Foreign Languages: German Section

Tools of the Trade

In order to keep course material costs managable as well as to efficiently use text books across courses, the following texts are required for all 3000 and 4000 level courses. Not only will they be textbooks but they are also essential reference tools. Using common works of this type helps to avoid textbook overlap between courses and/or having to purchase similar yet different books for different courses (buy once--use in multiple courses).

1. A German Grammar

Gerda Dippmann & Johanna Watzinger-Tharp, A Practical Review of German Grammar. Prentice Hall. 3rd edition (or later).

Different topics will be reviewed in different courses (for example, in "German Grammar Review", "Writing in German", or "Conversation and Phonetics", but ultimately in all other courses as well, as appropriate and necessary). Sooner or later most if not all of the book will be covered. Regardless of whether it will be used per se consult this book for reference and/or self-study of areas you wish to review.

2. An English/German--German/English Dictionary

Any "Standard"-size dictionary. Because there are various similar, excellent ones by different publishers we do not prescribe a particular text (ask a faculty member for specific recommendations if you wish). However, when selecting a text consider the following criteria:

The latest update and thorough revision (not the same as copyright) should be within the last three years (definitely after August 2006). You find this information on the inside of the book, on the copyright page.
"Standard" means it should contain 125,000 words (or something like that, rather more than fewer; such a number is often mentioned on book covers). They typically cost $25 plus/minus.

OPTIONAL--If you are really serious (=majors)

1. A German/German Dictionary

These texts are like a thesaurus, meaning the terms are explained in German (and not translated). However, they have been written for language learners (as opposed to native speakers). There different types by different publishers; ask a faculty member for specific recommendations if interested. In general, there are two types:

Comprehensive, full-size texts for advanced students.
Texts written for an "intermediate" level learner. Explanations are in less challenging language, and they are not as comprehensive.

2. A complete German/English--English/German Dictionary

As above, but "complete" or "unabridged" (terminology varies). Very comprehensive; they tend to cost around $50 and up.

Top of Page