor. The variety of teaching aids that this book places at the teacher's disposal is remarkable. The lessons contain dialogues, grammar and idiom studies (replete with examples), and extensive practice exercises. In addition there are 28 full-page and double-page sketches of specific scenes (a harbor, a zoo, a theatre, etc.) with pertinent items numbered and identified in German and English; sketches and photographs, which the student is asked to describe in German; German proverbs, jokes, and more.
The dialogues and reading material encompass an exceptionally wide range of real-life situations, and are extended to include most of the basic vocabulary one would need in each situation. The analysis of German pronunciation is very comprehensive (and the simple phonetic system used in the early stages is readable by sight). The practice exercises are carefully designed to allow the student to use what he learned. The closing sections contain a summary of grammar, a guide to letter writing (with sample German letters), and a valuable study guide to German literature by Dr. Richard Friedenthal.
The book differs from others of its type in that it gives more attention to the elementary stages of learning, and the rate of progress is less rapid than usual. This means that any intelligent person, even if he is an absolute beginner, can with sufficient application arrive at the end of the course confident of having acquired a solid foundation for further study.
The student will find pleasure in the amusing sketches and drawings used to imbed new vocabulary firmly in the student's mind, in the many excellent photographs of cities and landmarks in German-speaking countries, and in the glimpses of German culture and custom subtly interwoven into the conventional material.
The book, though eminently useful for self-study, is especially amenable to classroom use or study with a private tutor. The variety of teaching aids that this book places at the teacher's disposal is remarkable. The lessons contain dialogues, grammar and idiom studies (replete with examples), and extensive practice exercises. In addition there are 28 full-page and double-page sketches of specific scenes (a harbor, a zoo, a theatre, etc.) with pertinent items numbered and identified in German and English; sketches and photographs, which the student is asked to describe in German; German proverbs, jokes, and more.
The dialogues and reading material encompass an exceptionally wide range of real-life situations, and are extended to include most of the basic vocabulary one would need in each situation. The analysis of German pronunciation is very comprehensive (and the simple phonetic system used in the early stages is readable by sight). The practice exercises are carefully designed to allow the student to use what he learned. The closing sections contain a summary of grammar, a guide to letter writing (with sample German letters), and a valuable study guide to German literature by Dr. Richard Friedenthal.
The book differs from others of its type in that it gives more attention to the elementary stages of learning, and the rate of progress is less rapid than usual. This means that any intelligent person, even if he is an absolute beginner, can with sufficient application arrive at the end of the course confident of having acquired a solid foundation for further study.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1962
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 25, 2020
I use the word "delightful" too much, so let me instead call this 1960s beginner's German volume enchanting, fetching, and rather peachy!
First published in 1962, this is an introductory German course focused on immersion and context-based learning. Each chapter opens with a couple of pages of sentences in German with accompanying English translation (and, for the first half of the book, phonetic spelling). This is followed by brief explanation of the concept, some slightly longer pieces for translation, and then a series of exercises to a) read and translate, b) read and respond in German, c) translate into German. Full answer keys are provided.
Surrounding the text on almost every page are fab illustrations designed to encourage memorisation and absorption of knowledge. They range from short explanations of concepts (man wakes up, man shaves, man leaves house, man comes home, man goes to sleep) to selections of items (flowers, vegetables, cuts of meat, items of clothing) to scenes designed to encourage grammatical concept learning, for instance an apartment full of people sitting, standing , reading, talking, and so on. My personal favourites are the two-page spreads depicting a scene at the opera, the train station, a football match, the tobacconist, and so on, with a key to all of the items involved. Along the way, there are excerpts from German song and poetry, and lovely (black and white) photographs of traditional German life accompanied by short descriptions in German, introducing more complex sentences earlier in the book for the adventurous translator.
As you might have guessed from this, the book has a wonderfully retro feel. Does one need to know 24 different items associated with tennis, or 40 different cuts of meat? But this is what attracts me so to the volume. There's a heartfelt charm on every page. It makes the book work as a constant companion (Rosenberg extols the reader to return to the exercises every few days, using the answer key less and less, until one can answer them by heart), designed to give you some joy and some amusement while reading. Unsurprisingly, as the book is aimed at people who may want to "pop over to the continent", there is much time spent on travel, ordering in restaurants, and daily routines. But we also learn about weather, the universe, recreation, and much else besides.
As always, there are downsides to a language book. The principal failing is, simply, age. I'm told a fair chunk of the vocab is outdated, as you'd expect from a book 60 years old. But if you're using this as just part of your learning (which I'd recommend) you'll still find it eminently useful for grammatical concepts. And - at worst - you might sound a bit old-fashioned in speaking. Working with more modern items as well (I'm using Schaum's and Duolingo, and will move on soon to some contemporary graded readers), you'll retain the concepts and the value without the archaisms. Another downside is that the book doesn't cover every grammatical concept, but nor is it claiming to. This is a foundation for further study, as Rosenberg notes on the back cover. Finally, some will simply be put off by the lack of detailed grammatical explanation. This perhaps stems from the way that English speakers are no longer taught much grammar, combined with the fact that many people are not taught another language at school. So concepts which the author here assumes the reader will be familiar with, may need additional tutelage.
In summation, then, this book is ideal for me, but won't be for everyone. If you like retro charm and have an understanding of grammar or a knack for languages, you will warm to Rosenberg's book - provided you don't expect to become fluent and contemporary solely from it. But even if that isn't your nature, this may be an enriching experience, a fine contrast to modern "informal" language learning texts (which, in my opinion, often play too gentle with the student).
Charming.
First published in 1962, this is an introductory German course focused on immersion and context-based learning. Each chapter opens with a couple of pages of sentences in German with accompanying English translation (and, for the first half of the book, phonetic spelling). This is followed by brief explanation of the concept, some slightly longer pieces for translation, and then a series of exercises to a) read and translate, b) read and respond in German, c) translate into German. Full answer keys are provided.
Surrounding the text on almost every page are fab illustrations designed to encourage memorisation and absorption of knowledge. They range from short explanations of concepts (man wakes up, man shaves, man leaves house, man comes home, man goes to sleep) to selections of items (flowers, vegetables, cuts of meat, items of clothing) to scenes designed to encourage grammatical concept learning, for instance an apartment full of people sitting, standing , reading, talking, and so on. My personal favourites are the two-page spreads depicting a scene at the opera, the train station, a football match, the tobacconist, and so on, with a key to all of the items involved. Along the way, there are excerpts from German song and poetry, and lovely (black and white) photographs of traditional German life accompanied by short descriptions in German, introducing more complex sentences earlier in the book for the adventurous translator.
As you might have guessed from this, the book has a wonderfully retro feel. Does one need to know 24 different items associated with tennis, or 40 different cuts of meat? But this is what attracts me so to the volume. There's a heartfelt charm on every page. It makes the book work as a constant companion (Rosenberg extols the reader to return to the exercises every few days, using the answer key less and less, until one can answer them by heart), designed to give you some joy and some amusement while reading. Unsurprisingly, as the book is aimed at people who may want to "pop over to the continent", there is much time spent on travel, ordering in restaurants, and daily routines. But we also learn about weather, the universe, recreation, and much else besides.
As always, there are downsides to a language book. The principal failing is, simply, age. I'm told a fair chunk of the vocab is outdated, as you'd expect from a book 60 years old. But if you're using this as just part of your learning (which I'd recommend) you'll still find it eminently useful for grammatical concepts. And - at worst - you might sound a bit old-fashioned in speaking. Working with more modern items as well (I'm using Schaum's and Duolingo, and will move on soon to some contemporary graded readers), you'll retain the concepts and the value without the archaisms. Another downside is that the book doesn't cover every grammatical concept, but nor is it claiming to. This is a foundation for further study, as Rosenberg notes on the back cover. Finally, some will simply be put off by the lack of detailed grammatical explanation. This perhaps stems from the way that English speakers are no longer taught much grammar, combined with the fact that many people are not taught another language at school. So concepts which the author here assumes the reader will be familiar with, may need additional tutelage.
In summation, then, this book is ideal for me, but won't be for everyone. If you like retro charm and have an understanding of grammar or a knack for languages, you will warm to Rosenberg's book - provided you don't expect to become fluent and contemporary solely from it. But even if that isn't your nature, this may be an enriching experience, a fine contrast to modern "informal" language learning texts (which, in my opinion, often play too gentle with the student).
Charming.
August 29, 2013
I did go through this so I put it as read, but I don't think you're ever really finished learning a language...
It is very helpful, with pictures, phrases and lessons to help you learn quickly if you're traveling or trying to figure out a song, book, etc.
Very useful.
It is very helpful, with pictures, phrases and lessons to help you learn quickly if you're traveling or trying to figure out a song, book, etc.
Very useful.
September 22, 2011
The old pictures and photographs will put some people off, but I think they give the book a nice character. Likewise with the vocabulary, some of them are outdated, but they are useful to know if you plan to read German modern classics one day like Mann and Hesse, which is what I am aiming for.
These things aside the book is perfect for self-learners.
The first half of the book gives you the phonetic readings alongside the German text, so you can easily learn how to pronunce things.
The grammar explanations are simple and clear, you get many readings, and the exercises are effective and designed for self-study.
What I like about the book is that it has character, modern language textbooks tend to be rather impersonal, the kind of books I don't mind re-selling after I finish them. To me Rosenberg's book is different, it has character and is fun to just browse through and look at the pictures, it is as if it tells a story, a cultural story of the German language. I value books like this, books that are a bit "more".
These things aside the book is perfect for self-learners.
The first half of the book gives you the phonetic readings alongside the German text, so you can easily learn how to pronunce things.
The grammar explanations are simple and clear, you get many readings, and the exercises are effective and designed for self-study.
What I like about the book is that it has character, modern language textbooks tend to be rather impersonal, the kind of books I don't mind re-selling after I finish them. To me Rosenberg's book is different, it has character and is fun to just browse through and look at the pictures, it is as if it tells a story, a cultural story of the German language. I value books like this, books that are a bit "more".
February 15, 2025
Only a third of the way through right now:
- so far its taught me a good bit of grammar and nouns, but I feel like some of the focus is off:
-- it is strangely more focused on telling me the names of every type of flower rather than telling me how to say words like, "fork".
- I think some of the grammar is out of common usage; the book I believe is from the 60's.
- I think the book is aware that some of it's content might become dated, but regardless, at this point in time, it is rather dated.
- The book is filled with pictures with captions without direct translations which leaves you trying to decipher the captions on your own which I think is a great way to watch your understanding grow throughout your reading
- so far its taught me a good bit of grammar and nouns, but I feel like some of the focus is off:
-- it is strangely more focused on telling me the names of every type of flower rather than telling me how to say words like, "fork".
- I think some of the grammar is out of common usage; the book I believe is from the 60's.
- I think the book is aware that some of it's content might become dated, but regardless, at this point in time, it is rather dated.
- The book is filled with pictures with captions without direct translations which leaves you trying to decipher the captions on your own which I think is a great way to watch your understanding grow throughout your reading
August 16, 2019
The vocab is outdated but it's helpful for grammar.
December 25, 2024
A bit outdated, I would recommend just doing Anki and watching videos with German subtitles, with the occasional youtube video on grammar if you are confused.
July 6, 2015
I've used this book to help me refresh my high school German for two trips now, and both times, I feel the book helped me prepare.
I like the format. I feel like the chapters are segmented well -- each feels worthwhile without being overwhelming. I like that we follow the same family through the book through extensive dialogs, and that the narrative builds on what we've learned about them. I also like the way that grammar is presented: the characters use the language feature in context, then at the end of the chapter the pattern is explained.
I'll echo what others have said. The vocabulary is dated, though my first instinct is to leave the original material and augment it, perhaps by having the children in the story grow up and have kids of their own who use more modern vocabulary. The other material are short vignettes about life in Germany, and to me, this is where the book feels at its oldest and the elements I'd most likely replace. Until that were to happen, I'll continue to use this book while supplementing with some newer material.
I like the format. I feel like the chapters are segmented well -- each feels worthwhile without being overwhelming. I like that we follow the same family through the book through extensive dialogs, and that the narrative builds on what we've learned about them. I also like the way that grammar is presented: the characters use the language feature in context, then at the end of the chapter the pattern is explained.
I'll echo what others have said. The vocabulary is dated, though my first instinct is to leave the original material and augment it, perhaps by having the children in the story grow up and have kids of their own who use more modern vocabulary. The other material are short vignettes about life in Germany, and to me, this is where the book feels at its oldest and the elements I'd most likely replace. Until that were to happen, I'll continue to use this book while supplementing with some newer material.
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April 4, 2010German: How to Speak and Write It by Joseph Rosenberg (1962)
November 15, 2010
Pretty good format and very visual, but a lot of the vocabulary is very outdated (apparently written long before the fall of the Berlin Wall).
dnf
April 18, 2017It's an old book. I think it was originally published in the early 1930's for the English market. The stress is on the daily use of the language rather than the grammar. On the one hand we are introduced early to the names of all the different pieces of furniture in a middle-class german home but modal verbs don't show up until page 169 and then as a footnote. Like the dear old Dick and Jane books it uses the daily life of a middle-class German family to introduce us to the language.
I've also found it a window into the day to day life of a period of history that is usually only discussed in broad political terms: very class conscious, the middle class, the proletariat and the peasants are all present. It contains pictures of autobahns with few cars and old, unbombed German city centres with people pushing barrows by hand and no mentions of the National Socialist party.
As a review of the language for those of us at a beginning level, it's a useful and enjoyable book. It cost me five dollars used.
I've also found it a window into the day to day life of a period of history that is usually only discussed in broad political terms: very class conscious, the middle class, the proletariat and the peasants are all present. It contains pictures of autobahns with few cars and old, unbombed German city centres with people pushing barrows by hand and no mentions of the National Socialist party.
As a review of the language for those of us at a beginning level, it's a useful and enjoyable book. It cost me five dollars used.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews