Introduction

Willkommen! Das Thema für Lektion 1 ist Die Ferien

Wie waren die Ferien? Was hast du gemacht?

A stop along the Romantic Road in southern Germany in the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a historical and beautiful vacation destination. With its medieval atmosphere and modern hospitality, Rothenburg is sure to give any traveler a memorable trip.

Germans are among some of the most traveled people in the world. When provided the opportunity to get away, most Germans take off for places all over the world. Even within their own borders, the places to visit are abundant. Whether it be to relax or to live it up, any traveler can find what he is looking for in the German-speakinbg countries. As you begin your German 3 travels, pack your bags and get ready to explore one stretch of road in Germany which is packed full of history and things to see.

Die Romantische Straße

The Romantic Road, or as it known in Germany, die Romantische Straße, is located within the state of Bavaria in the southern part of Germany. It has been said by many tourists that this stretch captures the essence of German history and culture. It stretches from Würzburg in the north to the city of Füssen near the Alps.

As die Romantische Straße winds southward, travelers are swept back to medieval times as they walk the once walled cities. Half-timbered houses and dense forests atop rolling hills with the Bavarian Alps in the distance call to any photographer. Palaces, churches, castles, and more are around every bend. It is a trip that is sure to please any traveler.

Each unit in this course is divided into three sections (Stufen). Each section will contain material that will build upon material that was presented in the previous section. It will be very important for you to work consistently and in order as you continue to build your skills in German, beginning right here, with the first unit of this third year of study.

Course Symbols
As you begin working in this German course, we want to make it easier for you to know what to do and when. Use these icons as clues to what kind of activity is coming up throughout the course, and don't forget to have fun!!

Die Umlaute and ess-tset
You remember that writing in German requires the use of letters that are not used in English. The umlauted vowel is part of the actual spelling of the word, and you will need to use these letters when you turn in written assignments to your teacher. There is an explanation in the Course Home section, and it is repeated here. Learn how to make Umlaute here.

Lektion Eins
Your German 3 course is going to begin by talking about your vacation. You will reinforce material that you have studied in German prior to this course as well as learning some new vocabulary, structures, and culture.

In Die Ferien you will:

1. review talking about where you went on vacation, what you did, and how the weather was.
2. learn new vocabulary and culture about driving in Germany
3. review German verbs
4. continue to develop conversational skills
5. begin to focus on reading comprehension skills

Unit Activities
Below is a list of the various activities in the unit. Though no activities should be skipped, the activities that are listed here are for a grade in the course and the point values are in red.

1. Stufe 1, Seite A, Diskussionsforum: 12 Punkte
2. Stufe 1, Seite A, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 12 Punkte
3. Stufe 1, Seite A, Diskussionsforum: 18 Punkte
4. Stufe 1, Seite B, Review quiz: 23 Punkte
5. Section 1, Seite C, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 12 Punkte
6. Stufe 1, Seite D, Websuche: 16 Punkte
7. Stufe 1, Seite E, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 15 Punkte
8. Stufe 1, Seite E, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 10 Punkte
9. Quiz 1: 38 Punkte
10. Stufe 2, Seite A, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 16 Punkte
11. Stufe 2, Seite A, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 16 Punkte
12. Stufe 2, Seite B, Mini-Projekt: 16 Punkte
13. Stufe 2, Seite C, Websuche: 8 Punkte
14. Stufe 2, Seite C, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 15 Punkte
15. Stufe 2, Seite C, Mündliche Aufgabe: 10 Punkte
16. Quiz 2: 40 Punkte
17. Stufe 3, Seite A, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 28 Punkte
18. Stufe 3, Seite B, Schriftliche Aufgabe: 15 Punkte
19. Quiz 3: 38 Punkte
20. Unit Examen: 114 Punkte

You should keep in mind that during the course of this unit, you should spend time doing the following daily:

1. Vocabulary activities, just drilling vocabulary (flashcards), at least 15 minutes daily.
2. Practicing structures that are presented in the sections.
3. Reviewing any vocabulary that is used that you did not previously know.
4. Learning about the various Kulturelle Leckerbissen ("Cultural Tidbits").

Weiter: Stufe 1, Seite A