German Lesson Grammar
A German Grammar in Progressive Lessons (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from German Lesson Grammar: A German Grammar in Progressive Lessons

The only possible apology for a new German Grammar, at this day, is the attempt to present in simpler, clearer, easier form - that is, for learning and teaching - the essential and commonplace facts and principles of the language. This, then, is the cause and the aim of the present book.

In method, the effort has been made to combine rapid progress with (relatively) systematic development. For this purpose the scheme - in part found in the Joynes-Meissner German Grammar - is here more fully employed; that is, the successive Parts of Speech, and the Verb, are developed pari passu in each lesson; so that the student is early in possession of the materials for intelligent reading. Thus, it is hoped, a middle path is opened between the lesson book on the one hand and the rigidly systematic grammar on the other. The success of this effort, in the present case, must of course be tested by experience.

The question, what is "essential" - or how much a grammar for learners should contain - is one on which general agreement is perhaps impossible. So much, however, in the opinion of this writer, that one book should suffice for the usual course of study; for every change of text or method - even from a poorer to a better - involves, confusion and loss. On the other hand, it is unreasonable to demand that a grammar for school or college should include every detail. Indeed, from long experience, the writer ventures the opinion that often too much stress is laid on mere grammar study, to the exclusion of better methods. Ease and rapidity of progress, and the early mastery of intelligent reading, are more important than any formal system.

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