Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Learn German Software.

Ratings

Ease of Use

Learn German software should be intuitive and simple to use.

Feature Set

Learn German software should offer features beyond basic language instruction; the software should apply to both novice learners and advanced. Learn German software should involve all your senses in learning the language: sight (images and reading), touch (writing) and sound (listening and conversation practice).

Ease of Installation

Learn German software should install successfully with few steps.

Help/Support

Learn German software help files should be well written and easy to locate. German language software should offer tutorials to explain difficult concepts. The language software manufacturer should list contact information for telephone and online technical support.

Fundamentals

Learn German software should teach you how to read and write in German, assist you with pronunciation and include exercises to build your German vocabulary. Learn German software should also include German grammar training.

Effectiveness

Learn German software should teach you how to read, write and speak German.

Features

Beginner

This term refers to anyone just starting to learn the German language. A beginner should be able to identify spoken German and understand occasional words, but cannot converse in German.

Intermediate

This level refers to anyone who has some exposure to the German language through high school courses, a German-speaking friend or family member or through a short stay in a German speaking community. Intermediate German learners should be able to converse in basic German.

Advanced

his term refers to those who have a firm grasp of the German language. Advanced students have made an in-depth study German and have honed their command of the German language. An advanced student can communicate easily, with confidence in everyday situations.

Personal Progress Tracking

This feature tracks and illustrates your improvement while using the German language program.

Personalized Learning Paths

This feature allows you to customize how you Learn German using the software. You can learn at your own pace. Most Learn German software will help you determine which learning options meet your needs best.

Fundamentals

Speech Recogntion

Technology that recognizes, evaluates and corrects your German language pronunciation. This feature can pinpoint mispronounced words within sentences.

Listening Comprehension

Helps you judge how well you understand phrases, conversations and German song lyrics.

Reading

Allows you to develop your German reading skills using newspapers, cartoons and other authentic German paraphernalia.

Writing

Allows you to type in German and can correct and evaluate your writing skills. High-end Learn German software offers fast, easy ways to include German accent marks in your writing.

Vocabulary

Allows you to increase the number of German words you can recognize using games, exercises, flash cards and other methods.

Grammar

Gives you an in-depth study of sentence structure, verb conjugation and the other basic German language skills.

Conversation Practice

Allows you to communicate directly with a German speaker-real or computer simulated-through the Internet or by other methods.

Record Playback and Compare

Allows you to take online tests and compare your results with those of other students.

Teaching Tools

Books

Identifies any books included with the German language software.

Videos

Used as a teaching method; sometimes built into the German software or included as separate DVD videos.

Images

Pictures used by the program to help you study vocabulary and German culture.

Audio Tapes

Separate audio aids included with the German software.

Word Tools

Word Processing Converter

Allows you to type a word or phrase in either German or English; the term is then translated into the opposite language.

Word and Root Search

A search tool that allows you to look up conjugated verbs.

Glossary

An alphabetical listing of German words with meanings or interpretations in a various contexts.

Dictionary

A tool that defines German terms. Words are arranged in alphabetical order with spelling, pronunciation, and meaning alongside. Bi-lingual dictionaries provide cross-translations-English to German or German to English.

Learning Games

CrossWord Puzzles

A puzzle in which words correspond to numbered clues. Answers are written into squares of the puzzle. Crossword puzzles are fun diversions that provide mental exercise in any language.

Games

The German language software offers various games to help you to have fun as you learn.

Flash Cards

This learning style shows you screens with words, numbers or pictures in quick succession so that you can practice German language recognition.

Cultural Aspects

The German language program can introduce you to customs, food, geography, history, religion, and other aspects related to German culture.

Online Testing

Provides online testing, allowing you to compare your German abilities with those of other students using the same software.

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