Woerterbuch.pdf

Who needs a “Basic Vocabulary”?
Any student learning a foreign language must master a certain vocabulary
base before he or she can communicate or read in that language.
Acquisition of that base vocabulary requires study, often outside of the
classroom setting.
Langenscheidt’s Basic German Vocabulary is designed to facilitate the
acquisition of that core vocabulary in the easiest and most efficient
manner possible. It is meant for use by beginning learners with no
previous knowledge of the German language, by more advanced students
as a review and for test preparation, and by anyone as preparation for
pleasure or business travel into a German-speaking country.
Those who have successfully worked through Langenscheidt’s Basic
German Vocabulary will have the necessary knowledge to function and
communicate in all everyday situations in German.
Why a “Basic Vocabulary”?
The German Language, like any other language, is comprised of millions
of words, yet 50 YO of normal spoken and written texts are comprised of
only 66 words. Students rightfully ask, which words do I have to learn in
order to carry on an everyday conversation or read a text written for the
average German speaker?
The magic answer is usually 2,000 words, i.e., a student who has master-
ed the basic 2,000 core vocabulary words has learned the most important
words used in 80% of all written and oral communication.
Langenscheidt’s “Basic German Vocabulary” contains two times 2,000
words.The core 2,000 words are followed by a second group of the 2,000
next most frequently used words which comprise afurther 5 YO-10 YO of all
written and oral communication.
The division of the thematically-organized entries into two groups,
“1 -2,000” and “2,001 -4,000”, identifies for the learner those words which
should be learned immediately and those which can be reserved for
second level learning. Once they have mastered the first 2,000 words,
students have the option of increasing their vocabulary over a wide
subject range, or concentrating on specific areas of interest, such as law,
economics, etc.
Why a bilingual “Basic Vocabulary”?
The use of the target language to teach the language is the norm in most
programs today. Usually a new word is explained in simple German and
illustrated with practical examples.
The practical teaching situation, however, requires flexibility in using the
native language, especially when difficult concepts need to be clarified.
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