April Wilson's "German Quickly - A Grammar For Reading German" (Translation Textbook Review)

Do you have a German translation exam in yourmedicine or in another field, it would make no
future? Then you'll need a textbook to help youdifference to you. In fact, if you're not an art
prepare. One of the most popular translationhistorian, it may well be an advantage.
preparation books is "German Quickly." Read on2) The sentences are generally quite short. That
to find out why so many people like it.makes them fairly easy -- and maybe too easy.
This is also the one German translation textbookIt's great for beginners -- but it may give you a
I'm sure you have heard of -- and one you mayfalse sense of confidence.
well already own.3) It doesn't give you enough information or
It's an excellent one too, and it's also verypractice with the really complex sentences. And
different from the two other main textbooksthe vast majority of German scholarly texts are
that are out there...full of long and complex sentences.
The name says it all:So why should you get it?
"German Quickly: A Grammar for ReadingIf you're starting completely from scratch, it'll give
German" by April Wilsonyou a great start that's less daunting than it would
Of all the options for learning how to translatebe to start with "German for Reading Knowledge"
from German into English, this is a lot lessby Hubert Jannach and Richard Alan Korb, another
intimidating than either of the other two. Itpopular and recommended textbook.
focuses on getting students up to speed quickly.Since a third textbook, "Reading Knowledge in
And it's basically a German grammar book withGerman" by Mary L. and Hans-Peter Apelt, is out
exercises. Friendly little exercises. Cute exercisesof print, the Jannach book would be the main
even, at least at times. And an amusing littlealternative.
storyline with a mail carrier who, over the courseIn comparison to Wilson's book, either of those
of the book, is falling in love with a young womantwo other books, the Jannach and the Apelt, can
on his route.be mighty intimidating for the newbie translator.
The easygoing and friendly approach is aSo Wilson's book is highly recommended as a
advantage of Wilson's book -- and also itsbook to get started on your journey. It will
drawback.definitely be a lot less intimidating than the
You get introduced gently to a lot of the detailsalternatives. It's also fun to work with -- Wilson
of German grammar.likes her proverbs and the book is filled with
It also has great tips and lists of easy to learninteresting sayings, quotes and even a few jokes.
words (and misleading "false friends") that youYet if you're serious about translating though, and
won't find anywhere else.want some help with the more complex
So to be honest, and if you can handle it at all, Isentences, you may want to continue your
highly recommend that you get this one.studies with the Jannach. And if you can round up
However, I would also suggest you get one ofa copy of Apelt, grab it for history and art
the others along with it, as I'll explain below.history specific examples and exercises (if you're
Wilson's textbook also has exercise sentencesin history or art history, that is).
galore, to go with the grammar explanations,Thus, the final verdict is this: Instead of a case of
which is great."either...or" I believe we have here a situation of
But here are the potential drawbacks, though"both...and." You should really get both books, or
they won't apply to everyone:even all three if you can and if it fits with your
1) This book is a more general book andfield of studies. You'll be able to translate circles
therefore rarely uses examples from art history.around the competition once you've worked
Of course, this is a drawback only if your field isthrough them all.
art history or history. If you're in biology or