Umzug nach Berlin: Graded Reader Intermediate German B2 (Carla - Eine Portugiesin in Deutschland)

Carla - Eine Portugiesin in Deutschland #4

by Daniela Fries

After their vacation at the German Baltic Sea coast, Carla from Portugal and her Norwegian boyfriend Henrik move to Berlin. While Henrik enjoys the hustle and bustle of the German capital, Carla finds it difficult to adapt and starts to question her relationship. She knows that she needs to make a decision about her future. Will she stay in Germany or return to Portugal? "Umzug nach Berlin" is the 4th and last book of the "Carla - Ein Portugiesin in Deutschland" series and was written for upper intermediate level students (B2). It has an engaging but easy-to-follow storyline and will help you to make yourself familiar with idiomatic and colloquial expressions used in everyday conversations. Throughout the book, you will find cultural hints about life in Germany that will help you to become familiar with German habits and customs. The story combines colloquial language used in natural dialogues with a narrative written in the past tense. Because past tense is only used in written and formal language, reading books suited for your level is the perfect way to get used to it in a fun and effortless way.

Genres: German Literature, Fiction

186 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2021

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all of the books in this series (from A1 to B2) through my German learning journey from A1 to the present end of B1, starting B2 level. The grammar tips were helpful and the vocabulary wasn't outside of the realm of understanding per level. It was an engaging and challenging but possible read, having more complex questions at the end of each chapter (aligned to B2, of course). I loved following Carla's journey as well. The only thing I am sad about is that the series is now complete, and I won't know the rest of Carla's story in terms of how her career/life progresses.

[Raymond Goss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. I studied German in high school and a little in college. I also lived in Germany for two years, but that was a while ago. This introduced me to some current vocabulary and subject areas that I haven't really needed. The story was entertaining and easy to read. I read it with kindle unlimited.

[Curtis Hartwig]

Life's decisions

Nicely organized book for learning German. The story is quite interesting and also informative. It suggests how Europeans from all over are coming together to enjoy a new way of life.

[Joseph Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hier haben wir das letzte Buch in der “Carla-Eine Portugiesen in Deutschland” serie. It’s excellent, like all the others, and perfect for your B2 students out there, but perhaps a little too challenging for the class right before that. Then again, even those who were once fluent can get rusty if they spend too long between lessons. Or even if they continue with lessons, if they live in a country where the language in question isn’t spoken, there’s going to be some atrophy. Or, wie die Deutsche sagen, “zu resten ist zu rosten.” In other words, pretty much everyone should benefit from giving this one a readthrough.

As for the story, it’s involving enough, with a main plot about Carla’s attempts to make it as a pro writer interweaved with some romantic subplots. Is her boyfriend cheating on her? Will she leave him for a worldly and rich international type who’s heir to a massive fortune and also has big connections in the publishing world?

You simply must read on to find out.

Each of the sections is followed by a small battery of questions to ensure the reader comprehended what they read. Not only are there multiple choice questionnaires, but there are extra bits highlighting idiomatic expressions common in German conversation. Some of these I didn’t recognize, but all that means is author Daniela Fries and I probably travel in different circles. And since slang is always subject to constant change—aside from perennials like “cool,”—what’s used one day will be dropped the next.

In any event, this is an excellent little workbook, whose story is engrossing enough for not every moment to feel like work. And for those whose students sometimes need a bit of extra motivation, the crafting of such engaging material is to be commended. Highest recommendation.

[irving m adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

moving on

Good story and good life lesson. Good learning aid for intermediate German learners. Provides vocabulary that helps with reading and learning.