Wie geht's?: An Introductory German Course (with Audio CD) [Hardcover]

Dieter Sevin (Author), Ingrid Sevin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0030352533 | ISBN-13: 978-0030352539 | Publication Date: November 15, 2002 | Edition: 007

WIE GEHT'S?, one of the most popular Introductory German programs in the country, shows students how the German language actually works, while encouraging cultural awareness and the acquisition of a functional vocabulary that effectively prepares students to continue with their study of German. In the Seventh Edition, students have even greater opportunities for communicative practice, with updated cultural material that discusses the exciting and dramatic changes in German-speaking countries during the past few years. The audio CD included with every new student copy of the book helps students improve their listening comprehension of structures and vocabulary as well as their pronunciation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I was impressed with the detailed culture sections and the way that they are incorporated into other sections in the book. I liked the grammar explanations and exercises."

"The cultural information is relevant, accurate, and interesting - and especially important for instructors who might not have had the chance to spend time in Germany during the last few years. I like the improvements and updates, especially in regard to the EU and Germans' use of EC debit cards."

"In my opinion, a particular strength of this manuscript is the reading sections included in each chapter. The pre-reading, reading, and post-reading exercises are well-constructed and productively teach the students to deal with texts in the foreign language."

"Outstanding: the integration of cultural material and realistic conversations, the clear and concise presentation of information" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: German --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Heinle; 007 edition (November 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0030352533
• ISBN-13: 978-0030352539
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #374,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars If you're purchasing this for a class..., September 15, 2008

By 

Eridewrite (RI, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wie geht's?: An Introductory German Course (with Student Text Audio CD) (Hardcover)

WAIT until the class begins. I bought this book via Amazon a few weeks before my courses began. Once I received the syllabus, I was told that I had to have a shrink-wrapped version that includes a "key-code". This is for accesing an online workbook and other accompanying material-which my professor does use/grade.

I ended up purchasing another copy of this book (for $200) from the bookstore, with the key code. So I've spent $300+ on two books and one key-code...now I have an extra German book. I'm hesitant to sell it too, 'cause I don't want to put someone in the same position I was in.

The site that uses the key-code and provides the online material (Quia) is not very clear on what you need to purchase if you have the book already...if it even sells that. I e-mailed them, and it's equally vague. Most of my classmates and I who were in this situation just avoided the headache by buying from the bookstore instead of trying the online site. Of those who did buy from the site, most ended up purchasing the wrong package, and getting either another book anyway or only part of the online sections, for more money.

I've also done some searching, and have found this to be a problem with many students, in many language courses. (I guess the bookstores aren't done figuring out how to put us father in debt...joy...)

So my advice:
Save your money and talk to your professor before purchasing from a non-academic site. Or just eat the cost and use the bookstore. $200 is a LOT cheaper than $300+.

It is a good book, though. (Which is why it's received 3 stars.) The info seems practical and handy. :-)

Just don't let 'em screw over any more students!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Beginner book, January 20, 2006

By 

T. K. Vogel (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wie geht's?: An Introductory German Course (with Audio CD) (Hardcover)

This is a good book for those who want to teach themselves about the german language. also i belive it allows for good insite into the german culture and customs. Maybe not the best book for practical german language, but for the beginner its great!

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not what I'd hoped for, October 21, 2004

By 

Glittering Fool (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wie geht's?: An Introductory German Course (with Audio CD) (Hardcover)

I've started taking German in college in preparation for graduate school. So far, I am not impressed with Wie geht's?. The charts and diagrams are not clear, the grammar is presented seperately from the culture and vocabulary sections, and the exercises are mindless. I also find it fairly useless to be given anywhere from 20-60 vocab words in one lesson with the grammar as an afterthought. I would much prefer to be presented with the grammar lesson and then the application of it through vocab. I can always look a word up in a dictionary down the road, but more importantly I need to be taught the grammar!