A German Word Family Dictionary: Together with English Equivalents offers an innovative approach to understanding and expanding German vocabulary through its prefix-root system. Unlike conventional dictionaries, which organize words alphabetically by their prefixes, this dictionary groups German words by their roots, creating cohesive word families. For example, instead of finding Auftrag under "auf-", it is listed with approximately 80 other words in the "TRAG" word family. This structure enables users to see the full extent of each root family and provides English translations for all words within the group, giving insight into their semantic range and development. By presenting these word families in a column format, the dictionary helps clarify confusing look-alikes and encourages students to learn less frequent derivatives of roots they may already recognize. This arrangement makes it easier to predict the meanings of new prefixed words, offering both a practical and educational tool for language learners.
Additionally, the dictionary introduces key linguistic concepts such as "roots," "bases," "radicals," and "stems," helping users understand the etymological and morphological foundations of German words. Through diachronic derivations, like tracing the Indo-European root delup to the modern German word zehn and English ten, the dictionary underscores the historical evolution of language. It also addresses challenges in vocabulary building, transforming what might seem like a confusing array of similar words into an economical and systematic approach to mastering German. The German Word Family Dictionary not only simplifies the process of learning German but also provides a vantage point for appreciating the language's inherent structure and productivity.
This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1978.
