Essential German Grammar

by Guy Stern, E.F. Bleiler

This is the first German grammar which has been specifically designed for the adult with limited learning time who wishes to be able to express himself with reasonable accuracy, yet does not wish to be burdened with archaic, highly literary, or seldom used forms. It covers the most important points of German grammar in the clearest possible manner, stressing regularities rather than irregularities and concentrating upon the constructions and expression-modes that you would be most likely to use. It has been created for readers who prefer the phrase-approach, and all grammatical points are illustrated with phrases and sentences that you can use immediately. Hints are included throughout the book on replacing difficult constructions with easier ones.
The basic presentation technique has been able to evoke the strong similarities between English and German, rather than the differences. As a result it is easier for you to understand and imitate German speech patterns. Among other unusual features of this grammar a means of avoiding most of the intricacies of noun declension; a logical, easily followed presentation of verbs compounded with separable or inseparable prefixes; a statement on word order that enables you to see English parallels; and an immediately useful presentation of basic German grammar.
This grammar does not assume knowledge of grammatical terms (a supplement explains English grammatical terms) or of German grammar.

Genres: German Literature, Reference, Language, Nonfiction, Linguistics, Textbooks

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Adam Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

No fluff, just grammar rules and examples. Not for the spoonfed freshman student, but ideal for tightening the screws on an already intermediate understanding of the language.

Due to the 50 years that have passed since publication, this grammar book has aged in peculiar ways. Examples of informal conjugation are extremely rare, which is a real pain given how informal modern German has become. The 90s spelling reform means a few words are spelt without eszetts (Straßenbahn as Strassenbahn, Straße as Strasse), which is rather quaint.

[Radiantflux · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of this book is it's simplicity. I would often sit in German class and after an hour of long drawn out explanations, see a much fuller clearer explanation written on one page of this book.

There are no exercises in this book, but it's an excellent concise summary of pretty much all the grammar you'll need to get to B2 at least.

[Roger Md · Rating 5 out of 5]

A no-nonsense grammar in 124 pages for the avid reader.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dover edition designed for Years of use.

One cannot have too many grammar books. Each book has a different take or angle on explaining grammar. Some are easier to understand than others.

The target for this book is specifically designed for adults with limited learning time. Hints are included throughout the book on replacing difficult constructions with easier ones.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful explanations for elements of grammar.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it years ago, and dug it out for a review.

[Mark A.]

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[MohamadAli Halwani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend to anyone learning German and struggling with Grammar. It is easy, concise, and direct.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm only a beginner in German but decided to read this book to give me a general sense of how the language worked. This book delivers; it's concise, clear, and gives just enough examples to illustrate the concepts. I would recommend it to anyone who is a beginner or intermediate student of German.

I'm counting this as "a book you own but have never read" for 2016 #vtReadingChallenge

[Ahmed]

nice simple way to learn about German grammar

[Jonathan]

None