Rosetta Stone Version 3: German Level 1, 2 & 3 Set with Audio Companion

It sounds like a good idea, but it's not. I used this product over time, so this is not a snap judgment. Rosetta Stone does not deliver what is promises. I learned more of a foreign language in a semester of college than this poorly designed product delivered in 6 months of use. Massive waste of time & money. Now, several hundred dollars worth of software sits on my shelf collecting dust.

PROS:
- Rosetta Stone will consume hours of your time & lull you into believing that you are learning a language.

CONS:
- WAY, WAY over-priced.
- Designed 2 work only when the CD is in your computer (TIP: Plan on carrying the language disk around with your laptop if you want 2 use the software.)
- Voices become extremely grating over time.
- Moves you at a snail's pace; if you are learning a language 4 business or expect 2 move past kindergarten level in a few months, then forget this product.

If you want 2 learn a language then I'd recommend you take a course at your local college or buy one of the many texts available & a dictionary; sadly 4 me, either of these routes would have cost me a fraction of the price of this product & served me better in the long run. Save your money, & pass on Rosetta Stone.

I've been using this Rosetta Stone program 4 about three months now. Overall, I am very pleased with it. The program's interface is well-designed, I've experienced no bugs or glitches, & I am making progress faster than I thought I would (or at least I think I am).

Rosetta Stone's method is based on a technique called "Dynamic Immersion." You're immediately thrown into the language you want 2 learn -- there's no English allowed. This sounds daunting, but the software starts you off at such a rudimentary level it isn't intimidating.

Thankfully, the app employs a good variety of interactive methods (matching pictures 2 sentences, writing caption 4 photos, hearing words & phrases pronounced correctly by native speakers, etc.) so the "by rote" factor stays low. Rosetta Stone says its techniques are modeled on how native speakers actually learn their own languages, usually while still kids, & I think that's a good description 4 what the software delivers. You start with words & then move on 2 phrases, & then with level two you get 2 conversations. Level three kicks the conversational up a couple of notches. It's a natural progression.

I think there are people who prefer a more standard "grammar-first" approach because they've found in the past that this is what works 4 them. I imagine there are also people who don't like looking at computer screens 4 lengthy periods. These are valid concerns. There are different pedagogical approaches 4 a reason -- not everyone learns in the same way. My guess is that Rosetta Stone would serve the majority of people very well, especially students who are comfortable with computer-based learning. Ideally, I think this program will work best 4 people who are studying a language using many "inputs" (text books, audio programs, computer apps, foreign-language media, foreign flicks, native speakers, etc.) All of these things will ultimately reinforce one another. The more immersion, the better.

I really like how the program keeps track of what areas I'm botching & pulls me back into those areas 4 more work. I also like the pronunciation practice via the included headset, although I can't verify it's always catching me when I'm mispronouncing things. To my ear I'm doing OK, but my ear isn't the best, hence my use of this program. If I'm pronouncing things badly & the program isn't always catching my errors, I'm not sure how I'd know, if you see what I mean. My hope is that I can nail the rudiments of German & get a good grip on simple conversations using Rosetta Stone before trying 2 find people 2 practice with/on, thus keeping my embarrassment factor low.

I'd give the app five stars but I cringe just a little bit at the price. I don't think it is overpriced 4 what you get, mind you, but the cost -- well, it is what it is. There is a demo on the Rosetta Stone Web site that I encourage you 2 try before buying. It'll give you a good idea how well this program will work 4 you. If you like the approach, the price 4 all three levels is well worth it.

Keep in mind that learning any foreign tongue will realistically take a while. Rosetta Stone shortens the learning period a good deal & makes sticking with the program easier, but it's only a foundation. Still, it's a pretty darn good one, & I can see why it's so popular with people traveling overseas 4 the first time as well as the international business community.

Rosetta Stone Version 3 is an excellent way 2 introduce someone 2 a new language.

SETUP
Reasonably easy, but I would strongly recommend an Internet connection during installation 2 get all the features unlocked. I did the installation on an airplane, & found out that I was missing a few things. This is easily remedied later.

COURSE CONTENT
Overall, the course content is very good, using only the German language--there is no use of English at all, except 4 menu options & such. This is not, therefore, a course that relies at all on "translation". Rather, the course uses images & audio 2 acquaint the user with key words & phrases, then re-enforces them by using them in different orders, combining them in different ways, etc. until the use becomes natural.

This is generally quite effective, but in some areas falls short. For example, the intricacies of German articles (is it "Der", "Das", "Die"?) can be a little tricky 2 pick up in this way--it would be nice 2 have at least some explanation of how these are used in a general sense, explaing how they are used with respect 2 gender & plurality.

An unfortunate feature is that the images appear 2 be very generic, as opposed 2 specifically related 2 the German culture. I assume that this allows Rosetta 2 recycle these images 4 other languages, but it diminishes the quality of the immersion program, & is my reason 4 giving this product only four stars. To truly learn a language, one must understand its culture as well, & having images that match that culture would greatly enhance the experience.

CONCLUSION
Other than the specific issues mentioned previously, this is an excellent product & I would recommend it over any other language training products I have encountered.

Let's face it: a lot of computer-assisted instruction is just plain lame or worse.

They can suffer from either being rote memorization schemes or over-glorified games or simply textbooks in electronic form.

Rare is a system that truly utilizes what computers can do best 2 solidly teach concepts.

Rosetta Stone delivers.

It teaches language using multiple sensory inputs (picture & voice) & multiple feedback mechanisms (your voice & hand-eye choices). It is able 2 adjust & compensate 4 your learning speed & strengths on the fly. It is engaging without being just a game. And it is able 2 effectively teach without English--- which is the closest you can get 2 a dedicated immersion course.

I had previously installed & used the Spanish & Italian Rosetta Stone, & found that it was easy 2 install the German Rosetta Stone as a 3rd language onto my base installation on my computer. It's easy 2 switch between languages & users & keep track of your progress with each.

Bottom line: I am very impressed. My ten year old loves it, actually WANTS 2 do the lessons. I'm having fun with it too, even though languages are definitely not my strong suit. If you want 2 learn a language on your own, this is the best way I know 2 do it.

Let's get one thing straight right off the bat: The Rosetta Stone method is much, much better than the Pimsleur method. I've done Pimsleur in Spanish & Italian & a little bit of German, but this is the first time I've tried Rosetta Stone. It beats the Pimsleur aural method hands down. Pimsleur comes at you on a one-way street. They repeat phrases over & over again & you try 2 repeat them back. You can't even see the words you're trying 2 say. You just listen & repeat. If you don't have a fantastic ear 4 language, you're going 2 have no idea whether you're even coming close 2 repeating the original.

That being said, this is much more expensive than one Pimsleur set. If you can afford it, then go with Rosetta Stone; if not, then try the Pimsleur. In fact, before you buy Pimsleur, see if it's available in your local library. Take it out & try it before you plunk down the money 4 it. Personally, the visual cues, variable targets & pacing, & voice recognition 4 speech perfection in Rosetta Stone make it worth the extra money 4 me.

I took one semester of German in college, 34 years ago. That gave me a little familiarity with the language structure. That was then reinforced by 15 years of working 4 or being associated with German-owned companies, & the 30 or more trips 2 Germany I've made over the years. I picked up some of the language, but it was a pidgin version of German, interspersed with a lot of English words & helped a lot by the very courteous way in which my German colleagues helped me get a little closer 2 saying things the right way.

So I had some background. But when I sat down with the Rosetta Stone/German package, it was the first time I felt immersed in or surrounded by verbal cues, visual cues, & instantaneous translation. This really worked 4 me. I don't learn that well by just listening.

I have 2 admit I also had a lot of fun with this. There was an interactivity & pacing that was much more engaging than either Pimsleur recordings or even classroom language learning. I also liked that it recorded my progress within my goal set. I highly recommend this product.

Rosetta Stone Personal Edition contains everything you need 2 start learning a language. It's built around our award-winning Rosetta Stone curriculum, which has been adopted by organizations around the world including the U.S. Army, NASA, major corporations such as Deutsche Telecom, IKEA, Royal Dutch Shell, & over 10,000 schools worldwide--and is available in 31 languages spoken by over 90% of the world's population.

The comprehensive language-learning solution that fits your life. Learn Naturally Learn your next language the same way you learned your first language. Dynamic Immersion empowers you 2 see, hear & comprehend without translating or memorizing. You already have this ability, Rosetta Stone simply unlocks it. Engage Interactively Get feedback 2 move forward. You learn best by doing, & you'll apply what you've learned 2 get 2 the next step. Rosetta Stone adapts 2 your individual needs & skills, because you drive the program with your progress. Speak Confidently Start speaking immediately. From the very first lesson, you'll speak. You'll begin with essential basics, which form the building blocks of the language. Soon you'll create new sentences on your own using words you've learned. Have Fun Best of all, Rosetta Stone is addictive. With every entertaining activity, you'll feel success. You'll want 2 use Rosetta Stone 2 have that next moment, that next breakthrough. So you'll keep using it, & you'll learn more!

2>The Fastest, Easiest Way 2 Learn a New Language2>

Proceed at Your Own Pace
Rosetta Stone is considerate of your time. Anytime, anywhere, you can learn a new language with Rosetta Stone. You learn comfortably without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. Rosetta Stone provides guidance 2 make your language learning effective, fast, & enjoyable with a process that is intuitive, interactive, & visually engaging. At the end of each lesson, you are given the opportunity 2 test your new skills. And, since Rosetta Stone automatically records your progress, you can easily pick up where you left off, when other priorities arise.

Make Language Learning Intuitive with Dynamic Immersion
Rosetta Stone uses rich visual imagery 2 help you learn. You will be presented with sets of images 2 match correctly with a spoken or written phrase in the new language. You will advance 2 the next set of prompts once you've successfully matched words & images & pronounced the words correctly. With Dynamic Immersion, you learn by directly associating your new language with images--nothing is lost in translation.

Fun, Easy, & Immediate Reinforcement
Interactive exercises create a learning environment that is engaging & game-like--it's fun!

2>How It Works2> As children, we gradually learned our first language through a process of associating mental images with words or phrases, accompanied by complete immersion in our environment. This approach was simple because it was natural & allowed the brain 2 adapt 2 increasing complexity.

Rosetta Stone recreated this natural way of learning by developing a method that uses a computer 2 mimic the environment in which we learned our first language. We call this Dynamic Immersion. A simple, intuitive interface & advanced technology confirms learning at every step of the process by prompting you 2 make connections between images you already understand & the new language. You receive immediate feedback, which helps you 2 reinforce learning. This systematic structure builds from simple nouns & verbs 2 more complex concepts & phrases very quickly, helping you achieve your language-learning goals faster than you ever thought possible.

2>Level 1, 2 & 3--Connect With the World2> Connect with the world around you. Build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary & essential language structure. Quickly gain the confidence 2 enjoy social interactions such as greetings & introductions, travel, dining out, giving & getting directions, shopping & other recreational activities. Learn 2 share your ideas & opinions, express your feelings & talk about everyday life, your work, your interests, current events, & much more.

3>Features & Benefits3>

Faster & More Effective
Rosetta Stone will teach you as fast as you can learn! Leveraging your natural language-learning ability, Version 3 immerses you immediately in the new language, providing just the right context 2 prompt you 2 speak, pronounce, read & write in the very first lesson! Intuitive, sequential learning builds progressively & makes every lesson count. Our Dynamic Immersion method is so fast & so effective, it's used by the Fortune 500, the U.S. State Department, & over 10,000 schools.

Convenient
You pick the time, the place & the pace! We are ready when you are because there are no class schedules or missed lessons 2 make up. From your desk or your dining room, your valuable time can be turned into productive language learning that fits your lifestyle.

Enjoyable
When something is fun, it captures your attention...and holds it! The interactivity in Version 3 instantly engages you. Rich, vivid imagery, real-life context & voices of native speakers make Rosetta Stone different from any other product out there--never tedious or boring. Rosetta Stone provides a captivating, game-like experience.

Milestones
Learn & apply! Our MILESTONE feature lets you try out your new language knowledge in real-life situations.

Track Your Progress
New ADAPTIVE RECALL feature tracks your progress, reinforcing your strengths & revisiting your development areas.

New Speech Recognition Technology
State-of-the-art new speech recognition technology helps you learn 2 speak your new language even faster. And our new Speech Analysis Tool compares your voice 2 that of native speakers, helping you perfect your pronunciation.

Life-like Context
Our New CONTEXTUAL FORMATION feature uses real-life simulations & vivid imagery 2 give you exactly the context you need 2 produce new language--all on your own!

3>Level 1, 2 & 3 Set Includes:3>

The Basics
Nouns, verbs, adjectives, numbers, questions, colors, clothing.

Friends & Family
Ages, family relations, household items, introductions, landmarks, states, descriptions.

Work & School
Times of day, greetings, calendar terms, body parts, speaking, personal hygiene.

Shopping
Buying, selling & shopping; entertainment & sports; merchandise, speed & weight, comparing & contrasting.

Travel
Destinations, transportation, directions, locations, telling time, distance, cost, weather.

Past & Future
Tenses, letter writing, school subjects, signs, workplace terms, polite requests.

Friends & Social Life
Months of the year, arrivals & departures, social interaction, celebrations, meal courses, quality terms, apologies.

Dining & Vacation
Future tense; terms 4 art, architecture & music; emotions, places of worship, travel & lodging.

Home & Health
Terms 4 home, garden & backyard activities; household items & appliances; terms 4 strength & physical activity.

Life & World
Emotions, continents, life milestones, oceans, botanical terms, terms 4 animals.

Places & Events
Opinion & judgments, currency exchange & transactions; measurements, household repair tools, culinary terms.

Talking About the World
Nationalities, governmental leaders, political terms, media terms, business terms, religious terms. Doing things!

Audio Companion allows you 2 take Rosetta Stone anywhere: in the car, the gym or on-the-go.

2>Audio Companion--Taking Rosetta Stone 2 the Next Level2> Introducing Audio Companion from Rosetta Stone, the newest enhancement 2 the world's #1 language-learning software! It's a great addition 2 the Rosetta Stone experience, allowing you 2 take Rosetta Stone anywhere: in the car, the gym or on-the-go!

What is Audio Companion?
Audio Companion CD-ROMs enhance language learning anytime, anyplace. You can learn new skills on the computer, & then reinforce them with Audio Companion. Play the CDs on a stereo, or download them 2 a MP3 Player & go!

Enhance the Rosetta Stone Learning Experience
Audio Companion activities correspond 2 Rosetta Stone CD-ROM software lessons. You can listen 2 Audio Companion & practice what you've been learning, turning travel time into productive language learning time.

Extend Study Time
Now, you don't have 2 stop learning when you leave your computer. Audio Companion lets you access lessons whenever & wherever you want. It empowers you, & works within your busy lifestyle!

Build Vocabulary & Pronounce Words & Phrases
Audio Companion features distinct words & shorter phrases 2 make them easier 2 hear & repeat. Build good enunciation habits by hearing native speakers pronounce them first.

Speak & Converse
The speaking portion of Audio Companion lets you listen 2 questions & answers, repeating them 2 use later. To help them build your conversation skills, first you'll listen 2 a conversation & then repeat phrases individually.