Graded German Reader: Erste Stufe

by Hannelore Crossgrove

This reader provides an array of cultural and literary material for students in their first year of German. The first five sections were written or edited specifically for the text, while authentic material is presented in a concluding short story by Doris Dorrie. Features include frequent use of cognates and basic vocabulary; exercises in reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and word-building techniques; graded readings; and footnotes throughout the text along with a verb appendix and index of exercises.

Genres: German Literature, Language

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Adam Eivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, by far, the best German Language book I have every read--and I've read through a number of them. What I love most about it is that it progressively builds your vocabulary through reading. You start out with a few words, sentences, paragraphs, working your way up to full stories (in the Aesop's Fable style).

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn German. I can't believe there isn't a follow up book. The full title of this book is Das Erste Stufe: Graded German Reader, but there is no Zweite Stufe! (at least that I can find).

Anyway, it's a fabulous book

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The graded German Reader is an excellent addition to the German language learning experience. The sections grow progressively more difficult as the book goes on, ranging from readings of only a paragraph, to several pages. The diction and grammar are consistent, and supported with conversation questions after each story that can either be written out or spoken. The questions were a great way to reinforce the vocabulary and new grammar that was picked up along the way. They also can be expanded upon to delve further into your understanding of the stories themselves. By focussing on standard fairytales and popular folktales, the reader also learns a bit about German culture, and some idioms, along the way.

This is not a book for asbolute beginners, but good for the advanced beginner to intermediate level.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for learning German. It works through levels, from literally no German up to a low-moderate level, as you read through it, and gives enough help that almost anyone can work through it with time and patience. Each chapter consists of some short reading selections in German, with vocabulary at the bottom of the page (repeated in a glossary at the end), some exercises and grammar lessons. A list of verbs at the end helps to learn the trickiest part of reading German. The stories it uses are amusing, and specifically targeted at younger readers, but not so childish as to turn off the adult reader. I particularly liked the Doris Doerrie story "Ohne Gepaeck," at the end of the reader, which is simple because the narrator pretends to be an American who cannot speak German, but still a good example of postwar German literature which requires some critical thinking on the part of the reader. I think of all the German textbooks and tools I have seen, this is one that would work best for the solitary student, although of course it will also facilitate a classroom learning experience, in which students will advance more quickly.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this by a friend who said that it was the best reader that he's used. I have to agree. It's rather good at easing the reader into more complicated German.

[Plato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best graded reader for a German learner to start with.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book. I just wish there were other books in the series, because this is such a great resource. This book surpassed all expectations, and the bar had already been set very high from reviews I had read.

[Amorgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many stories and most words in this book were familiar to me, which made reading it much easier. The vocabulary is sufficiently challenging to interest me and knowing many of the stories helped me with context if I did not know the meaning of a word.