THE
EVERYTHING_®
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Dear Reader,

Danke schön! Thanks for choosing The Everything® German Phrase Book as your vehicle for learning or brushing up on your German. I think you’re going to find it easy to use and the perfect companion for your journey through the German-speaking world.

My long-held interest in German is no mystery. Some in my family came from Germany, so I had the advantage of hearing the language from childhood. When I began my formal study of German, I realized my interest in it was the fundamental part of my future profession, and I ended up in graduate school in Hamburg. That marvelous city became my second home and my base for adventures into other areas of Germany. After I became a teacher of German in the United States, I never lost the need to travel back to my second home and became acquainted with every region of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

My hope is that this book will help to guide you in discovering the wonderful things and friendly people that the German-speaking countries of Europe have to offer. You’re going to be surprised how many smiles you’ll earn when you approach a shopkeeper or passerby with one of your German phrases.

Have fun learning. Viel Spaß!