In-Flight German : Learn Before You Land

Rating:
Summary: Crash Landing
Review: The blurb on the back of the package claims that if you work on this programme during your flight, you will learn enough of the language to get by. Unless Berlin has been moved to the surface of Mars, you will certainly not be able to absorb enough of this 60-minute course to even nearly get by. This is a CD "update" to Fast & Easy German (also by Living Language). In-Flight German boasts over 400 essential words & phrases (a 100 word increase from Fast & Easy). Less is sometimes better. Each phrase on In-Flight is only spoken once (rather than twice as on the Fast & Easy series), not enough if you want to gauge your progress. The native speakers are for the most part speaking clearly, but WAY too fast. It comes with a "boarding pass"(booklet with the entire script). If you are already familiar with the language, the In-Flight series might actually get you up to speed in between the in-flight movie & the meal (soda pop & peanuts). If you are trying to learn German, try Pimsleur's German I thru III ([cost more] but effective). Pimsleur German has 30 lessons in each unit, and will get you SPEAKING (the course is audio only) straight away. Pimsleur is by far the best course available. German with Michel Thomas is an all-audio (8 CD's, no book) course that gets VERY good results. Michel Thomas walks listeners through exercises that will gently guide you into the German language. Like Pimsleur, the Thomas method is time consuming. If you are short on time and need a "survival" course, get Language/30 German (by Educational Services Corp). Language/30 comes with 2 tapes and a booklet. If Fast & Easy German is still available, it is better than In-Flight German. The truly serious language learner will be wise to go through all 3 Pimsleur courses, then Michel Thomas, and finish up with Living Language Ultimate German Level I & II. The In-Flight series is an example of products with great marketing and poor quality that never gets off the runway.

Rating:
Summary: painless way to learn german
Review: When I walked into the bookstore to buy an audio tape, I was sold over by the Living Language In-flights. They're perfectly painless and great for a quick and easy overview of the most useful expressions and vocabulary. I used it almost everyday for a month or two while driving and when I went to Germany to visit a friend, I was actually able to make myself be understood! It's a really good way to get started on learning a new language.

Rating:
Summary: painless way to learn german
Review: When I walked into the bookstore to buy an audio tape, I was sold over by the Living Language In-flights. They're perfectly painless and great for a quick and easy overview of the most useful expressions and vocabulary. I used it almost everyday for a month or two while driving and when I went to Germany to visit a friend, I was actually able to make myself be understood! It's a really good way to get started on learning a new language.