German I , Semester I; Die Grüße
Sections:

Introduction  |  Section 1  |  Section 2  |  Section 3  |  Dictionaries

Introduction

Welcome to die Grüße, Unit 1!
Each unit in this course is divided into three sections. 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 begin to build your skills in German, beginning right here, with the first unit.

In Grüße you will learn to:

  1. introduce yourself to someone and ask their name
  2. ask how someone is
  3. ask where someone lives
  4. inquire some basic information of others in real conversations
  5. recognize and recite the German alphabet
  6. spell words verbally using the German alphabet
  7. use appropriate basic vocabulary for greeting people at different times of day
  8. choose a farewell appropriate in various situations
  9. begin to learn about the complex nature of language
  10. investigate the Germanic culture and how it differs from ours with regard to talking to an individual
  11. begin to realize the contributions that Germans have made to our world

Icon Symbols
As you work, you will see icon symbols that identify the kind of activity you are doing. Check them here, Look at an explanation here.

 

Umlauts and ß (esstset)
Writing in German requires the use of special symbols that are not used in English. These are called umlauts and esstset in German. These spelling marks over vowels are part of the actual spelling of the word and should be included at all times if the word requires it. How are you going to learn which words need an umlaut? For now, just memorize the word with its special symbol. You will need to make these special symbols 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 special symbols here.

Unit Vocabulary
All the vocabulary in this unit relates to the general theme of meeting people and getting to know them. Click on the two links below to see and hear all of the vocabulary and sentences you will learn here. As you go through the unit, return to this from time to time to practice this vocabulary.

 

Culture Focus
This unit will feature several cultural activites or simply items of interest related to Germany.

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. Section 1, Part B, Rhyme Assignment, memorizing rhyme: 16 points
  2. Section 1, Part B, Discussion, introducing yourself to your classmates: 8 points
  3. Section 1, Part E, Discussion, introducing yourself to your classmates (in German): 8 points
  4. Section 1, Part F, Writing Assignment, talking about how you are and conversation: 16 points
  5. Section 1, Part G, Recording, talking about yourself: 16 points
  6. Section 1 Quiz: 34 points
  7. Section 2, Part B, Recording, talking to your teacher: 16 points
  8. Section 2, Part C, Discussion, talking to your teacher: 16 points
  9. Section 2 Quiz: 30 points
  10. Section 3, Part B, Recording, talking about other people: 16 points
  11. Section 3, Part C, Recording, folksong: 16 points
  12. Section 3, Part D: Einstein Questions: 16 points
  13. Section 3 Quiz: 19 points
  14. Die Grüße Unit Exam: 62 points
  15. Die Grüße Listening Exam: 14 points

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

  1. Vocabulary activities, just drilling vocabulary (flashcards), at least 15 minutes daily.
  2. Practicing the alphabet in German

In die Grüße you will also spend time throughout the unit learning to:

  1. Make umlaut and ß marks
  2. Spell in German
  3. Write Discussion activities
  4. Understand differences in cultural practices

Let's get started!

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