Instant Immersion German Deluxe Description:

Instant Immersion German Deluxe review:
3 stars (Not for beginners) - I don't know any German and I am really struggling with these CD's. They don't give you any instructions on which CD's to use first. I installed the beginner software and tried that first - I couldn't understand most of what they presented. Then I listened to the audio CD's (there are three, each with different content,) and that helped a little. The audio CD's are more helpful and I think you're actually supposed to listen to those first before trying the software. I hope to use this software when I become a little bit more familiar with German.
3 stars (Not beginner software) - I received a B.A. in German in 1998 and spent a year in Kassel on a university exchange in 1996-1997. Since I haven't used my language skills in several years, I wanted to get something to help me get my skills back.



I seriously doubt a beginner will enjoy this software. The beginner disks don't have any introductory phrases, doesn't discuss the alphabet, or numbers until you have already been forced to learn that hundreds of people get off the train everyday, creating a large crowd. How about teaching, "Guten Morgen," "Guten Tag," and "Guten Abend," or "Mein Name ist..." before learning "Erscheinung des Totes" is a "Gespenst"?



As for the person who said "...the software recognizes your voice and can correct your pronunciation mistakes." Not true. I can say "Morgen" with a thick Southern accent and poor inflection and still receive 7/7 bars!



If you want the ROMs for your computer, save yourself some money and buy the 5 disc set for $20. If you are a true beginner, listen to the additional 3 audio CDs in the set to get some basic "listening/speaking" skills, before using the ROMs.



As for someone who already has a background in German and needs to brush up, this software will do.
5 stars (Self Paced Instruction) - This is really a great tool that fits a variety of needs. First of all, it helps someone like myself continue my study of the language that I never got to finish in high school many years ago. Second, it is a great supplemental tool for anyone taking German at either the High School or College level. One can program the skills that need attention, such as reading, listening, dictation, speaking. Wish I had had this tool 3o years ago. Third, it would be great for someone planning to visit a German speaking country and has some advanced notice.

I say this because it is not something that one can use in two or three days, and be able to know what is going on.



Overall, this is a great product. The speaking graphs of one's voice inflection are mind boggeling! But it is just like having a private tutor there with you. The only thing that I would recommend is that one could well benefit from even a brief introduction to the language prior to using these CDS.