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Review: Langenscheidt's Lilliput
and Picture Dictionaries (2)

OVERVIEW, LINKS - Page 1, 2

Here's a point-by-point overview of Langenscheidt's Lilliput Dictionary with its strong and weak points. Also see the Picture Dictionary overview and related links below.

What You Get - Lilliput Dictionary

  • Blue vinyl cover, 576 tiny pages
  • Ultra lightweight, compact format
  • A fairly complete dictionary despite its small size
  • Over 6,500 German words defined (estimate)

Strong Points - Lilliput Dictionary

  • Good vocabulary coverage considering its small size
  • Tiny and very light-weight
  • Vinyl cover is sturdy and waterproof
  • Low cost

Weak Points - Lilliput Dictionary

  • Does not use the new German spelling
  • Only British English for most translations
  • Lack of modern vocabulary in use since 1977
  • German-to-English only (but there's also an English-to-German edition)
  • Small print may be difficult for those with vision difficulties

Bottom Line - Lilliput Dictionary

Although it has its faults (it hasn't been updated for over 20 years!), I found the Lilliput fascinating. It packs a lot of info into a very tiny package – and it's cute! For the traveler, it's a useful, light companion. It also makes a nice travel gift!

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What You Get - Picture Dictionary

  • A colorful dictionary with over 3,300 entries
  • Colorful illustrations for most items
  • A German word index
  • Paperback or hardcover editions

Strong Points - Picture Dictionary

  • Good coverage of German vocabulary based on word frequency
  • Everyday vocabulary that is usually missing in such books
  • Both American and British English terms
  • Color illustrations that aid understanding
  • Includes nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, etc.
  • Example sentences/phrases for abstract concepts
  • Choice of hardcover or paperback editions
  • Reasonably priced

Weak Points - Picture Dictionary

  • Does not use the new German spelling
  • A few odd vocabulary selections

Bottom Line - Picture Dictionary

The Langenscheidt Picture Dictionary - German-English is an enjoyable, useful dictionary for both children and adults. It goes beyond the average picture lexicon to include more than just nouns, and it offers sample sentences and phrases for abstract terms that don't lend themselves to pictures. It can be used either for random browsing or systematic study.

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Related Links

Before You Buy a German Dictionary
Things you should know before you select a German dictionary.

BACK > Part One of this Review


Also From Your Guide

Before You Buy a German Dictionary
Things you should know before you select a German dictionary.

Top German Dictionaries
The best German-English dictionaries, rated by your Guide.

Advanced German Dictionaries
A comparative look at two "serious" German-English dictionaries.

More Dictionary and Other Reviews
Guide evaluations of German-English dictionaries, software and videos.

German for Beginners
Our free online German course. New lessons each week.

MORE > Before You Buy a German Dictionary


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