German For Dummies

by Wendy Foster

Overview

It's easy to speak and understand German with the Dummies language method

German For Dummies is a clear and easy introduction to German that speeds up the process of speaking the language. The trusted Dummies language learning method is quick and practical, so you'll know what to say and do when traveling to a German-speaking country or interacting with German speakers in your community. You'll learn the basics of German grammar and pronunciation, and then you'll explore common phrases you'll need in everyday situations. Get ready to study, work, or travel abroad—integrate German into your everyday life. This essential resource helps you make small talk, understand common expressions, navigate business settings, ask for directions, go to the doctor, and beyond

• Learn how German works—grammar, pronunciation, and important constructions
• Build your vocabulary with an updated mini-dictionary and learn common expressions you'll hear while abroad
• Brush up your conversation skills with authentic dialogues, plus follow along with online audio
• Get practice reading, writing, and speaking German, so you're ready to communicate effectively

With German For Dummies, students, travelers, and business professionals can gain the confidence to converse in German.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394321261
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Wendy Foster studied German for 4 years in Munich. She fell in love with the lifestyle, and worked there for 25 years, intermittently bouncing back to Paris to complete her MA in French.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with German 7

Chapter 1: You Already Know a Little German 9

Chapter 2: Pronunciation Basics 23

Chapter 3: Meeting and Greeting 33

Chapter 4: Getting Numbers, Time, and Measurements Straight 45

Chapter 5: The Nitty-Gritty: Basic German Grammar 57

Chapter 6: Talking About Home and Family 79

Part 2: German in Action 89

Chapter 7: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk 91

Chapter 8: Asking for Directions 111

Chapter 9: Guten Appetit! Dining Out and Going to the Market 131

Chapter 10: Shopping Made Easy 155

Chapter 11: Taking Care of Business and Telecommunications 171

Chapter 12: Recreation and the Great Outdoors 189

Part 3: German on the Go 209

Chapter 13: Going Out on the Town 211

Chapter 14: Planning a Trip 231

Chapter 15: Making Sense of Euros and Cents 241

Chapter 16: Getting Around: Planes, Trains, Taxis, and Buses 251

Chapter 17: Finding a Place to Stay 271

Chapter 18: Handling Emergencies 287

Part 4: The Part of Tens 305

Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Pick Up German Quickly 307

Chapter 20: Ten Things Never to Say in German 313

Chapter 21: Ten Favorite German Expressions 319

Chapter 22: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound German 323

Part 5: Appendices 327

Appendix A: German-English Mini-Dictionary 329

Appendix B: Verb Tables 347

Appendix C: Answer Key 359

Index 363