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Hammer’s German Grammar And Usage: An Honest Review

For serious students of the German language, there comes a point where you need more than a simple textbook. You need a comprehensive, authoritative reference guide to help you navigate the complexities of German grammar. The book “Hammer’s German Grammar And Usage” is widely considered a classic in this field, but is it the right choice for you?

I’ve had a chance to look through this book, and I want to share my honest thoughts. Does it live up to its reputation as the go-to guide for intermediate and advanced German learners? Let’s take a closer look.

Why a Comprehensive Grammar Book is Essential

At higher levels of German, it’s easy to get stuck on subtle grammatical rules, exceptions, and proper usage in different contexts. A book like Hammer’s is designed to be a one-stop reference. Instead of guessing, you can look up a topic and find a detailed explanation, allowing you to move forward with confidence in your writing and speaking.

A Deep Dive into the Book’s Content

This book is not a light read or a workbook; it’s a serious academic resource. It’s designed to be a desk reference that you’ll return to again and again.

In-depth and Authoritative Explanations

What sets this book apart is the sheer depth of its explanations. It covers everything from basic verb conjugations and noun cases to more advanced topics like modal particles, subjunctive moods, and word order in complex sentences. The explanations are thorough and provide a level of detail that is hard to find in a standard textbook.

Focus on Usage and Examples

Hammer’s doesn’t just list rules; it provides a wealth of examples to illustrate how grammar is used in real-world German. The book is filled with sentences that demonstrate the correct usage, and it often points out common errors that English speakers make. This focus on “usage” alongside “grammar” is what makes it so valuable.

Who is This Book For?

This book is an excellent resource for a wide range of individuals.

Intermediate to Advanced Learners

If you have already completed a beginner’s course in German and you want to truly master the language, this book is perfect for you. It’s too dense for a beginner, but it’s essential for anyone at the B1 level and beyond.

Academics and Teachers

For university students, academics, and German language teachers, this book is an indispensable reference tool. Its comprehensive nature makes it a reliable source for resolving grammatical questions.

Pros and Cons of the Book

Pros:

Extremely Comprehensive: It covers virtually every aspect of German grammar and usage.
Authoritative and Reliable: It is a well-respected classic in the field.
Rich with Examples: The book provides a wealth of real-world examples to aid understanding.

Cons:

Not for Beginners: The book is dense and lacks the visual appeal and simple exercises that a beginner needs.
No Practice Exercises: It is a reference guide, not a workbook, so it doesn’t contain exercises for you to practice what you’ve learned.

How to Use This Book Effectively

Use it as a Reference: Don’t try to read it from cover to cover. Instead, use it as a desk reference to look up specific grammar points as they come up in your studies.
Focus on Examples: Pay close attention to the examples. They will help you understand how to use the grammar rules correctly.
Supplement with a Workbook: For the best results, use Hammer’s alongside a dedicated workbook to practice the grammar you look up.

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