John Blankenbaker's Germanna History Notes

Note 1163

I have decided that some of these notes should be devoted to instructive material, and the most appropriate subject for us would be the German language.  Now, as an instructor, I rank with the best in the number of students flunked.  So I thought I could lead you in some German lessons.  I say "lead", because I expect you to do your share.

First, there is a pretest.  What is the meaning of this word?

Hottentottenstottertrottelmutterbeutelrattenlattengitterkastenattentäter

If you know the meaning of this word, then you cannot get credit for the course.  Please do not feel bad if you do not understand this word at the first reading, as you may never have encountered it before.  Most likely, you will never encounter it again, but then one never knows.

To start with something simpler, I will give you a number of German words for which you are to find the equivalent English meaning.  The technique of having students learn things on their own is a very effective and it will build your confidence.  Here are the words:  (They have been put in a table for better viewing.)

(For those of you who do not receive these Notes via the GERMANNA_COLONIES Mailing List at Rootsweb, but discover them later, after I have added them to this web site, you can still join in the "language lesson".  Just send an email to John by clicking John.Blankbaker@comcast.net?cc=germannaresearch@comcast.net?subject=German Language Lesson"> here .  Type in the German words in the body, then your interpretation, e.g., Hand = hand.)

Here are a few clues to help you.  Nouns are capitalized, and the infinitives of verbs end in "en".  For a start, you can classify the words into nouns, verbs, or other.  Then you must find the English meaning of the word.

Just to keep us on track in this process, I am using "Easy Ways to Enlarge Your German Vocabulary", by Karl A. Schmidt.  I’ll try to read ahead so I am always a lesson ahead of you.
(09 May 01)