1. Introduction
The Kontakte textbook, Seventh Edition, is designed to facilitate the learning of German through a truly communicative approach. This manual provides guidance on utilizing the textbook and its associated digital resources effectively to achieve functional proficiency in German. It addresses the evolving landscape of language education, including the integration of technology and varied course formats.
Figure 1: Front cover of the Kontakte 7th Edition textbook, featuring abstract artwork and the title "KONTAKTE A COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH".
Authored by Erwin Tschirner, Brigitte Nikolai, and Tracy Terrell, Kontakte incorporates extensive research to meet the key goals of introductory German courses, focusing on communication and cultural competence.
2. Getting Started: Utilizing Connect German
The Seventh Edition of Kontakte is enhanced by Connect German, a powerful online learning platform. This platform is crucial for a comprehensive learning experience and includes various digital tools.
- Accessing Connect German: Visit www.connectgerman.com to register and access the platform. Note that Connect German, including the workbook/lab manual, video program, and chat tools, is sold separately and does not automatically come with the purchase of the textbook.
- Included Resources: The platform provides an ebook version of the textbook, an online Arbeitsbuch (workbook), an audio/video chat feature for interactive practice, and new video content filmed in Leipzig to enhance cultural immersion.
- Flexible Learning: Connect German offers a flexible solution for various course formats, including face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning environments.
3. Operating the Textbook and Platform
The Kontakte textbook is structured to engage students in authentic culture and build confidence in communication.
- Communicative Approach: Focus on developing functional proficiency through natural contexts. Engage with dialogues, exercises, and cultural notes designed to foster real-world communication skills.
- Grammar Integration: While communicative, the textbook also provides a structured approach to grammar. It is recommended to supplement with a grammatical companion for a concise overview of rules.
- Vocabulary Acquisition: Pay attention to the vocabulary presented in each chapter. Some words may appear in directions before being formally introduced in vocabulary lists; use context clues or a dictionary as needed.
- Group Activities: Many activities are designed for group interaction, making the textbook ideal for classroom settings. Participate actively to maximize immersion.
- Cultural Immersion: Utilize the cultural tidbits, German fairy tales, and nursery rhymes to deepen understanding of German culture. Watch German films and listen to German audio outside of class to acclimate to the language's sound and cultural nuances.
4. Maintenance and Care
To ensure the longevity and usability of your Kontakte textbook, follow these care guidelines:
- Physical Book Care: Keep the book in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending the spine excessively.
- Writing in the Book: If you must write in the book, use pencil lightly so that notes can be erased without damaging the pages.
- Digital Platform Access: Ensure your device meets the system requirements for Connect German. Keep your browser and operating system updated for optimal performance.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues users might encounter with the Kontakte textbook and Connect German platform.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot access Connect German features (e.g., Arbeitsbuch, videos). | Connect German access is sold separately from the textbook. | Ensure you have purchased and registered for Connect German access. Visit www.connectgerman.com for purchase and registration details. |
| Difficulty making notations or writing directly on the Kindle edition. | Kindle editions typically have limited functionality for direct writing or complex annotations compared to physical books or PDF versions on tablets. | Use a separate notebook for exercises requiring written answers or complex diagrams. Utilize the highlighting feature available in the Kindle app for text emphasis. |
| Unfamiliar vocabulary in instructions or exercises. | Some German words may appear in directions before being formally introduced in vocabulary lists. | Use context clues to infer meaning, or consult a German-English dictionary. Over time, as your vocabulary expands, this will become less frequent. |
6. Specifications
Key specifications for the Kontakte textbook, 7th Edition:
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
- Publication Date: January 9, 2012
- Edition: 7th
- Language: English (for instructions and explanations), German (for content)
- Print Length: 560 pages
- ISBN-10: 0073386340
- ISBN-13: 978-0073386348
- Item Weight: 3.25 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 1 x 11.1 inches
7. Warranty and Support
Information regarding specific warranty details for the Kontakte textbook or direct product support from McGraw-Hill Education is not provided within the available product data. For support related to Connect German or other digital resources, please refer to the support section on the Connect German website or contact McGraw-Hill Education directly.
