5 comments about 201 Dutch Verbs: Fully Conjugated in All the Tenses (201 Verbs Series).

1. My textbooks for the other languages I have studied always included a conjugation guide to most common irregular verbs at the back. When I discovered that my Dutch textbook lacked this feature, I invested in this book. Although my Dutch-English dictionary includes a brief listing of irregular verb formations in the beginning, the format of this book is significantly easier to understand. I particularly use it when I need to double-check my spelling (a feature for which my dictionary is nearly useless). I'm afraid that I'll have to disagree with the previous reviewer's assertion that public humiliation is the only way to learn (Dutch) spelling. I am a native English speaker and I still use my Webster's Unabridged nearly every day; there's no reason I shouldn't be able to do the same in Dutch.



2. This book should really be 1500 Dutch verbs, since the most useful part of the book is the section with 1500 verbs giving the reader the infinitive, simple past, and past participle, and indicating if there is separable prefix, along with translation. This is particularly useful in Dutch. There are also 201 verbs fully conjugated, but this is not so important as in some languages since most Dutch verbs conjugate quite regularly once you know the past and the participles. Its still good to have as a beginner of course. I would say this book is much better than some of the other 201 verbs books. I have 201 Italian, Spanish and Russian Verbs too, and they don't have any of the extras that this book has, such as the grammar summary and other bonus sections. This book is so good, in fact, I recommend it for those who don't even have an interest in the Dutch language. You just might after you browse through this great book!



3. One of the many books I have purchased while learning Dutch and by far the most useful. Having many commonly used verbs fully conjugated in all the tenses at your fingertips, takes out a lot of stress! I feel as though it's my secret weapon and an absolute Godsend! Great reference at the start of the book too!! Best buy!!



4. That's really amazing book that will help you to avoid tricky moments in Dutch language (and there is a lot of them).
   
   Together with this book i would also recommend to buy grammar book
   "Essential Dutch Grammar ". Also from Henry Stern.
   
   This two books are perfect combination for beginners and intermediate level users (can I say it like that?). This books are in my collection and i for sure not gonna sell it in next 10 years.



5. There are very few resources for learning Dutch and even fewer good resources. However, this book is a must, it has grammar elements in the front, goes through the verbs, and then ends with a list of 1500 verbs. If you are truely serious about learning Dutch this is a book that needs to be included in your studies.

5 comments about New Routledge Dutch Dictionary: Dutch-English/English-Dutch.

1. Could not have been more comprehensive for a fast look-up or understanding.
   
   Yes, Van Dale can be (some of its versions are smaller than this) more comprehensive and is the be-all-end-all for the Dutch language but their pricing is also a serious show stopper.



2. Unfortunately, I never received the book... I ordered it, it was sent twice and never got it. Thus, I have no opinion about it except for I would have liked to finally get it.



3. Best dictionary that can be carried. Gives "de/het" and plurals. Can supplement this at home with Van Dale Groot Woordenboek.



4. Anne Cavendish, in her review of this dictionary, mentions the superiority of the Van Dale dictionaries. I have the 2006 pocketwoordenboek version of these dictionaries, and referred to it in evaluating this Routledge dictionary. I found that in the first few pages of the "A" section, there was exactly one difference in their chosen vocabularies. The Routledge contained the word "A4" (as in the size of paper). Furthermore, in picking several definitions at random, I found them to be identical in the two dictionaries (accounting for some slight formatting differences mentioned in some other reviews). Not only identical in definitions, but even in the illustrative sentences provided. In any other kind of work, that would be clear evidence of plagiarism. I don't know how one judges dictionaries in such matters. In any case, what matters to the prospective buyer is that on a cursory look, these dictionaries appear to be essentially identical. The van Dale is certainly more portable (with two separate volumes, one might even fit one in a coat pocket), and the Routledge is possibly cheaper. Decide for yourself.



5. Haven't come across a word I couldn't find. All the words I have looked up have a short and clear definition. I highly recommend it if you are studying the Dutch and/or English language.

2 comments about Basic Dutch: Learn to Speak and Understand Dutch with Pimsleur Language Programs (Simon & Schuster's Pimsleur).

1. I purchased this set of CDs to prepare for a trip to Amsterdam. The instructor spoke slowly and cleary, and repeated words often enough to help them "stick." In one of the first lessons, you learn how to say "Do you speak English?" in Dutch. This is the most useful phrase you can learn as a traveler because in most Dutch-speaking countries, almost everyone speaks English. I barely got to practice my Dutch at all when I got to Amersterdam. Unless you need to master the Dutch language for some particular reason, these CDs are perfect for average traveler's needs.



2. This is a terrific non-written way to learn Dutch. It contains 5 CDs. Each CD has 2 lessons. Each lesson is about 30 minutes. You complete the lesson as many times as you need before you can do it well, and move on. I think you should do each lesson at least twice. By the end you will be able to speak some Dutch rather well. You learn how to pronounce things correctly.
   
   The lessons are perfectly constructed. You know when you will be free for 30 minutes so you may plan to complete one. The audio features both male and female voices to help you understand better. You listen to conversations, then they explain what is being said, then you try to say certain words, and eventually phrases. The CD gives you time to respond when asked to say something. You are not supposed to pause the CD, just try to say the right thing. I like the way the system works. Since it is all audio and requires no book, you can do it while driving.
   
   Being audio only, you will not learn how to read or write in Dutch, but it is a great introduction and would compliment other learning sources well. This is not the full Pimsleur set (which costs a lot more) but for the price it is effective and better than many other systems.
   
   Conclusion: I recommend this because it is fun, easy, and effective. Many people buy a book and quit early on because it is so boring and you don't appear to be able to speak it well even after a lot of time and effort. After little time you will have fun successfully saying sentences in Dutch.

1 comments about Langenscheidt Universal Dutch Dictionary: Dutch - English / English - Dutch (Langenscheidt Universal Dictionary).

1. This pocket dictionary really will fit in your pocket! It has a flexible plastic cover which should wipe off easily if need be. It also has blue headwords. It appears to be as comprehensive as one would expect for this size. It includes both American and British usage (the American usage is indicated by Am). The introduction and guide to pronunciation are in both languages. There are also 22 pages at the back with information for English travelers: Dutch basic (travel) phrases, abbreviations, a mini-grammar including irregular verbs, numerals, and how to tell time. It also has metric conversions including a thermometer showing both Fahrenheit Centrigrade/Celcius in English and Dutch. (The pocket dictionaries for some other languages have all of this information for both languages; Langenscheidt apparently left the English information out of the Dutch edition so the total page count would be the same as for the other dictionaries (a cost-saving move on their part).)

5 comments about Berlitz Greek Phrase Book & Dictionary (Berlitz Phrase Book).

1. This book will help you communicate in Greek very well. The sections are divided up into easy-to-find, color-coded categories (basic expressions, accommodations, eating, travel sightseeing, leisure, making friends, stores & services, health) and include the Greek word, the English translation, and the proper pronunciation. A great reference!



2. This book will come in very handy for my trip to Greece. The book is easy to follow and use. It's a great guide.



3. Lots of helpful phrases, expressions and information is this handy little book that fits right into your pocket. Even if you can't always get your tongue around the foreign word or expression, you can point it out to someone to communicate.



4. This is split up for types of conversations you need. Not easily looked up unless you study the book.



5. I bought this book when I first came to Greece almost 10 years ago, which is when it published. I'm not Greek, and at that time I didn't understand a single word or even how to read the alphabet, so I couldn't write an informed review about whether it was helpful or not. When I used it in Greece, it seemed that people only understood me half of the time, and I couldn't figure out why. I ended up purchasing another phrase book sold in Athens, and that went much better.
   
   Now that I know Greek, I can say for certain that this book is in need of an update...and badly. Many of the words are uncommon ways of expressing a word and not the way people really communicate with each other, i.e. 'Artopoleio' is an traditional word used for bakery. People will still understand what you mean if you say that, but they'll giggle a little because we all say 'fournos' in modern day Greece. Further, the phrasebook includes Greek for 'shopping mall.' Ten years ago, there was no shopping mall so that entry was useless, and even now there is only one (in Athens, of course). Aside from that, it's difficult to find the right phrase because of the way it's organized.
   
   I understand it's difficult to choose a Greek phrasebook. There aren't that many on the market, Berlitz is a trusted name, and if you don't know Greek, there's no way to know whether it's good or bad. It'll still get you by, there are just others out there that are better.

5 comments about Berlitz Japanese Phrase Book & Dictionary (Berlitz Phrase Book).

1. I have been living in Japan for over two years now and this thing is still in my back pocket (albeit a bit ratty now).

   I have invested tons in pocket dictionaries and phrasebooks. I don't even bother to carry anything else with me now.

   Even though my Japanese can get me through a conversation, I still have trouble, and that's where this book comes in.

   Excellent organization, and the fact that it's written in both romanized characters, so you can read it, and Japanese characters, so they can read it, is a Godsend.

   I have copied pages from it for my Japanese students who were taking a trip to the states.

   I could go on and on, but this little book has been a life saver. Easily the best 10 bucks I've ever spent.

   Extremely useful if you have no Japanese, and still quite handy even if you do. Even has a section on hitting on people!




2. This phrasebook was used as a "textbook" by a Japanese student who tutored me in Japanese before a recent trip to Japan. It contained many helpful phrases for a lot of situations you will encounter when traveling in Japan. I consider this critical for "survival Japanese"--contrary to what you may have heard, everyone does NOT speak English. I used this book in talking to cab drivers, making a train reservation, ordering food, asking directions, making purchases. I gave this four stars instead of five because this lacks some elements you need to be understood. The biggest one is knowing how the Japanese accent words. Also missing was the discussion of the differences in using different numbers for different objects. I was able to "fill in the gaps" from my tutor and the Pimsleur Japanese tapes. All in all, a great reference book for travelers.



3. This book was exactly what I needed to navigate japan beyond Tokyo. I was on business for 6 days in NE Japan, and was able to frequently use this book to help me get around. English may be common in Tokyo, but outside it is much less so.



4. Hey,
   
   I've had to travel to Japan a couple times for work and have both this and the Lonely Planet phrasebook. While the Lonely Planet version has more stuff on how to speak in japanese I found it extremely difficult to use when I was on the street, in a store, or at my hotel trying to communicate. The berlitz is sectioned out pretty well and one thing I really appreciated which the lonely planet didn't is how to ask for a drink on the rocks. I still keep the Lonely Planet one with me when I travel over there but leave it at the hotel. When I go out and wonder around the country I'm never without my Berlitz guide. It has a little less content but I find the content is both more useful and a lot easier to get through when trying to talk with the locals.



5. I like the simplicity of the book. It is arranged in sections according to use and then also arranged alphabetically within the glossary. The only down fall for the book is that it does not have a glossary alphabetized in Japanese with the English word or phrase following it.

2 comments about Dutch: Lonely Planet Phrasebook.

1. A phrasebook to a perennial European favourite that's changing rapidly. This simple pronunciation guide offers intuitive navigation for finding the right phrase. It includes a two-way dictionary packed with 3,500 words.



2. I have several Dutch phrasebooks and this is the latest one I bought and the best. I would say if it isn't the best it is one of the best dutch phrasebooks out there. I recomend this book for people moving to the Netherlands or even if they are staying for a short stay. Yes, most all Dutch can speak a good amount of English but you get really far with them if you at least try to speak Dutch. There is a food section that I found helpful several times when the waiter or waitress doesn't know what the item is in English. It also includes and English-Dutch dictionary in the back. It has great phrases from going to the bank to hanving sex with them written out in Dutch and then again in English. Make sure to purchase for you trip to The Netherlands.

5 comments about Essential Dutch Grammar.

1. This book is quite useful if you already have a companion pronunciation book or cd. It explains the Dutch grammar well, but for a beginner, you may wish to start with something else. Not bad as a supplement to another language book.



2. This isn't a very good grammer book. I get slowed down by the complicated and concise language. Probably the best thing to say about this is that it is overly concise.



3. I think that this book is an asset for the elementary level. Grammar is explained very clearly and really sets one up to begin reading and constructing sentances in Dutch. The concise format of the book was also extremely helpful for reviewing rules and constructions before quizzes.



4. This book is a perfect example of a good thing delivering to its promises.
   
   If you want to a understand the most important elements of the Dutch grammar, buy this book. If you want to know Dutch grammar at a level beyond intermediate, then you need extra material.
   
   However, "Essential Dutch Grammar" not only presents the simple things in a simple manner, it summarizes the most frequently used mechanisms of the language.
   
   So, with this book you get the most for the least.



5. Yes, ofcource I can recommend this product to a begginner(should atleast know how to prononce a letter/word) in Dutch language.The speciality of this book is that you can learn Dutch language by practising the sample sentences and phrases given in the book.It also includes the commonly used words in our daily life with the explanation of different rules for framing a sentence in Dutch.
   
   The only problem that I faced was the unavialability of a CD/mp3 to listen to the words and sentences gien in the book. That why I mensioned in the begging that the begginner should atleast know how to pronunce a letter in Dutch.
   
   Overall I evaluate it as a good product and true value for money.
   
   Thanks and regards,
   prasanth

2 comments about Teach Yourself Danish Complete Course Package (Book + 2CDs) (Teach Yourself Complete Language Courses).

1. I have only had this program for 2 weeks and I've learned a TON of danish, very well laid out, excellent audio quality, and I live in Denmark, and even my friends here are saying its quite well done. Its apparently a bit formal in the language, but far less so than any other language guide I've come across. Great book - the book is essential.



2. There aren't many Danish language books available in English but this is the best that I've seen. It has a good balance of conversational Danish and theory, presented in units of a good length so that covering 1 per week is achievable. Each themed unit contains 3 or 4 dialogues followed by relevant vocabulary and grammar points. It does make a reasonable attempt to cover pronounciation despite some of the other comments on this website. You definitely need to use it with the CDs though.

5 comments about Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels.

1. very good information but still need more photos of the angels if possible
   wadeed nour/EGYPT.



2. A great starter book for those interested in Angel lore. Explores angels from the Bible, scripture, apocrypha and pseudopigrypha, and early kabalistic types of angel summoning magic. Includes some black and white pictures and tables.
   
   The book is easy to reference and cross reference; however, the reader/purchaser should be aware that many books offered as futher reading or reference in the book are actually rare books and/or out of print.



3. This truly is an outstanding lexicon for anyone studying Esoteric knowledge.
   
   The text's real value lies in its numerous cross-referencing to other texts from Enoch 1 & Enoch 2 as well as Agrippa, Milton, The Koran, The Bible, old and new testaments, various unknown grimoires, Swedenborg, including the infamous "The Grimoire of Honorius the Great", written by Honorius the Great, the Pope who reigned during the years 1216-1227; and did not appear until 400 years after his death in 1629.
   
   Esoteric studies have been supressed by mainstream historians for many years. It was only the book, Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition (1964) by the occult scholar, Francis Yates, (1899-1981) that esoteric studies began to be accepted as a stream of history that should be explored.
   
   The Dictionary of Angels should be part of every library for students of the Esoteric.
   
   Although have met those who practice the so-called "Black Arts", my interest is exclusively in its history and it is truly fascinating.
   
   If you have any interest in angels, demons, magic folklore and the history of theology and the esoteric, buy this book, it is indispensable.



4. This was a gift and a very comprehesive book on the angelic realm. Love
   this book!



5. This book appears to be very complete, if incredibly dry to read. Look, it's a *dictionary* -- it says so in the title. It's not something you read cover to cover, but you can use it to look up particular Angels by name, and then locate the relevant source material. Davidson makes thorough use of the rabbinic and kabbalistic literature, including fairly obscure midrashim, and in his Introduction he gives this Jewish source material equal or more-than-equal attention. I find this fairly refreshing, since I was expecting a much more Christian-centric approach. Note also that this edition is a reprint of the 1967 original, and that there is no index (unfortunately).