Short Stories in German: New Penguin Parallel Text

Book Overview

Eight short stories with parallel translations in German and English

This volume offers students of German at all levels the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of contemporary literature in the original language, without having to constantly refer to a dictionary.

These stories reflect a rich diversity of styles and themes, from Georg Klein's and Gabriel Wohmann's explorations of nationality and change, to Judith Hermann's poignant tale of the end of a relationship.

Complete with notes, the stories make excellent reading in either language.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140265422
• ISBN13: 9780140265422
• Release Date: December 2003
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.6" x 5.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Not for Newbies

I wish not to affect the rating of this book, nor discredit it. The reason being, I don't know enough. But there in-lies the point. As others have commented, this book is great for people who have an "intermediate" mastery of the language, or have gone through 4 years of German in college. But, if you're picking up the language on your own, though audio cds, flash cards, etc., this book is a bit overwhelming. To the relative beginner, the sentences are long, with complex words and sentence structure. I would say that your average native English speaker with high school diploma would be in the thick of it reading the English alone. I intend to hang onto this book until I know a bit more. Until then, I'm considering picking up some children's books in German, to get the hang of more simple sentences. It's not that I haven't learned anything from this book, it's just too much, for now.

Terrific way to develop vocabulary and gain proficiency

I figured that it would be beneficial to try this book, but I also thought that it would be boring drudgery. No way! Although I'm still going through it, I've already ordered the second book that they've since published. A previous reviewer stated that he prefers to first read the English and then look at the German. One can no doubt finish the book in a fraction of the time that way but probably get only a fraction of the value out it. What I find so fascinating is how German builds it's vocabulary on existing words. I'm constantly exclaming to myself "why didn't I see that?" or, "Isn't that interesting, I see it now." It's like being on a constant treasure hunt - you're surrounded by clues and have only to use your noggin go figure it out.

Best so Far

This is one of the best foreign language reader series I've found so far. This book has a great mix of simple and complex syntax, words, etc. to create a great learning tool for any level of reader.

Works For Me

Learning styles differ so much (I expect especially regarding foreign languages) that I hesitate to offer this personal perspective. However, this book works for me. I am a veteran of 4 semesters of college German and have occasionally used language CD's to review conversational German for trips abroad. I have struggled to watch movies like "Run Lola Run" or "Das Boot" auf Deutsch. However, the fact is that I am not very proficient in the language and could benefit from additional German reading matter. But the problem is sitting with the book in one hand and a German dictionary in the other hand, trying to decide which of several meanings of a word applies and then missing the colloquial sense of a phrase anyway. So this volume has several things going for it. The stories are engaging. Because they are short, each provides a bitesize piece of reading and a sense of accomplishment when you finish. What I find works best for me is to read an entire paragraph in English to get a sense of where the story is going and then tackle it sentence by sentence in German, referring back to the translation as needed. This seems to provide an ideal solution for me and conceivably will for others coming from a similar place. Certainly, one will need some background in German to provide the needed vocabulary.

GOOD LEARNING TOOL

WHILE THE TRANSLATIONS TEND TO BE MORE LITERARY THAN LITERAL I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE A GREAT LEARNING TOOL AS WELL AS ENJOYABLE READING.