Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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!

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!

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!

I used this book for two semesters of German language courses in college. While its not a bad book, the memorization of tables and stuff can be daunting. I thought the descriptions were precise and clear, and the grammar exercises were okay. The problem was the application of grammar was too 'precise'. Ie. there was the constant memorization of tables. This book is ideal for an engineer. Overall, its also a good reference book and is well laid out. A nice touch was the culture topics; however, I would have liked to see something focusing a bit more on conversational practice.

Wie geht's?During my first class today, I was informed that this textbook was to arrive with a dvd and a keycode for an online workbook that is required for class. I cannot figure out how to inform amazon about this problem, the only option is to return the book, but I need it for class. It would be nice if someone for Amazon contacted me. Thank you!!!

This is an excellent book for beginners. The long lists of vocabulary are no doubt beneficial in the beginning stages of learning German. The book does a good job of pushing you to the max in terms of learning new material, especially if your professor requires you to know every last detail of each chapter. The cultural information and pictures do a good job of presenting modern day Germany, as well. I would most definitely recommend this book to any beginner.

I like the book itself. I agree with what others have said regarding being comprehensive and a good beginning German book. However, the CD leaves a bit to be desired and although the book offers a "key code" from the publisher in order for you to access an online help site affiliated with the book, you would not know this until you open the book and have thrown away the packaging. I tried to get the key code and could not get it. Therefore, although I purchased a new book, the 8th edition thru Amazon, I am unable to access a premium componenet of the book that I should have been able to use...thus...caveat emptor!

(Based on 8th Edition)

This is a good textbook for learning German, albeit it is the only beginners German textbook I've used so have nothing to compare it to. Nonetheless, coming at this from an objective viewpoint, it was a dececnt introductory German text. If you are using this for self-study, I suggest you find something else. It has a limited answer key, so you will be depending on an instructor or tutor for the answers to make sure you are using the language correctly.

Another reviewer has stated that the tables are daunting. I have to disagree. Yes, the book is loaded with tables. However, this is not a weakness, but rather, a strength. The tables help our minds see patterns, and this helps for recall when using it in the language.

Pros:

1. Loaded with exercises, dialogues, poetry, short stories (e.g., "Rumpelstilzchen,"....recognize this fairy tale already?), biographies, cultural tidbits, and yes...tables

2. Lots of pictures

3. Audio CD for some material

4. Online supplemental exercises

5. Crystal clear grammatical explanations


Cons:

1. Limited answer key

2. Not ideal for self-study

This book is well-equipped to take you to the intermediate level, assuming you are studying in a classroom setting.


Viel Erfolg! (auf Englisch: Wishing you success!)

I got my package right on time and in perfect condition. Thank you so much for getting my package to me so quickly and without any trouble. I will definitely use you again.

The book came with a set of corresponding CDs, so great! I was impressed by the great quality of the book upon arrival. Would buy again.