FGL: Introduction
Foundations of German Language and Culture
Guten Tag!
As you begin your study of German, consider the following:
German is the official language in seven countries of the European Union: it is exclusively spoken in Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein, in a large portion of Switzerland, and regionally in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Südtirol (northern Italy, bordering Austria). It is the second most popular language to learn in the European Union, owing largely to Germany's status as Europe's greatest economic power, and ranks among the top ten most frequently spoken languages in the world.
Studying German offers valuable, real-world applications. Knowledge of German improves your chances of employment, as German companies abroad and foreign companies in Germany and other German-speaking countries seek experts with knowledge of German. Many American universities have partnerships with German universities, allowing for immersion study of German abroad and practical training in German-speaking Europe. You will notice many similarities between the English and German languages; indeed, English is a Germanic language, and the hundreds of cognates the languages share will assist you in comprehending and learning German vocabulary. Let's get started. Viel Erfolg!
In this module students will be introduced to the most basic elements of the German language: its alphabet with special characters, common German expressions for greetings, farewells, and expressions of courtesy, in oral and written forms. In addition, students will learn to express sequenced information such as the numbers (0 - 1000), days of the week, months, and seasons. Other focal points of the first unit include...
- simple instructions, such as classroom procedures and basic computer terminology.
- examples of vocabulary, phrases, proverbs, and symbols from the target language that are used in other subjects.
- similarities and differences in sound systems, writing systems, cognates, gender, and level appropriate idioms.
- basic sound distinctions and intonation patterns and their effects on communicating meaning in the German language.
Essential Questions:
- Learning Task 1: How do we pronounce the German Alphabet and relevant vowel/consonant combinations?
- Learning Task 2: What is the main cultural difference between the way Germans and Americans greet and address each other and how is this difference reflected in the German language?
- Learning Task 3 : How we do greet others and introduce ourselves in German?
- Learning Task 4: What are the numbers, colors and days of the week in German?
- Learning Task 5 : What are definite and indefinite articles and what are some of the vocabulary words to describe household items?
Key Terms
Your key terms for this module will appear in the content pages that follow. Be sure to ask your instructor if you have any questions.
German I Standards
- German I Standards - Foundations Links to an external site.
- National Technology Net Standards Links to an external site.
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