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Everyday German is a CD-ROM package that aims to get the student conversing readily in most basic situations. It has the standard features of most language-learning software programs--voice recognition software (to allow you to compare your German with the real thing), role-plays and grammatical tutorials. After installing the software, the user can choose from a range of basic situations--in the hotel, at the station and so on--and watch a video role-play. There is the option of listening with the full German text and English translation, with the German only or without any supporting text. There is also comprehensive grammatical support that excerpts elements from some of the role-plays and points up various grammatical rules arising from them. While perfectly adequate,
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Everyday German is aimed at the beginner to intermediate level and not, as the promotional blurb claims, at "experienced German speakers". In truth, it's probably best for business travellers or holiday-makers. It's a shame that much of the package seems quite dated. For example, it still refers to the Deutschmark rather than the Euro. The situations strongly recall the 1980s and the grammatical section--with its talk of "partitive articles" and "interrogative adverbs" (and without too much supporting text)--is uncomfortably reminiscent of language learning from the old school. This package does the job but those wanting a bit more fun or something slightly more contemporary might also have a look at programmes run by Berlitz, Mindscape and Auralog. --Toby Green
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