UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
DEPARTMENT OF GERMAN STUDIES
MODERN GERMAN LANGUAGE I
(All degrees)
Please read the following carefully. It should help you understand what you
are expected to do, and why you are expected to do it. You should also look
regularly at the noticeboard for details of groups, names, places and times.
The aims of the First Year language course are
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To identify and rectify grammar problems.
To increase vocabulary, both general and specialised.
To improve translation skills (both into English and into German)
To improve oral and written competence in English.
To improve oral skills.
To cultivate sensitivity towards language in general, and an awareness
of register, semantics and style in particular.
To encourage correct dictionary usage.
To encourage you to understand that language learning is not confined
to formal tuition, but that language acquisition can be significantly
improved by good practice at the level of self help.
To make you aware of the resources available, both in print and on
screen.
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You will have three regular weekly language classes:
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ONE one-hour Grammar class in a group of 7 or 8. The emphasis here
is on grammar work. The course handbooks are Martin Durrell (ed.)
Hammer’s German and Usage, London, (4th ed.) 2002, and Martin
Durrell et al. Practising German Grammar, London, 1996. In addition
you should spend at least one hour per week doing the grammar
exercises using online Hammer Grammar or other online grammar
materials as directed by your tutor. You will normally be asked to do
regular preparation for class as well as regular homework.
ONE one-hour Translation class concentrating on translation from
German into English and English into German. This class prepares you
for the GE1011 Translation Exam (GE1021 Ger/IB) and the translation
element in the GE1012 Comprehension and Composition exam
(GE1022 Ger/IB), both of which take place at the end of the year.
The Translation classes take place on Tuesdays some time between 10
and 1. You will normally be asked to do two or three pieces of written
homework per term as well as regular preparation for class.

ONE one-hour Conversation GERMAN class. This focuses on
developing not only oral skills, but also practical skills, such as
presentation. The Conversation class will also include an element of
written comprehension work as well as introduce you to German letter
writing skills preparing you for the GE1012 Comprehension and
Composition Exam (GE1022 Ger/IB) at the end of the year. In the
second term work will be linked in part to a project, usually done in
pairs or groups of three. Your Conversation class teacher will explain
this in good time.
In addition you are required to do independent grammar work for at least
one hour per week on the online Hammer Grammar exercises, or other online
grammar resources.
While all three language classes should contribute to the widening of your
vocabulary, the acquisition and learning of new vocabulary is YOUR
responsibility. You should make the effort to read a German language
newspaper on a regular basis and also keep a vocabulary book in which you
note down and revise new words. There are no vocabulary lessons or tests.
The Grammar class and Translation class groups and times are posted on
the First Year Notice board on Thursday from 3pm in week 1, after the results
of the diagnostic test are known.
It is important that you stay in the groups allotted to you, unless the time
specified clashes unavoidably with another centrally timetabled class. If
change is absolutely unavoidable, you must contact me (Grit Brendecke),
directly and immediately in room 211. A revised notice of all classes will be
posted at the beginning of week 2.
Conversation class times will also be posted on Thursday in week 1. When
you know your Translation class and Grammar class times you sign up for
your Conversation class.
Your language classes begin in week 2.
Rechtschreibreform
As you’re doubtlessly aware, German spelling has (recently) been officially
revised. Although, it has been a long and controversial process and The
Rechtschreibreform has still not gained universal acceptance in the Germanspeaking countries., it is our policy to encourage use of the new spelling,
whilst not penalising anyone using the old forms (which you will see in prereform published texts). One of the best features of the new system is that the
rule about the ß character has been simplified. Whichever system you choose,
you should aim for consistency, and avoid mixing up the 2 forms. Your
language tutors will advise.
Finally: remember that you’re here at Warwick because you’ve already shown
that you’re good enough at German to reach honours degree level. We know
you’re all capable of building on your existing knowledge and skills, of
extending your vocabulary, general and specialised, of improving your oral
fluency, and generally feeling good about using a complex but fascinating
language. But (and there’s always a but!) only you really know precisely what
you need to do to improve. You only get out of language learning what you
put in. Your regular classes are only one of several learning opportunities
Warwick has to offer:
 Use the Library (newspapers and magazines on the ground floor)
 Use the World Wide Web, especially the links pages on the German
Department Homepage.
 Use the opportunity to watch German TV and use other materials in the
Transnational Resources Centre on the Ground Floor of Humanities.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/trc
 Use all the online material available such as the Hammer Grammar
exercises
Grit Brendecke
First Year Language Co-ordinator
Sept 2014, Room H211
Email: G.A.Brendecke@warwick.ac.uk