Schritte Plus A1 1 Neu

Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 is a widely used textbook and workbook combination designed for adult learners beginning their journey into the German language. It forms the first part of the A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This article provides a comprehensive overview of what you can expect from Schritte Plus Neu A1.1, its key features, its strengths and weaknesses, and tips on how to use it effectively.

What does Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 cover?

The textbook is structured around several thematically organized Lektionen (lessons). Each Lektion introduces new vocabulary, grammar concepts, and practical phrases, all within the context of everyday situations. The core topics usually include:

• Introducing yourself and others: Learning how to say your name, where you are from, and basic personal information.
• Greetings and farewells: Mastering common greetings like "Hallo," "Guten Tag," and "Auf Wiedersehen," and understanding different ways to say goodbye.
• Numbers, time, and days of the week: Learning to count, tell the time, and identify the days of the week and months.
• Family and friends: Expanding vocabulary related to family members and relationships.
• Hobbies and interests: Discussing leisure activities and personal interests.
• Food and drinks: Learning the names of common foods and beverages, and how to order them.
• Living and working: Talking about where you live and what you do for a living.
• Asking for directions and understanding locations: Learning how to ask for directions and understand prepositions of place.

Grammar is introduced gradually and systematically. Key grammatical concepts covered in Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 include:

• Personal pronouns: Learning the correct usage of ich, du, er, sie, es, wir, ihr, sie.
• Verb conjugation (present tense): Conjugating regular and irregular verbs in the present tense.
• The verbs "sein" and "haben": Mastering the use of these essential verbs.
• Question formation: Learning how to ask questions using "W-Fragen" (who, what, where, when, why, how) and yes/no questions.
• The accusative case: Understanding the basic usage of the accusative case, particularly with definite articles.
• Definite and indefinite articles: Learning the difference between der, die, das and ein, eine, ein.
• Negation: Learning how to negate sentences using "nicht" and "kein."

Each Lektion typically follows a similar structure:

• Introduction: An opening dialogue or text introduces the topic and new vocabulary.
• Vocabulary presentation: New words and phrases are presented with pictures and audio recordings.
• Grammar explanation: Grammar rules are explained clearly and concisely, with examples.
• Exercises: A variety of exercises provide practice in using the new vocabulary and grammar. These exercises often include listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking practice, and writing exercises.
• Phonetics: Some Lektionen include sections focusing on German pronunciation.
• "Landeskunde" (cultural notes): Short texts or videos provide insights into German culture and customs.
• "Kann-Beschreibungen" (Can-do statements): At the end of each Lektion, you'll find a list of "Kann-Beschreibungen" that clearly state what you should be able to do after completing the lesson. This helps you track your progress and identify areas where you need more practice.

Key Features of Schritte Plus Neu A1.1

• Clear and structured approach: The textbook follows a clear and logical progression, making it easy to follow for beginners.
• Up-to-date content: The Neu (new) edition features updated content and reflects current trends in German language and culture.
• Integration of multimedia: The textbook is often accompanied by audio CDs or online resources that provide listening practice and pronunciation support.
• Emphasis on communicative competence: The focus is on developing practical communication skills that can be used in real-life situations.
• Regular review sections: Each few chapters, the text provides dedicated review sections to reinforce what has been learned.
• Workbook included: The workbook provides additional exercises and activities to consolidate learning. It often includes exercises that focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

Strengths of Schritte Plus Neu A1.1

• Beginner-friendly: The textbook is designed specifically for beginners and introduces concepts gradually.
• Comprehensive coverage: It covers all the essential topics and grammar points for the A1.1 level.
• Practical focus: The emphasis on communicative competence helps learners to use German in real-life situations.
• Variety of exercises: The textbook offers a wide range of exercises to cater to different learning styles.
• Good for self-study: The clear explanations and detailed exercises make it suitable for self-study. However, having a teacher or language partner is always beneficial for feedback and practice.

Weaknesses of Schritte Plus Neu A1.1

• Can be a bit repetitive: Some learners may find the exercises repetitive, particularly if they prefer a more dynamic learning approach.
• Limited focus on pronunciation: While the textbook includes some phonetics sections, it may not be sufficient for learners who need more intensive pronunciation practice. Supplementing with other resources focusing on pronunciation is often recommended.
• Cultural notes are brief: The "Landeskunde" sections offer a brief introduction to German culture, but learners who are interested in a deeper understanding may need to consult additional resources.
• Requires consistent effort: Like any language learning program, Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 requires consistent effort and dedication to be effective.

Tips for using Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 effectively

1. Set realistic goals: Don't try to learn too much too quickly. Focus on mastering each Lektion before moving on to the next.
2. Study regularly: Consistency is key to language learning. Try to study for a short period of time each day rather than cramming for hours once a week.
3. Actively engage with the material: Don't just passively read the textbook. Do all the exercises, listen to the audio recordings, and practice speaking German as much as possible.
4. Use a dictionary: Look up any words you don't understand. A good online dictionary like dict.cc or leo.org can be very helpful.
5. Practice speaking German: Find a language partner or tutor to practice speaking German with. You can also join a conversation group or take a German class.
6. Immerse yourself in the language: Watch German movies and TV shows, listen to German music, and read German books and articles.
7. Review regularly: Go back and review previous Lektionen to reinforce what you have learned.
8. Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning a new language. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.
9. Use online resources: There are many online resources that can supplement your learning, such as websites, apps, and YouTube channels.
10. Consider using flashcards: Flashcards are a great way to memorize vocabulary and grammar rules. Apps like Anki are excellent for spaced repetition learning.
11. Don't be afraid to ask for help: If you are struggling with a particular concept, don't hesitate to ask your teacher, tutor, or language partner for help.

Conclusion

Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 is a solid and reliable textbook for beginners learning German. Its clear structure, comprehensive coverage, and practical focus make it an excellent choice for both classroom and self-study. By following the tips outlined in this article and dedicating time and effort to your studies, you can successfully complete Schritte Plus Neu A1.1 and build a strong foundation in the German language. Remember that learning a language is a journey, and consistency and active engagement are crucial for success. Good luck with your German studies!