Review of a German as a Second Language Textbook Used at a Japanese University

Schritte International Neu, published by Hueber Verlag, is a three - level textbook series designed for German language learners aligned with the pedagogical goals outlined in the Common European Languages of Reference (CEFR) levels A1, A2 and B2. This global textbook series seeks to prepare learners to live and/or work in German speaking countries by acquainting them with everyday communication situations that they may encounter while spending time there. In my review, I examine the most basic level textbook in the series: Schritte International Neu 1 - A1.1 authored by Daniela Niebisch, Sylvette Pennig-Hiemstra, Franz Specht, Monika Bovermann, Angela Pude and Monika Reimann. This textbook is a half-volume of the A1 level. In this review, I examine the textbook’s pedagogical rationale, its content, its usage by Japanese university students who are learning German for the first time, and its strengths and weaknesses. I also describe the textbook’s overall appropriateness for my students based on my perspective as a German language instructor