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Kontakte: A Communicative Approach
This best-selling German text is based on and inspired by the Natural Approach, pioneered by Tracy D. Terrell. With it, students learn German through communicative contexts with an emphasis on the four skills as well as cultural competence, with grammar functioning as an aid to language learning, rather than as an end in itself. The abundance of interesting activities and readings in Kontakte ensure that students are exposed to rich language input, critical to language acquisition.
576 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 17, 2015
My first year university text book
12 March 2013
This is the text book that I used in class when I studied German in my first year of university. Since I have developed an interest in learning the German language again (particularly since I have been there once, and am going there again very soon) I decided to pick it up and read it through, not only to revise what I had learnt but also because I wanted to add this book to Goodreads.
The problem with reading through this book is that it is designed as a text book to be used in a class, so there are numerous parts which require us to wonder around the class and speak to people in German. However, one of the key things in learning another language (with the exception of the ancient, dead, languages, though one could probably go and speak to a Catholic priest in Latin) is the ability to be able to go and speak it to another person (which I why I am passing through Germany on my way to London). However, there is a problem with that because native, or fluent, speakers tend to speak a lot faster (which is why I learnt how to say spreachen sie langsammer bitte).
The chapters are divided into four parts, the first being speaking and contextual exercises, then a list of vocabulary relevant to that chapter, then some reading comprehension, and finally a section on grammar that pertains to that chapter. It works in class because the teacher is in control and she can guide the students, however reading through this book from cover to cover is problematic because the vocabulary comes after the main part of the chapter. However the main part helps you understand the grammatical structures by using pictures and phrases, rather than simply the information dump that is at the end.
I will be going back to this book though, namely to help develop my grammar, and to actually work through the exercises so that I can continue to develop my German. However, I think I should also take classes, because, in the end, that is the much better way to learning the language (since you get to interact with others who are also trying to learn the language). Or, I could simply wonder around Germany for a lot longer, though I don't think that will work as well (since I have already done that and it didn't work that well, though I was able to understand a little, such as when a shopkeeper asked me whether I wanted the bottle of beer that I had bought at the subway station open – but then again a lot of that is guess work).
12 March 2013
This is the text book that I used in class when I studied German in my first year of university. Since I have developed an interest in learning the German language again (particularly since I have been there once, and am going there again very soon) I decided to pick it up and read it through, not only to revise what I had learnt but also because I wanted to add this book to Goodreads.
The problem with reading through this book is that it is designed as a text book to be used in a class, so there are numerous parts which require us to wonder around the class and speak to people in German. However, one of the key things in learning another language (with the exception of the ancient, dead, languages, though one could probably go and speak to a Catholic priest in Latin) is the ability to be able to go and speak it to another person (which I why I am passing through Germany on my way to London). However, there is a problem with that because native, or fluent, speakers tend to speak a lot faster (which is why I learnt how to say spreachen sie langsammer bitte).
The chapters are divided into four parts, the first being speaking and contextual exercises, then a list of vocabulary relevant to that chapter, then some reading comprehension, and finally a section on grammar that pertains to that chapter. It works in class because the teacher is in control and she can guide the students, however reading through this book from cover to cover is problematic because the vocabulary comes after the main part of the chapter. However the main part helps you understand the grammatical structures by using pictures and phrases, rather than simply the information dump that is at the end.
I will be going back to this book though, namely to help develop my grammar, and to actually work through the exercises so that I can continue to develop my German. However, I think I should also take classes, because, in the end, that is the much better way to learning the language (since you get to interact with others who are also trying to learn the language). Or, I could simply wonder around Germany for a lot longer, though I don't think that will work as well (since I have already done that and it didn't work that well, though I was able to understand a little, such as when a shopkeeper asked me whether I wanted the bottle of beer that I had bought at the subway station open – but then again a lot of that is guess work).
September 21, 2019
I don't find it comforting when my Germany-born professors have to correct the information in our textbook... Dated vocabulary, inaccurate translations, names that haven't been used in Germany for 50 years, and biased information that doesn't belong in a textbook. It leaves me questioning whether this resource is useful to me or not. With that said, here is what I can say as a student.
Grammar sections are mostly helpful. I don't appreciate how they left out N-Declension so now I need to backtrack on my learning and return to the Accusative and Dative cases. I don't know what else was left out but I suspect something.
Vocabulary is extensive and a good launch for a beginner, but, again, I can't speak to how it is actually used in modern day. As I studied the vocab listed in the back of the book, I came across contradictory information on some words between the text and my other dictionaries (including Oxford and wordreference.com). Many others were listed as synonyms but are actually different (there are three verbs listed as meaning 'to put on'. German differentiates between articles of clothing and accessories when it comes to this, whereas English just uses the one verb-phrase).
Grammar sections are mostly helpful. I don't appreciate how they left out N-Declension so now I need to backtrack on my learning and return to the Accusative and Dative cases. I don't know what else was left out but I suspect something.
Vocabulary is extensive and a good launch for a beginner, but, again, I can't speak to how it is actually used in modern day. As I studied the vocab listed in the back of the book, I came across contradictory information on some words between the text and my other dictionaries (including Oxford and wordreference.com). Many others were listed as synonyms but are actually different (there are three verbs listed as meaning 'to put on'. German differentiates between articles of clothing and accessories when it comes to this, whereas English just uses the one verb-phrase).
April 12, 2012
My German textbook for first-year College German. It is what it is. Seems to have suffered throughout the editions, as things which have not yet been introduced in earlier chapters are referenced, despite being later in the book.
May 11, 2022
Kontakte 9th Edition:
Not a good textbook, cannot recommend, especially the eBook version.
- Odd exercises, in part with bad German: "Max wirft gern Ball." is not something anyone would ever say. Not communicative at all, since for every exercise you have to introduce so much new vocab before students can get started. Might be okay for intermediate, but not for elementary.
- Students are required to remember a whole bunch of drawn characters and their biographies to understand the context.
- Culture feels more like a random dump than integrated into the chapter
- dumps a plethora of vocab on students with very little activity support (or glosses) and the words are not all cognates. Exercises introduce new vocab without giving a gloss (e.g. an exercises requires students to figure out the word "geschehen")
- Grammar is presented after the structures are introduced and expected to be used. You either have the choice of jumping ahead to the grammar section and then let them do the vocab/communication sections or hoping that they won't get totally confused inbetween the constant barrage of never-before-seen words and new structures
- exercises are unimaginative and repetivite or even creepy (no fun running an exercise where students comment on each other's clothing saying "That looks good on you." "That fits you well." or "So cute." Awkward. Again, those phrases are not explained anywhere or even introduced, say with a dialogue or similar.
- Some exercises don't actually work or are confusing, e.g. the information gap exercises which are missing the information for the 2nd partner - that means you cannot really use them for partner work asking about missing information.
- There is no testing system. While the Connect site claims there is, there is nothing if you click the link. No testing audio either.
- Considering that the bundle with Connect (the online workbook) and a loose-leaf edition of the textbook costs as much as $267 and even just Connect (plus eBook) is almost $90, there are cheaper and better textbooks out there, e.g. Netzwerk from Klett
Not a good textbook, cannot recommend, especially the eBook version.
- Odd exercises, in part with bad German: "Max wirft gern Ball." is not something anyone would ever say. Not communicative at all, since for every exercise you have to introduce so much new vocab before students can get started. Might be okay for intermediate, but not for elementary.
- Students are required to remember a whole bunch of drawn characters and their biographies to understand the context.
- Culture feels more like a random dump than integrated into the chapter
- dumps a plethora of vocab on students with very little activity support (or glosses) and the words are not all cognates. Exercises introduce new vocab without giving a gloss (e.g. an exercises requires students to figure out the word "geschehen")
- Grammar is presented after the structures are introduced and expected to be used. You either have the choice of jumping ahead to the grammar section and then let them do the vocab/communication sections or hoping that they won't get totally confused inbetween the constant barrage of never-before-seen words and new structures
- exercises are unimaginative and repetivite or even creepy (no fun running an exercise where students comment on each other's clothing saying "That looks good on you." "That fits you well." or "So cute." Awkward. Again, those phrases are not explained anywhere or even introduced, say with a dialogue or similar.
- Some exercises don't actually work or are confusing, e.g. the information gap exercises which are missing the information for the 2nd partner - that means you cannot really use them for partner work asking about missing information.
- There is no testing system. While the Connect site claims there is, there is nothing if you click the link. No testing audio either.
- Considering that the bundle with Connect (the online workbook) and a loose-leaf edition of the textbook costs as much as $267 and even just Connect (plus eBook) is almost $90, there are cheaper and better textbooks out there, e.g. Netzwerk from Klett
June 2, 2019
It's a textbook. I do feel like there are probably better ones, since I feel there are some basic things that I should know that I don't, but it's whatever. I will probably always look back to this book as I continue my studies even if I have to get another textbook for my second-year of learning. What matters most is having a good instructor, or if you don't want to go that route, pairing the book with good resources on the subject. Even more importantly, though, you must find some way to incorporate the language into your life regularly. If you're not practicing it with someone, you're probably not going to be able to learn as quickly as you could.
December 14, 2020
ich liebe dieses Buch
June 22, 2009
This is really a first-rate language textbook. It is highly versatile, well-laid-out-and-referenced, full of the most basic grammatical building-blocks. German teachers can adapt it for differing speeds of teaching and student requirements. Students can keep it on their shelves for years to refer back to on points of grammar. It is available with a workbook and CD, and teaching materials include audio and video recordings, but the text itself is the most valuable part over time, the thing worth holding on to. Learning a language is difficult, and requires classroom work (generally, you can't do it out of a book alone), but the textbook makes a huge difference in learning, and this is the one that will best launch students in pursuit of learning German.
January 14, 2009
Using this book for school (German 1 & 2) ~ it is laid out well and fairly easy to follow. If I had to pick one thing about the book I didn't care for I would have to say it is the way some of the charts are laid out. Instead of having a separate entry for Sie (formal) and Sie (they) I would combine them on charts because it starts to get a bit confusing. But, that's just my own opinion; your mileage may vary.
December 11, 2012
It is quite useful in getting a person from a complete lack of knowledge about German to a moderate handling of the language. Likewise, the online workbook was quite helpful. Lastly the grammar sections were incredibly helpful. While not without its flaws, the book was quite capable of serving as an introduction to new German students.
March 30, 2015
I think the chapter content is in the wrong order, picture exercises (many with no instructions or key outside of the instructor's text), then vocabulary, then grammar and word exercises. Even the German tutor thinks it's a terrible book, and the professor. It's only use is the vast list of topical vocabulary words.
January 14, 2013
Worst introduction to German book ever.
April 19, 2013
Very, very bad textbook!! It goes through topics very quickly and it doesn't explain them well enough for you to get a good handle on it. I took an entire year of German and didn't learn a thing.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews