A basic how-to on using a German or German-English dictionary
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Read the "How to Use This Dictionary" section in your dictionary. Too many dictionary users never bother to take this basic first step!
- Study the "Abbreviations & Symbols Used" section in your dictionary.
- Looking up nouns: Besides the meanings, notice the gender, genitive, and plural forms. Learn how your dictionary formats this information. (Usually in the format -s, -en, with the first entry showing the genitive ending, the second showing the plural ending.)
- Looking up verbs: Notice any irregular verbs, those using 'sein' as a helping verb, intransitive (no direct object) verbs, and separable or inseparable prefixes.
- Other words: Adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and other kinds of words can have many meanings. Preposition entries tell you the case for that preposition. A single word such as "mit" can function as a preposition or an adverb.
- If you are not absolutely sure of a word's meaning, look it up the other way (i.e., German to English or English to German) to double check. This simple extra step can avoid picking the wrong term for what you want to say.
- Learn how to find compound words by using prefixes (Fahr-, ver-, etc.)
- Avoid the number one mistake in dictionary use: picking the very first meaning you see without double-checking or considering alternative translations or terms.
Tips:
- Always become familiar with your dictionary's abbreviations and symbols. You'll get more out of your dictionary, and it will help you avoid making mistakes.
- Don't just use the first definition you see! To double-check meaning, look up a word from English to German, plus German to English. For instance, do you have the right "quarry"? A rock quarry or a hunting quarry?
- Using a foreign-language dictionary takes a certain amount of practice and skill. You need to master those skills.
- Make sure you understand basic grammar terminology. If you don't know what an adverb does, looking one up won't help much.
What You Need:
- A German or German-English dictionary