Say It in German - Practical German Conversations - I.Befanntidaft machen

Sep 29, 2026

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Practical German conversations designed to train learners to speak through imitation and constant repetition. The preface explains a shift from reading-only competence toward real conversational ability in a shrinking world, and outlines a three-part class routine: instructor-led German sentence reading, chorus and individual repetition until accurate, and home memorization supported by free translations. Conversations are structured for everyday situations without notes or vocabulary, enabling gradual mastery with weekly progression and serving as a supplement to grammar and reading.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages52

Reading Time2 h 11 min

AccessFree to download

Preface

Training approach

Conversation structure and practice method

Acknowledgements

Contents

I. Befanntidaft machen

5 Say It in German M.BLAKEMORE EVANS ROBERT O.RÖSELER F.S.CROFTS &CO. wm Ya000。t N.Layst, Say It in German PRACTICAL GERMAN CONVERSATIONS M.BLAKEMORE EVANSOhio State University ROBERT O.RÖSELERUniversity of Wisconsin F.S.CROFTS &CO. New York1946 COPYRIGHT I945 BY F.S.CROFTS &Co.,INC. No part of the material covered by this copy-right may be reproduced in any form withoutpermission in writing from the publisher. MANUFACTURED IN THEUNITED STATES OF AMERICA First printing,September,1945Second printing,fanuary,1946 Preface Training students to speak foreign languages has received butscant attention in American education.We have been content ifour students acquired a reading knowledge,if they could read andunderstand the great documents of German literature and science.Many reasons might be cited for our attitude,but they are besidethe point,for conditions have changed.Our world has shrunk;weare now much closer to the peoples of Europe,Asia,and South Amer-ica than we were even a decade ago.Today we are all neighbors,and as good neighbors we must be able to understand the languageof others;yes,even more than this,we must be able to speak it,to talk with them. Learning to speak a language is first of all a matter of imitation,and then of constant repetition.It means not the memorizing ofwords only,but of phrases,idioms,sentences,even of whole pages.But this requires some adjustment of teaching techniques and alsothe introduction of new material. To meet these changed conditions is the purpose of this littlebook.The make-up is,we believe,new.There are neither notesnor vocabulary.On each right-hand page is a complete conversa-tion,which illustrates a familiar situation of everyday life.On thereverse page is a free translation of the German sentences—pur-posely free,in order to prevent the student,so far as possible,fromassociating the German,word for word,with the English.Althoughthe number of conversations is necessarily limited,the phrases andsentences are so selected that they may be used with very slightmodification in many different situations. Each conversation is divided into three approximately equalparts.This is to encourage the teacher to devote fifteen minutes ofeach class period to this work,rather than to spend a full hour uponit once a week.To commit six or seven short sentences to memoryevery day is not a severe task,but some twenty sentences once aweek might be so regarded. The start should be made at the first meeting of the class.Theteacher reads in German the first sentence of the first section of No.I.It is repeated in chorus and by individuals until“letter-perfect.”Then the second sentence is repeated in the same manner,and so onuntil the first section is completed.If difficulties of meaning arise, reference is made to the translation.The memorizing of the firstsection becomes part of the home assignment.In general,it isthought that one of the conversations may be mastered each week. Talking is good fun,but a word of warning:no more than fifteenminutes each day!The other things are also vitally important.Our students must learn the fundamentals of grammar;they mustlearn to read and to write.But in these equally essential exercisesthe conversations will prove of definite help.Speaking the languagewill add new zest to the reading;it may even make the study ofgrammar more exciting.In a very real sense these conversations area supplement to both grammar and reader. There remains a pleasant duty.We desire to express our sincerethanks to Professor A.B.Faust,general editor of the Crofts Germanseries,and to our good publisher for many pertinent suggestions andever ready assistance. M.B.E. R.O.R. Contents I.Befannticaft ntacden1XIII.Sm Serrengejdäft25II.9Befanntjdaft maden3XIV.Sn ber ③rogerie27III.id)gurecdtfinoen5XV.Befud)29IV.Die Beit7XVI.Beim 9Irzt31V.Sm Gijenbabnabteil9XVII.Sn ber Oper33VI.Sm Gpeiferoagen11XVIII.9luf bem Boftamt35VII.Sm Sotel13XIX.2Yuf ber Banf

FAQs

What teaching approach does the book use to help students speak German?

It emphasizes imitation and constant repetition, focusing on memorizing phrases, idioms, sentences, and complete pages rather than only individual words.

How are the conversations organized for classroom practice?

Each conversation is divided into three approximately equal parts so teachers can devote about fifteen minutes per class period to the work.

What role do the translations on the reverse page play?

The reverse page provides a free translation of the German sentences, intentionally not word-for-word, to reduce direct German-to-English association and support understanding when needed.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Aditya