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Related texts

The related reading texts on this website have been chosen to help you expand your understanding of the prescribed issues. The texts are examples only and are by no means definitive. However, they do allow you to gain some insight into the prescribed issues and will help you increase your own range of vocabulary and language features. You may well find that a particular text is related to more than one of the issues and that the vocabulary and expressions you identify can be used across a range of topics.

It is important to remember that these texts are authentic, written for a German-speaking audience. It is unlikely you will understand every word. This does not matter – there is much benefit to be gained from understanding the ‘gist’ of a text.

In view of the authentic nature of the texts, you will need to be selective when deciding which vocabulary, expressions or language structures to record and use for your own writing and/or speaking. This is personal. You should only use those expressions with which you feel comfortable and which suit your own style and level of speaking/writing. Remember, you are not expected to speak or write as a background speaker would.

There is no set number of texts to read. The links provided are suggestions only – and your teacher will probably give you other related reading texts in class. Read for enjoyment, as well as for study purposes. The synopsis provided with each link gives a thumbnail description of the content of each text. Choose the texts that interest you and try to read across a range of topics.

Suggested ways of using these texts:

read for ‘gist’.
identify the key words and check these in a dictionary as required.
make a note of useful vocabulary and expressions, categorising them where possible (e.g. Are they useful for the introduction, the conclusion or for supporting an argument?). Remember you do not have to record large amounts of vocabulary and expressions for this to be a useful exercise. Keep your own personal record and limit it to those expressions you know you can use.
try to identify the overall perspective taken by the writer. Do you agree or disagree?
be aware of language structures as you read – are they ones with which you are familiar? Remember that these structures need not be difficult or complicated to give your speaking/writing a feeling of authenticity.

Tolerance of difference: Related texts

http://www.goethe.de/ins/it/lp/ges/jug/de1351498.htm (zum Thema: „Döner, Rap und Rostbratwurst“ – die „Südstadtkids“ bieten Stadtführungen der ungewöhnlichen Art an.)

http://www.goethe.de/ins/it/lp/ges/jug/de1310810.htm (zum Thema: Deutschpflicht auf dem Schulhof, auch wenn Deutsch nicht die Muttersprache ist, hat eine heftige Debatte in Deutschland ausgelöst.)
Note: This text also applies to the issue Pressures in today’s society.

http://www.goethe.de/ins/it/lp/ges/mol/tdt/de3375128.htm (zum Thema: „Typisch deutsch? – oder wie sind die Deutschen wirklich?“)

http://www.goethe.de/ins/it/lp/ges/mol/tdt/de3097399.htm (zum Thema: Nudismus – eine deutsche Ideologie und eine Bewegung zurück zur Natur. Ohne Kleidung sind alle gleich.)

http://www.goethe.de/wis/bib/prj/hmb/the/fus/de1233521.htm (zum Thema: „Multikulti-Team“ ohne Vorurteile – die Kinder von Einwanderern sind in der Nationalmannschaft angekommen. Die Nationalmannschaft als Spiegel der Gesellschaft.)

http://www.goethe.de/ges/mol/del/zsl/de2855303.htm (zum Thema: Liebe zwischen zwei Kulturen. Lesen Sie den zweiten Abschnitt: „Man wird toleranter und offener“.)

http://www.goethe.de/ges/mol/tre/glb/de2605563.htm (zum Thema: Komplettes Rauchverbot in Deutschland. Beschränken die neuen Gesetze die Wahl unseres Lifestyles, um eine Minderheit zu schützen?)

See additional links under Tolerance of difference: Introduction to the issue

Coping with change: Related texts

http://www.goethe.de/z/jetzt/dejzus33/dejzus33.htm (zum Thema: Das Phänomen des Handys.)

http://www.goethe.de/ins/gb/lp/prj/mtg/typ/spa/de3942268.htm (zum Thema: Die neue Sparsamkeit. Wie man in harten Zeiten weniger Geld ausgeben kann. Lesen Sie die zwei Abschnitte: „Sparen ist in!“ und „Der neue Zeitgeist“.)

See additional links under Coping with change: Introduction to the issue

Pressures in today's society: Related texts

http://www.rhein-berg-online.ksta.de/html/artikel/1231173660975.shtml (zum Thema: War früher alles besser? Spiegelt das Benehmen der heutigen Jugend den Egoismus der Gesellschaft wider?)

See additional links under Pressures in today's society: Introduction to the issue