Best Books for Learning German

Even when we have online technology that allows us to make our readings online and swiping through e-books

Even when we have online technology that allows us to make our readings online and swiping through e-books instead of turning pages, printed books are still the delight of many. A considerable amount of the population still prefers hard copies of books instead of online ones. Some consider that if kids are to be immersed into the German language, they should do this through books instead of online. Books for studying German allow you to take your learning everywhere. This is why we have made a selection of some of the best books for learning German.

  • Collins German Dictionary. Let us begin with the dictionary. This one contains examples of how the terms and phrases are used in everyday language. Practically a must to complement your German lessons.
  • The Oxford-Duden German Mini-dictionary: German-English English-German. With over 50,000 terms and phrases and over 70,000 translations, take this mini-dictionary with you for quick searches.
  • Essential German Grammar. A very user-friendly and easy introduction to German grammar book by Martin Durrell, Katrin Kohl and Gudrun Loftus.
  • Hammer´s German Grammar and Usage by Martin Durell. This textbook is an authority and has been preeminent in almost every German course. With a special focus on student learning and understanding, it is advised for those who already have background in learning German.
  • Living German: A grammar-based course. A pretty comprehensive book and workbook that applies traditional learning method of German lessons. It is the typical workbook that provides examples, vocabularies, and exercises at the end of the lesson with their answers at the end of the book. A great choice for beginning learners.
  • German Grammar made easy by Lisa Kahlen. This one is part of a language learning series that includes German. Instructions are written in English with German exercises. Not exactly the book for beginners but for intermediates who are looking for an expansion of their vocabulary and honing of grammar skills.
  • Practice makes Perfect German Vocabulary by Ed Swick. This is part of the Practice Makes Perfect series and ideal for learning basic German grammar. It includes English explanations of the basic German grammar by focusing on a theme in every lesson. Pretty useful for beginning and intermediate learners. It includes several exercises to help you master what you learn in every one of the German lessons.

If what you are looking for is practicing your German with literature, these are two classic selections from which to choose. They use basic German and do not use long complicated sentences.

  • Die Verwandlung, by Franz Kafka is a classic work of fiction first published in 1915. Its lack of complicated vocabulary and use of short, simple sentences makes it ideal for German learners to practice the language.
  • Die Schachnovelle by Stefan Zweig is his last and most important novella. It narrates the story of a Gestapo prisoner that plays chess against himself to keep his sanity. Declared insane, he is released and that leads to a series of interesting events. Due to its simple sentence structure, brevity, and basic vocabulary, it is recommended for German beginning learners.

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