German is a language of huge cultural and economic significance. It is the language of some of the greatest writers, scientists, composers, theologians and philosophers. Those who gain fluency in German gain access to cultural and academic riches beyond measure. It is also the language of one of the world’s most vibrant and important economies and is an official language of the European Union. The ability to speak and write German with precision is essential for those who wish to be influential and effective in European business and political spheres. And, indeed, the greater the fluency in a language, the easier and more pleasurable it is to communicate with native speakers. Approximately 100 million people speak German as their first language, and many more across Eastern Europe speak it as a lingua franca. Linguistic competence is one thing, but real confidence and effectiveness come with the ability to understand the subtleties of a language and to express one’s ideas accurately.

Grammar is not usually associated with glamour, though the two words have the same root. Getting to grips with the complexities of a language may feel at times like trying to master a never-ending and definitely unglamorous maze of new structures. The user of this volume will be relieved to know that the author’s aim is, if not to make German grammar glamorous, then at least to make it as straightforward and accessible as possible. Learners are often surprised to discover that the grammar of German is simpler than that of many other languages and has fewer exceptions to the ‘rules’. Its main structures can be gathered under just three headings:

• verbs and tenses

• prepositions and cases

• word order (especially verb position).

Almost everything else is a subdivision of one of these.