This is really two books in one: a valuable reference resource, and a groundbreaking case study that represents a new approach to constructional semantics. It presents a detailed descriptive survey, using extensive examples collected from the Internet, of German verb constructions in which the expressions durch ('through'), über ('over'), unter ('under'), and um ('around') occur either as inseparable verb prefixes or as separable verb particles. Based on that evidence, the author argues that the prefixed verb constructions and particle verb constructions themselves have meaning, and that this meaning involves subjective construal processes rather than objective information. The constructions prompt us to distribute focal attention according to patterns that can be articulated in terms of Talmy's notion of “perspectival modes”. Among the other topics that play an important role in the analysis are incremental themes, reflexive trajectors, fictive motion, “multi-directional paths”, and “accusative landmarks”.

Comprehensive German grammar reference course with examples, exercises, illustrations and answers. Suitable for self-study, building vocabulary, and developing reading, writing and grammar skills.

"4000 words, phrases and sample sentences arranged by topic. Easily accessible information on grammar, plural and verb forms, and usage."--Back cover.

The challenge that English-language speakers face if they want to speak German well, is to accurately map German nouns to one of three grammatical genders: masculine, feminine or neuter. Native German speakers acquire their knowledge of the grammatical gender of German nouns from early on. They are not given formal instruction at school about matching nouns to their correct gender, and the topic is not covered in standard German grammar books. For the same reason, native speakers who give German language lessons to foreigners do not teach their students how to match nouns to their gender: One cannot teach what one has not been taught. This book fills that gap in that it explains, in plain English, the principles that map German nouns to a specific gender. This allows foreign students of German to unlock the gender of entire categories of nouns, thereby enabling students to speak German more confidently.

This book, designed for students who have already developed a basic competence in German, aims to broaden and improve their vocabulary by providing detailed information on groups of German words with related meanings. It is invaluable as a guide to finding the right word for the context. In order to enhance understanding of the structure of the German vocabulary, groups of synonyms are organised under German (rather than English) headwords. All entries are accompanied by an example of usage and English glosses and there are two indexes allowing users quickly to locate words in German or English. The book takes full account of register variation, indicating the degree of formal or informal use, and reflects regional usage especially in Austria and Switzerland. It is an essential reference for intermediate and advanced students as well as teachers and other professional linguists seeking access to the finer nuances of the German language.

The "Short German Grammar" offers an overview of the most important aspects of grammar.