Remove all English-specific references from modules. Rewrite pronunciation instructions, grammar comparisons, reading rules, and exercises to be language-agnostic so the course works for students of any native language.

001 - Introduction of Reading.module

@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ and after consonants:
 tz is used after a single short vowel:
 - {Platz}, {Schütze}, {setzen}
 
-**e.** German sch represents the same sound as English sh:
+**e.** German sch represents the sound /ʃ/ (as in {Schule}):
 - {Schüler}, {schreiben}, {waschen}, {Fischer}, {frisch}
 
 **f.** st at the beginning of a word is normally read "scht":
@@ -303,20 +303,20 @@ INTRO: Finally, let's learn about the pronunciation of v, w, qu, j, y, and some
 v is read as f (voiceless) in native German words:
 - {von}, {viel}, {Vogel}
 
-v is read like English v (voiced) in words of foreign origin (except when at the end of a word):
+v is read as a voiced /v/ sound in words of foreign origin (except when at the end of a word):
 - {Venus}, {Vatikan}, {Lava}
 
-**b.** w is always read like English v:
+**b.** w is always read as a voiced /v/ sound:
 - {will}, {Welt}, {Wagen}
 
-**c.** In the sequence qu, the u is read like English v:
+**c.** In the sequence qu, the u is read as a voiced /v/ sound:
 - {quer}, {Quadrat}, {Quittung}
 
-**d.** j is always read like the y in the English word "yes":
+**d.** j is always read as a /j/ sound (like the initial sound in {ja}):
 - {ja}, {jeder}, {jung}
 
 **e.** The letter y:
-y is read like the y in the English word "yes" before and after vowels:
+y is read as a /j/ sound before and after vowels:
 - {Yacht}, {Yen}, {Bayern}
 
 Before and after consonants, y is read like long ü in some words:
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ Before and after consonants, y is read like long ü in some words:
 like short ü in others:
 - {Symbol}, {Gymnasium}, {System}
 
-**f.** x and chs (except where the s is part of a grammatical ending) are read like the x in the English word "except":
+**f.** x and chs (except where the s is part of a grammatical ending) are read as a /ks/ sound:
 - {Hexe}, {Lexikon}, {boxen}
 - {sechs}, {Achse}, {Büchse}
 

002 - Lesson 01 - Greetings.module

@@ -13,23 +13,23 @@ VOICE: Narrator | aoede
 
 $LESSON Grammar Notes
 $GRAMMAR Grammar Notes
-INTRO: Read the grammar notes regarding parallels and differences between German and English.
+INTRO: Read the grammar notes about key features of German grammar.
 
-Since German and English are related languages, they have many parallel features, such as these:
+Here are some basic German sentence patterns:
 
-| German | English |
+| German | Translation |
 |---|---|
 | {Es ist gut.} | It is good. |
 | {Ist es gut?} | Is it good? |
 
-| German | English |
+| German | Translation |
 |---|---|
 | {Wer ist das?} | Who is that? |
 | {Was ist das?} | What is that? |
 | {Wo ist das?} | Where is that? |
 | {Wie ist das?} | How is that? |
 
-| German | English |
+| German | Translation |
 |---|---|
 | {ich bin} | I am |
 | {er ist} | he is |
@@ -39,14 +39,14 @@ Since German and English are related languages, they have many parallel features
 | {sie sind} | they are |
 | {Sie sind} | you are |
 
-However, there are also differences between German and English. The following differences are emphasized in this lesson:
+The following important features of German are emphasized in this lesson:
 
-German nouns are classified as "der", "das", or "die", while English nouns are not:
+German nouns are classified by gender as "der" (masculine), "das" (neuter), or "die" (feminine):
 - {der Tisch} (table)
 - {das Fenster} (window)
 - {die Klasse} (class)
 
-The last sound in "ich" (called "ich"-Laut), which English does not have.
+The last sound in "ich" (called "ich"-Laut) is a distinctive German sound.
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation
 $EXERCISE "ich"-Laut Listening Exercise
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ RESPONSE: keuche
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise
 INTRO: Learn how to articulate the "ich" sound.
 
-The student pronounces the English word "vie". After getting to the end of the word he continues to exhale through his mouth without changing the position of his speech organs. As a result, he will find himself pronouncing the German word {weich}. The student then isolates the "ich"-Laut and pronounces it a number of times by itself.
+To produce the "ich"-Laut, place your tongue in the position for a long "ee" sound (as in {sie}). Keep your tongue in this position and exhale forcefully through the narrow gap between your tongue and the roof of your mouth. You should hear a soft, hissing friction sound. Now try saying {weich} — start with "w-ai" and finish with this friction sound. Isolate the "ich"-Laut and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $EXERCISE Repetition Drill
 INTRO: Repeat the following words containing the "ich" sound.

003 - Lesson 02 - Social Courtesies.module

@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@ VOICE: Narrator | aoede
 
 $LESSON Grammar Notes
 
-$GRAMMAR Regular Verbs and English "Do"
+$GRAMMAR Regular Verbs and Negation
-INTRO: Let's look at how regular verbs are formed in the present tense, and how German handles the English "do".
+INTRO: Let's look at how regular verbs are formed in the present tense, and how German forms questions and negations.
 
 Regular German verbs follow this pattern in the present tense:
 
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ Regular German verbs follow this pattern in the present tense:
 
 Both "I learn" and "I am learning" are represented in German by {ich lerne}.
 
-Similarly English uses "do" in many verb forms where German does not:
+German does not use an auxiliary verb for questions and negation:
 
 *   {Lernen Sie?} = Do you learn?
 *   {Ich lerne nicht.} = I do not learn.
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ Similarly English uses "do" in many verb forms where German does not:
 $GRAMMAR Indefinite Articles
 INTRO: Let's learn about indefinite articles in German.
 
-We saw in Lesson 1 that "the" can be "der", "das", or "die" in German, depending on the word to which it applies. Similarly, English "a" has two basic forms in German: "ein" and "eine". The "der" and "das" nouns have "ein", and the "die" nouns have "eine".
+We saw in Lesson 1 that "the" can be "der", "das", or "die" in German. Similarly, the indefinite article has two basic forms: "ein" (for der/das nouns) and "eine" (for die nouns).
 
 *   {der Tisch} -> {ein Tisch}
 *   {das Fenster} -> {ein Fenster}
@@ -47,10 +47,10 @@ In response to a question whether one would like to do or have something, {Danke
 $GRAMMAR Pronunciation: ach-Laut
 INTRO: This lesson introduces the "ach" sound.
 
-The last sound in {ach} (called "ach"-Laut) is a sound which English does not have. It is basically the same sound as the "ich"-Laut, which was taken up in Lesson 1. It occurs only after the so-called back vowels (a, o, u, au) and is formed in the vicinity of the preceding vowel, therefore farther back in the mouth than the "ich"-Laut.
+The last sound in {ach} (called "ach"-Laut) is produced similarly to the "ich"-Laut from Lesson 1, but farther back in the mouth. It occurs only after the back vowels (a, o, u, au) and is formed in the vicinity of the preceding vowel.
 
 **Articulation Exercise:**
-The student begins by saying the English syllables "boo-hoo". He then repeats these syllables, this time raising the back of his tongue to a point where audible friction is produced by the passing stream of breath. The result will be something which, in German spelling, can be rendered as "bu-chu". The next step will be to draw the "ch" sound back so that it becomes part of the first syllable, resulting in "buch-u". Finally the last "-u" is dropped altogether, and the student will find himself pronouncing the German word {Buch}.
+To produce the "ach"-Laut, say {u} (as in {Buch}) and notice where the back of your tongue is positioned near the soft palate. Now, keeping your tongue close to the soft palate, exhale forcefully so that you hear friction as the air passes through the narrow gap. This friction sound is the "ach"-Laut. Practice by saying {Buch} — start with "b-u" and finish with this back-of-the-throat friction sound.
 
 $LESSON First Hour: Pronunciation
 

004 - Lesson 03 - Introductions.module

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ The German possessives are:
 
 Again, the forms without final "e" are used before {der} and {das} nouns, while the forms with final "e" are used before {die} nouns.
 
-Also covered in this lesson is the German sound "ü", which English does not have. It can be both long and short.
+Also covered in this lesson is the German sound "ü", a rounded front vowel that may be unfamiliar. It can be both long and short.
 
 $LESSON First Hour - Pronunciation
 $GRAMMAR Pronunciation: Long ü
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ Notice the difference between words without and with the long ü sound:
 - {vier} vs. {für}
 
 ### Articulation
-Pronounce the English word "heat". Then round your lips energetically and pronounce the same word once more with rounded lips. The result will be the German word {hüt}. Isolate the long ü sound and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
+To produce the long ü, say the sound "ee" (as in {sie}). Keep your tongue in exactly this position, but round your lips firmly as if saying "oo". The combination of the "ee" tongue position with rounded "oo" lips produces the German long ü. Practice with the word {hüt}. Isolate the long ü sound and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill - Long ü
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ Notice the difference between words without and with the short ü sound:
 - {bitte} vs. {Bütte}
 
 ### Articulation
-Pronounce the English word "din". Then round your lips energetically and pronounce the same word once more with rounded lips. The result will be the German word {dünn}. Isolate the short ü sound and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
+To produce the short ü, say a short "i" sound (as in {mit}). Keep your tongue in this position, but round your lips firmly. The combination of the short "i" tongue position with rounded lips produces the German short ü. Practice with the word {dünn}. Isolate the short ü sound and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill - Short ü
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.

005 - Lesson 04 - Daily Activities.module

@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ Other irregular verbs also show change in the "er", "es", "sie" form, but not in
 | {ich lese} | {er liest} | {wir lesen} |
 | {ich arbeite} | {er arbeitet} | {wir arbeiten} |
 
-In English sentences objects usually are distinguished from subjects by their position in the sentence, since there is no difference in their form ("Dog bites man." "Man bites dog."). The same is true for German except in one case: When a singular "der" word appears as an object, it uses as its article {den} or {einen}.
+In German, most nouns look the same whether they are subjects or objects. However, when a singular "der" word appears as an object, its article changes to {den} or {einen}.
 
 | Subject | Verb | Object |
 |---|---|---|
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ In German sentences the verb is in second position (except in yes-or-no question
 2. {Hier lernt der Schüler Deutsch.}
 3. {Deutsch lernt der Schüler hier.}
 
-Also covered in this lesson is the German sound ö, which English does not have. It can be both long and short.
+Also covered in this lesson is the German sound ö, a rounded front vowel that may be unfamiliar. It can be both long and short.
 
 $LESSON First Hour: Pronunciation
 $DIALOGUE Listening Exercise: Long ö
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ RESPONSE: flösse
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: Short ö
 INSTRUCTION: Follow these instructions to produce the short ö sound.
 
-The student pronounces the English word "beckon". He then rounds his lips energetically and pronounces the same word once more with rounded lips. The result will be the German word {Böcken}. The student then isolates the short ö sound and pronounces it a number of times by itself.
+To produce the short ö, say a short "e" sound (as in {Bett}). Keep your tongue in this position, but round your lips firmly. The combination of the short "e" tongue position with rounded lips produces the German short ö. Practice with the word {Böcken}. Isolate the short ö sound and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill: Short ö
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat the words.

006 - Lesson 05 - In the Classroom.module

@@ -89,32 +89,32 @@ RESPONSE: mahnt
 PROMPT: Hase
 RESPONSE: Hase
 
-$EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: Long a
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: Long a
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word, then say the corresponding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word with correct pronunciation.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: not
+PROMPT: Naht
 RESPONSE: Naht
 
-PROMPT: con
+PROMPT: Kahn
 RESPONSE: Kahn
 
-PROMPT: lock
+PROMPT: lag
 RESPONSE: lag
 
-PROMPT: tot
+PROMPT: Tat
 RESPONSE: Tat
 
-PROMPT: lopped
+PROMPT: labt
 RESPONSE: labt
 
-PROMPT: knocked
+PROMPT: nagt
 RESPONSE: nagt
 
-PROMPT: copper
+PROMPT: Kappe
 RESPONSE: Kappe
 
-PROMPT: gobble
+PROMPT: Gabel
 RESPONSE: Gabel
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation: Short A
@@ -170,32 +170,32 @@ RESPONSE: Watte
 PROMPT: Platz
 RESPONSE: Platz
 
-$EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: Short a
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: Short a
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word, then say the corresponding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word with correct pronunciation.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: fuss
+PROMPT: Fass
 RESPONSE: Fass
 
-PROMPT: luck
+PROMPT: Lack
 RESPONSE: Lack
 
-PROMPT: must
+PROMPT: Mast
 RESPONSE: Mast
 
-PROMPT: hunt
+PROMPT: Hand
 RESPONSE: Hand
 
-PROMPT: tuft
+PROMPT: Taft
 RESPONSE: Taft
 
-PROMPT: gust
+PROMPT: Gast
 RESPONSE: Gast
 
-PROMPT: dunked
+PROMPT: dankt
 RESPONSE: dankt
 
-PROMPT: glutton
+PROMPT: glatten
 RESPONSE: glatten
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation: Minimal Pairs and Unstressed A
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ LINE: einsam
 LINE: Papier
 
 $DIALOGUE Discrimination Exercise: Short a in Unstressed Syllables
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the following pairs comparing German words and English equivalents.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen to the following pairs and notice the German pronunciation.
 
 LINE: highland - Heiland
 LINE: Maschine - machine

007 - Lesson 06 - Asking for Directions.module

@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ $LESSON Grammar Notes
 $GRAMMAR Grammar Notes
 INTRO: In this lesson, we will look at object pronouns and vowel changes in certain verbs.
 
-Some words of the type "ich", "Sie", "er", etc. appear in a different form when they are used as objects. This is true both in English and German.
+Some pronouns like "ich", "Sie", "er", etc. appear in a different form when they are used as objects.
 
 | Subject | Object |
 |---|---|
@@ -57,33 +57,33 @@ LINE: Kohle
 LINE: Mond
 LINE: verboten
 
-$EXERCISE Discrimination Exercise: Long o
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: Long o
-INTRO: You will hear pairs consisting of a German word and an English word. Identify which one is the German word by saying 1 or 2.
+INTRO: Practice the following words with the long o sound.
-INSTRUCTION: Say 1 or 2 to identify the German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen to each word and repeat it with correct German pronunciation.
 
-PROMPT: 1. boat, 2. schon
+PROMPT: schon
-RESPONSE: 2
+RESPONSE: schon
 
-PROMPT: 1. Boot, 2. shown
+PROMPT: Boot
-RESPONSE: 1
+RESPONSE: Boot
 
-PROMPT: 1. tot, 2. Rom
+PROMPT: tot
-RESPONSE: 1
+RESPONSE: tot
 
-PROMPT: 1. tote, 2. Rome
+PROMPT: tote
-RESPONSE: 1
+RESPONSE: tote
 
-PROMPT: 1. note, 2. close
+PROMPT: Kloß
-RESPONSE: 2
+RESPONSE: Kloß
 
-PROMPT: 1. Not, 2. Kloss
+PROMPT: Not
-RESPONSE: 1
+RESPONSE: Not
 
-PROMPT: 1. Kot, 2. zone
+PROMPT: Kot
-RESPONSE: 1
+RESPONSE: Kot
 
-PROMPT: 1. coat, 2. Sohn
+PROMPT: Sohn
-RESPONSE: 2
+RESPONSE: Sohn
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill: Long o
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
@@ -97,32 +97,32 @@ LINE: Gebot
 LINE: betonen
 LINE: Telefon
 
-$EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: Long o
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: Long o
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and produce the similar-sounding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word with correct pronunciation.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: loan
+PROMPT: Lohn
 RESPONSE: Lohn
 
-PROMPT: coat
+PROMPT: Kot
 RESPONSE: Kot
 
-PROMPT: flow
+PROMPT: Floh
 RESPONSE: Floh
 
-PROMPT: dome
+PROMPT: Dom
 RESPONSE: Dom
 
-PROMPT: moan
+PROMPT: Mohn
 RESPONSE: Mohn
 
-PROMPT: coax
+PROMPT: Koks
 RESPONSE: Koks
 
-PROMPT: omen
+PROMPT: Omen
 RESPONSE: Omen
 
-PROMPT: goatish
+PROMPT: gotisch
 RESPONSE: gotisch
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation - Short o
@@ -158,32 +158,32 @@ RESPONSE: 2
 PROMPT: 1. floss, 2. rote, 3. konnte
 RESPONSE: 3
 
-$EXERCISE Contrastive Drill: Short o
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: Short o
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and produce the corresponding German syllable or word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word with correct pronunciation.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: phon/etic
+PROMPT: von
 RESPONSE: von
 
-PROMPT: ost/entation
+PROMPT: Ost
 RESPONSE: Ost
 
-PROMPT: bon/anza
+PROMPT: Bonn
 RESPONSE: Bonn
 
-PROMPT: mol/est
+PROMPT: Moll
 RESPONSE: Moll
 
-PROMPT: op/pose
+PROMPT: ob
 RESPONSE: ob
 
-PROMPT: flot/illa
+PROMPT: flott
 RESPONSE: flott
 
-PROMPT: block/ade
+PROMPT: Block
 RESPONSE: Block
 
-PROMPT: comm/ence
+PROMPT: komm
 RESPONSE: komm
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill: Short o

008 - Lesson 07 - A Chance Meeting.module

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ $LESSON Grammar Notes
 $GRAMMAR Grammar: Indirect Objects
 INTRO: Let's learn about indirect objects in German.
 
-In a sentence like "The instructor gives the student the book" or "The instructor gives the book to the student", "the book" is the direct object and "(to) the student" is the indirect object. Both English and German have indirect objects. In German, the "der" or "ein" word (including "kein" and possessives) in front of an indirect noun object appears in a special form. When preceding a "der" or "das" noun, it takes the ending "-em", when preceding a "die" noun, it takes the ending "-er".
+In a sentence like "The instructor gives the student the book" or "The instructor gives the book to the student", "the book" is the direct object and "(to) the student" is the indirect object. In German, the "der" or "ein" word (including "kein" and possessives) in front of an indirect noun object appears in a special form. When preceding a "der" or "das" noun, it takes the ending "-em", when preceding a "die" noun, it takes the ending "-er".
 
 ### Noun Endings for Indirect Objects
 
@@ -35,16 +35,16 @@ Pronouns like "I", "he", etc. have an indirect object form too, as shown in sent
 | {ich}<br>{er} / {es}<br>{sie} (she) | {mir}<br>{ihm}<br>{ihr} |
 | {wir}<br>{sie} (they)<br>{Sie} (you, formal) | {uns}<br>{ihnen}<br>{Ihnen} |
 
-Some German verbs like {gefallen} (to please), {gehören} (to belong) and a few others can have an indirect object only. Other verbs can have both a direct and an indirect object. If two objects are present, the rules of sequence resemble those in English:
+Some German verbs like {gefallen} (to please), {gehören} (to belong) and a few others can have an indirect object only. Other verbs can have both a direct and an indirect object. If two objects are present, the rules of sequence are as follows:
 
 1. {Der Lehrer gibt dem Schüler das Buch.}
 2. {Der Lehrer gibt ihm das Buch.}
 3. {Der Lehrer gibt es dem Schüler.}
 4. {Der Lehrer gibt es ihm.}
 
-The foregoing examples show that pronouns precede longer phrases and that, if both objects are pronouns, the direct object precedes the indirect. Notice also that no word equivalent to English "to" is used in German to mark indirect objects. The characteristic German indirect object forms are adequate to perform this function.
+The foregoing examples show that pronouns precede longer phrases and that, if both objects are pronouns, the direct object precedes the indirect. Notice also that German does not use a preposition like "to" to mark indirect objects. The characteristic German indirect object forms are adequate to perform this function.
 
-Also covered in this lesson is the German sound r, which is different from its English counterpart.
+Also covered in this lesson is the German sound r, which is produced differently from the r in many other languages.
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation: The "r" Sound
 
@@ -60,32 +60,32 @@ LINE: berühmt
 LINE: reich
 LINE: Raum
 
-$EXERCISE Discrimination: r before vowels
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: r before vowels
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the prompts. The prompt is a word starting with an English or front 'r'. Respond with the German word starting with a uvular 'r'.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word with a proper German uvular 'r'.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: root
+PROMPT: ruht
 RESPONSE: ruht
 
-PROMPT: raider
+PROMPT: Reeder
 RESPONSE: Reeder
 
-PROMPT: roam
+PROMPT: Rom
 RESPONSE: Rom
 
 PROMPT: ritten
 RESPONSE: ritten
 
-PROMPT: row
+PROMPT: rauh
 RESPONSE: rauh
 
-PROMPT: rest
+PROMPT: Rest
 RESPONSE: Rest
 
-PROMPT: rotten
+PROMPT: raten
 RESPONSE: raten
 
-PROMPT: rice
+PROMPT: Reis
 RESPONSE: Reis
 
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: r before vowels
@@ -114,32 +114,32 @@ LINE: Reifen
 LINE: raus
 LINE: räumen
 
-$EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: r before vowels
+$EXERCISE Production Drill: r before vowels
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and respond with the similar-sounding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: wreck
+PROMPT: Reck
 RESPONSE: Reck
 
 PROMPT: rot
 RESPONSE: rot
 
-PROMPT: robbin
+PROMPT: Robben
 RESPONSE: Robben
 
-PROMPT: wrote
+PROMPT: rot
 RESPONSE: rot
 
-PROMPT: ring
+PROMPT: Ring
 RESPONSE: Ring
 
-PROMPT: room
+PROMPT: Ruhm
 RESPONSE: Ruhm
 
-PROMPT: reef
+PROMPT: Riff
 RESPONSE: Riff
 
-PROMPT: writer
+PROMPT: Reiter
 RESPONSE: Reiter
 
 $DIALOGUE Pronunciation: r before vowels (second in syllable)
@@ -154,32 +154,32 @@ LINE: Fritz
 LINE: Bruder
 LINE: schreiben
 
-$EXERCISE Discrimination: r before vowels (second in syllable)
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: r before vowels (second in syllable)
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and respond with the similar-sounding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: crate
+PROMPT: kräht
 RESPONSE: kräht
 
-PROMPT: Trent
+PROMPT: trennt
 RESPONSE: trennt
 
-PROMPT: grim
+PROMPT: Grimm
 RESPONSE: Grimm
 
-PROMPT: fro
+PROMPT: froh
 RESPONSE: froh
 
-PROMPT: Greece
+PROMPT: Griess
 RESPONSE: Griess
 
-PROMPT: brute
+PROMPT: Brut
 RESPONSE: Brut
 
-PROMPT: price
+PROMPT: Preis
 RESPONSE: Preis
 
-PROMPT: trout
+PROMPT: traut
 RESPONSE: traut
 
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: r before vowels (second in syllable)
@@ -208,32 +208,32 @@ LINE: treiben
 LINE: grau
 LINE: freut
 
-$EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: r before vowels (second in syllable)
+$EXERCISE Production Drill: r before vowels (second in syllable)
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and respond with the similar-sounding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: Trenton
+PROMPT: trennten
 RESPONSE: trennten
 
-PROMPT: trot
+PROMPT: Trott
 RESPONSE: Trott
 
 PROMPT: gross
 RESPONSE: gross
 
-PROMPT: prints
+PROMPT: Prinz
 RESPONSE: Prinz
 
-PROMPT: brief
+PROMPT: Brief
 RESPONSE: Brief
 
-PROMPT: group
+PROMPT: Gruft
 RESPONSE: Gruft
 
-PROMPT: dry
+PROMPT: drei
 RESPONSE: drei
 
-PROMPT: brown
+PROMPT: braun
 RESPONSE: braun
 
 $DIALOGUE Pronunciation: r after long vowels
@@ -247,38 +247,38 @@ LINE: hört
 LINE: vor
 LINE: wahr
 
-$EXERCISE Discrimination: r after long vowels
+$EXERCISE Repetition Drill: r after long vowels
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and respond with the similar-sounding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: dear
+PROMPT: dir
 RESPONSE: dir
 
-PROMPT: more
+PROMPT: Mohr
 RESPONSE: Mohr
 
-PROMPT: poor
+PROMPT: pur
 RESPONSE: pur
 
-PROMPT: hair
+PROMPT: Heer
 RESPONSE: Heer
 
-PROMPT: tore
+PROMPT: Tor
 RESPONSE: Tor
 
-PROMPT: beer
+PROMPT: Bier
 RESPONSE: Bier
 
-PROMPT: far
+PROMPT: fahr
 RESPONSE: fahr
 
-PROMPT: bear
+PROMPT: Bär
 RESPONSE: Bär
 
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: r after long vowels
 INSTRUCTION: Read the instructions for pronouncing 'r' after long vowels.
 
-After long vowels, German **r** is represented by a vowel glide similar to the "a" in the word "Korea". To learn how to produce this glide, the student first pronounces the English word "idea". He then leaves off "id-" and pronounces "-ea" by itself. He then repeats "-ea", this time opening his mouth a shade wider as he pronounces the final glide. By doing so, he will find himself pronouncing the German word {ihr}. He then isolates the last sound of the word and pronounces it a number of times by itself.
+After long vowels, German **r** is not pronounced as a consonant but as a soft vowel glide — a brief, open "ah"-like sound. To produce it, open your mouth slightly and let out a very short, relaxed "ah" at the end of the vowel. Listen to the word {ihr}: the final sound is not a rolled or tapped "r" but a gentle glide toward an open vowel. Isolate this final sound and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill: r after long vowels
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
@@ -292,32 +292,32 @@ LINE: gehört
 LINE: Chlor
 LINE: Schar
 
-$EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: r after long vowels
+$EXERCISE Production Drill: r after long vowels
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and respond with the similar-sounding German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
 EXAMPLE
-PROMPT: here
+PROMPT: hier
 RESPONSE: hier
 
-PROMPT: tier
+PROMPT: Tier
 RESPONSE: Tier
 
-PROMPT: dour
+PROMPT: stur
 RESPONSE: stur
 
-PROMPT: mare
+PROMPT: mehr
 RESPONSE: mehr
 
-PROMPT: floor
+PROMPT: Flor
 RESPONSE: Flor
 
-PROMPT: shore
+PROMPT: Chor
 RESPONSE: Chor
 
-PROMPT: bar
+PROMPT: Bar
 RESPONSE: Bar
 
-PROMPT: part
+PROMPT: Part
 RESPONSE: Part
 
 $LESSON Indirect Object Structures

009 - Lesson 08 - A Busy Weekend.module

@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ $LESSON Pronunciation: -er and -ern
 $GRAMMAR Articulation: -er in unstressed syllables
 INTRO: Let's practice pronouncing the -er ending in unstressed syllables.
 
-In unstressed syllables, "er" is realized as a single sound, which is phonetically the same as the -r sound after long vowels. To learn to produce this sound in the absence of a long preceding vowel, first pronounce the English name "Linda". Then repeat the name, opening your mouth a shade wider than before as you pronounce the last sound. By doing so, you will find yourself pronouncing the German word {linder}. Isolate the last sound of this word and repeat it a number of times by itself.
+In unstressed syllables, "er" is realized as a single sound, which is phonetically the same as the -r sound after long vowels — a brief, relaxed open vowel (similar to a short "ah"). To produce it, say the word {linder} and pay attention to the final syllable: it should sound like a short, relaxed open vowel, not a consonant "r". Isolate this final sound and repeat it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Pronunciation Practice: -er
 INSTRUCTION: Listen to the pronunciation of words ending in -er.
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ $LESSON Pronunciation: L after vowels
 $GRAMMAR Articulation: l after vowels
 INTRO: Let's learn how to pronounce the German L sound.
 
-First pronounce the English phrase "by land". Then successively drop the final sounds, saying "by lan-", "by la-", "by l-". When pronouncing the l sound, your upper lip should be raised and your upper teeth showing. The tip of the tongue should lightly touch the area just above the upper teeth, and the edges of the tongue should be kept straight. The result should be the German word {Beil}. Isolate the l sound and repeat it a number of times by itself.
+To produce the German "l", place the tip of your tongue lightly against the area just above your upper teeth (the alveolar ridge). Your upper lip should be raised and your upper teeth showing. Keep the edges of your tongue straight — do not let them curl downward. This produces a "clear" or "light" l sound. Practice with the word {Beil}. Isolate the l sound and repeat it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Pronunciation Practice: l after vowels
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat the words containing an L sound.
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ LINE: heult
 LINE: Nagel
 
 $DIALOGUE Contrastive Pairs
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the difference between English and German L sounds.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen to the difference in the following pairs focusing on the German L sound.
 
 LINE: dill - Dill
 LINE: filter - Filter

010 - Lesson 09 - An Invitation to Dinner.module

@@ -73,21 +73,21 @@ LINE: nehmen
 LINE: vergeben
 
 $DIALOGUE Long e Discrimination Exercise
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to these pairs. The first is an English word, the second is a German word with a long e. Notice the difference.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen to the following German words with the long e sound.
 
-LINE: clay - Klee
+LINE: Klee
-LINE: gate - geht
+LINE: geht
-LINE: den - den
+LINE: den
-LINE: layman - lähmen
+LINE: lähmen
-LINE: mail - Mehl
+LINE: Mehl
-LINE: leg - lake (German: leg)
+LINE: leg
-LINE: labor - Leber
+LINE: Leber
-LINE: laden (English) - laden (German)
+LINE: laden
 
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: long e
 INSTRUCTION: Read the articulation instructions.
 
-The student first pronounces the English word "hay". He then brings his jaw and tongue up slightly from the a(y) position. He also brings his lips closer together. With his speech organs fixed in this position, the student again says the word "hay". While doing so he should check any impulse to raise his tongue and produce the characteristic English i glide. The result should be the German exclamation {he!}. The student then isolates the long e sound and pronounces it a number of times by itself.
+To produce the German long e, open your mouth slightly and position your tongue relatively high and forward in the mouth. The lips should be slightly spread (not rounded). The key is to keep the sound pure and steady — do not let your tongue glide upward at the end. The result should be the German exclamation {he!}. Isolate the long e sound and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $EXERCISE Long e Repetition Drill
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat the German words.
@@ -117,31 +117,30 @@ PROMPT: nehmen
 RESPONSE: nehmen
 
 $EXERCISE Long e Contrastive Pair Drill
-INSTRUCTION: Listen to the English word and produce the corresponding German word as modeled.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
-EXAMPLE
+PROMPT: geh
-PROMPT: gay
 RESPONSE: geh
 
-PROMPT: bait
+PROMPT: Beet
 RESPONSE: Beet
 
-PROMPT: lame
+PROMPT: lehm
 RESPONSE: lehm
 
-PROMPT: vain
+PROMPT: wen
 RESPONSE: wen
 
-PROMPT: shale
+PROMPT: scheel
 RESPONSE: scheel
 
-PROMPT: raked
+PROMPT: regt
 RESPONSE: regt
 
-PROMPT: taken
+PROMPT: Theken
 RESPONSE: Theken
 
-PROMPT: gaped
+PROMPT: gebt
 RESPONSE: gebt
 
 $EXERCISE Long e Minimal Pair Drill
@@ -198,7 +197,7 @@ LINE: Gotha - Gote
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: Final short e
 INSTRUCTION: Read the articulation instructions.
 
-The student pronounces the English word "shyness". He then repeats the word, leaving off the final -ss this time, however. The result will be the German word {Scheine}. The student then isolates the final short e sound and pronounces it a number of times by itself.
+The final short e (called "Schwa") is a very brief, relaxed, neutral vowel. To produce it, relax your mouth completely and produce a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. Listen to the word {Scheine} — the final -e is this brief, neutral sound. Isolate it and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $EXERCISE Final short e Repetition Drill
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat the German words.

011 - Lesson 10 - At a Party.module

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ Any additional verbs used in conjunction with {dürfen}, {sollen}, {möchte} are
 - {Wir möchten zurückfahren.}
 - {Wir möchten noch heute zurückfahren.}
 
-Also covered in this lesson are the German diphthongs {ei}, {au}, {eu}, which differ from their English counterparts.
+Also covered in this lesson are the German diphthongs {ei}, {au}, and {eu}.
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation - ei (ai)
 
@@ -69,37 +69,37 @@ LINE: heiss
 LINE: vermeiden
 
 $EXERCISE Discrimination Exercise: ei
-INTRO: Listen to the English word, then say the comparable German word with the proper diphthong.
+INTRO: Practice pronouncing the following German words.
-INSTRUCTION: Provide the German word that pairs with the English word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
-PROMPT: mine
+PROMPT: drei
 RESPONSE: drei
 
-PROMPT: dry
+PROMPT: mein
 RESPONSE: mein
 
-PROMPT: vile
+PROMPT: weil
 RESPONSE: weil
 
-PROMPT: writer
+PROMPT: Reiter
 RESPONSE: Reiter
 
-PROMPT: fine
+PROMPT: fein
 RESPONSE: fein
 
-PROMPT: mice
+PROMPT: Mais
 RESPONSE: Mais
 
-PROMPT: bright
+PROMPT: breit
 RESPONSE: breit
 
-PROMPT: lime
+PROMPT: Leim
 RESPONSE: Leim
 
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: ei
 INTRO: Read the instructions for articulating the ei diphthong.
 
-Pronounce the English word "I". Bring your jaw and tongue up slightly, round your lips, and repeat the word with your speech organs in that position. Be careful to keep the "a" part of the diphthong very short, while the "i" part should be held a fairly long time. Use a little exaggeration at first. After some practice, you will find yourself pronouncing the German word {Ei}. Repeat the word a number of times with proper German pronunciation.
+The German diphthong {ei} starts with an open "ah" sound and glides toward an "ee" sound. The "ah" part should be very short, while the "ee" part should be held longer. Start with your mouth open, tongue low, then quickly move your tongue up and forward. Practice with the word {Ei}. Repeat it a number of times, keeping the first part short and the second part long.
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill: ei
 INTRO: Repeat the following words after the speaker.
@@ -115,32 +115,31 @@ LINE: vergleichen
 LINE: begreift
 
 $EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: ei
-INTRO: You will hear an English word. Respond with the paired German word.
+INTRO: Practice pronouncing the following German words.
-INSTRUCTION: Say the German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
-EXAMPLE
+PROMPT: bei
-PROMPT: by
 RESPONSE: bei
 
-PROMPT: night
+PROMPT: Neid
 RESPONSE: Neid
 
-PROMPT: shine
+PROMPT: Schein
 RESPONSE: Schein
 
-PROMPT: vice
+PROMPT: weiss
 RESPONSE: weiss
 
-PROMPT: lighter
+PROMPT: Leiter
 RESPONSE: Leiter
 
-PROMPT: rife
+PROMPT: reif
 RESPONSE: reif
 
-PROMPT: lime
+PROMPT: Leim
 RESPONSE: Leim
 
-PROMPT: price
+PROMPT: Preis
 RESPONSE: Preis
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation - au
@@ -158,37 +157,37 @@ LINE: Frauen
 LINE: Kraut
 
 $EXERCISE Discrimination Exercise: au
-INTRO: Listen to the English word, then say the comparable German word.
+INTRO: Practice pronouncing the following German words.
-INSTRUCTION: Provide the German word that pairs with the English word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
-PROMPT: bow
+PROMPT: Bau
 RESPONSE: Bau
 
-PROMPT: house
+PROMPT: Haus
 RESPONSE: Haus
 
-PROMPT: cow
+PROMPT: kau
 RESPONSE: kau
 
-PROMPT: bower
+PROMPT: Bauer
 RESPONSE: Bauer
 
-PROMPT: trout
+PROMPT: traut
 RESPONSE: traut
 
-PROMPT: foul
+PROMPT: faul
 RESPONSE: faul
 
-PROMPT: shout
+PROMPT: schaut
 RESPONSE: schaut
 
-PROMPT: dower
+PROMPT: Dauer
 RESPONSE: Dauer
 
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: au
 INTRO: Read the instructions for articulating the au diphthong.
 
-Pronounce the English word "how". Bring your jaw and tongue up slightly, round your lips, and repeat the word with your speech organs in that position. Be careful to keep the "a" part of the diphthong very short, while the "u" part should be held a fairly long time. Exaggerate a little at first to bring out the essential point. After some practice, you will find yourself pronouncing the German word {hau}. Isolate the diphthong {au} and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
+The German diphthong {au} starts with an open "ah" sound and glides toward a rounded "oo" sound. The "ah" part should be very short, while the "oo" part should be held longer. Start with your mouth open, tongue low, then round your lips and raise the back of your tongue. Practice with the word {hau}. Isolate the diphthong {au} and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill: au
 INTRO: Repeat the following words after the speaker.
@@ -204,32 +203,31 @@ LINE: aufgesaugt
 LINE: glaubt
 
 $EXERCISE Contrastive Pair Drill: au
-INTRO: You will hear an English word. Respond with the paired German word.
+INTRO: Practice pronouncing the following German words.
-INSTRUCTION: Say the German word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
-EXAMPLE
+PROMPT: baut
-PROMPT: bout
 RESPONSE: baut
 
-PROMPT: row
+PROMPT: rau
 RESPONSE: rau
 
-PROMPT: louse
+PROMPT: Laus
 RESPONSE: Laus
 
-PROMPT: tout
+PROMPT: taut
 RESPONSE: taut
 
-PROMPT: shower
+PROMPT: Schauer
 RESPONSE: Schauer
 
-PROMPT: clout
+PROMPT: klaut
 RESPONSE: klaut
 
-PROMPT: grouse
+PROMPT: Graus
 RESPONSE: Graus
 
-PROMPT: flout
+PROMPT: flaut
 RESPONSE: flaut
 
 $LESSON Pronunciation - eu (äu)
@@ -247,31 +245,31 @@ LINE: läuft
 LINE: Kreuz
 
 $EXERCISE Discrimination Exercise: eu
-INTRO: Listen to the English word, then say the comparable German word.
+INTRO: Practice pronouncing the following German words.
-INSTRUCTION: Provide the German word that pairs with the English word.
+INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat each word.
 
-PROMPT: Hoyt
+PROMPT: Feuer
 RESPONSE: Feuer
 
-PROMPT: Euler
+PROMPT: Eule
 RESPONSE: Eule
 
-PROMPT: Hoyle
+PROMPT: heul
 RESPONSE: heul
 
-PROMPT: Royce
+PROMPT: Reuss
 RESPONSE: Reuss
 
-PROMPT: oiler
+PROMPT: Eule
 RESPONSE: Eule
 
-PROMPT: Troy
+PROMPT: treu
 RESPONSE: treu
 
 $GRAMMAR Articulation Exercise: eu
 INTRO: Read the instructions for articulating the eu diphthong.
 
-Pronounce the English word "Troy". Repeat the word, being careful to keep the "o" part of the diphthong short, while the "i" part should be held a fairly long time. Exaggerate a little at first to bring out the essential point. After some practice, you will find yourself pronouncing the German word {treu}. Isolate the diphthong and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
+The German diphthong {eu} (also written äu) starts with a rounded "oh" sound and glides toward an "ee" sound. The "oh" part should be short, while the "ee" part should be held longer. Start with rounded lips and then spread them as your tongue moves forward and up. Practice with the word {treu}. Isolate the diphthong and pronounce it a number of times by itself.
 
 $DIALOGUE Repetition Drill: eu
 INTRO: Repeat the following words after the speaker.

012 - Lesson 11 - Going on a Date.module

@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ Some contractions involving the definite article form "das", are:
 - über + das = {übers}
 - um + das = {ums}
 
-Also covered in this lesson are the consonant clusters z (= ts) and pf, which, in German, appear in positions where they are not found in English.
+Also covered in this lesson are the consonant clusters z (= ts) and pf, which in German can appear at the beginning of words and syllables.
 
 $EXERCISE Pronunciation Practice: z (= ts)
 INTRO: Practice the z sound, pronounced like "ts".

013 - Lesson 12 - In the Barracks.module

@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ The verb "wissen" (to know a fact) has two main forms in the present:
 
 $GRAMMAR Adjective Comparison
 
-Adjectives (and certain adverbs) have comparative and superlative forms as in English, but with some differences.
+Adjectives (and certain adverbs) have comparative and superlative forms, with some distinctive features.
 
 The comparative form is made by adding "-er" to all adjectives no matter what length:
 {schnell} -> {schneller}
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ Before two or more consonants a stem vowel is usually short ({finden}, {alles},
 
 ### 2. Capitals
 
-All German nouns are capitalized ({Glas}, {Lehrer}), as are the forms of the formal "you" ({Sie}, {Ihnen}, {Ihr}). On the other hand, unlike in English, "ich" and adjectives of religion ({katholisch}) and nationality ({deutsch}) are not capitalized.
+All German nouns are capitalized ({Glas}, {Lehrer}), as are the forms of the formal "you" ({Sie}, {Ihnen}, {Ihr}). However, "ich" and adjectives of religion ({katholisch}) and nationality ({deutsch}) are not capitalized.
 
 ### 3. Hyphens
 

014 - Lesson 13 - Talking About the Weather.module

@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ INTRO: Read the grammar notes on variable prepositions and pronunciation.
 
 Previous lessons presented prepositions which take only the indirect or only the direct object. Almost all other prepositions may take either the indirect or the direct object. The conditions that determine which object each of these latter prepositions will take are based on location vs. change of position.
 
-The contrast signaled by the use of the indirect vs. the direct object after these prepositions is that between location (indirect/dative) and change of position (direct/accusative). English has only a few examples of this type of contrast, which German has in profusion:
+The contrast signaled by the use of the indirect vs. the direct object after these prepositions is that between location (indirect/dative) and change of position (direct/accusative). German uses this contrast extensively:
 
 - {in dem Zimmer} (location)
 - {in das Zimmer} (change of position)
@@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ The contrast is also apparent in the two question words for "where?":
 - **ä**, **ö** and **ü** are always read long when followed by an h: {wählen}, {gewöhnlich}, {führen}.
 
 **2. Diphthongs**
-- **ei** and **ai** are read like the "i" in English time: {drei}, {Main}
+- **ei** and **ai** are read as the diphthong /aɪ/ (as in {drei}): {drei}, {Main}
-- **au** is read like the "ow" in English now: {auf}
+- **au** is read as the diphthong /aʊ/ (as in {auf}): {auf}
-- **eu** and **äu** are read like the "oy" in English boy: {neu}, {Fräulein}
+- **eu** and **äu** are read as the diphthong /ɔʏ/ (as in {neu}): {neu}, {Fräulein}
 
 $DIALOGUE Pronunciation Practice
 INSTRUCTION: Listen and repeat the words.

015 - Lesson 14 - Housing.module

@@ -48,13 +48,13 @@ Consonants at the end of words are voiceless, no matter what the spelling would
 
 ### 2. s-Sounds
 
-At the beginning of a syllable, **s** stands for the voiced consonant found in the English word "zeal". At the end of a syllable, **s** stands for the voiceless consonant found in the English word "seal". **ss** and the peculiarly German letter **ß** (called "ess-tset") always stand for voiceless **s**. **ß** can be found in the middle and at the end of words, but never at the beginning. The letter **ß** is not used in this course since it is permissible to substitute **ss** for it.
+At the beginning of a syllable, **s** stands for the voiced /z/ sound. At the end of a syllable, **s** stands for the voiceless /s/ sound. **ss** and the peculiarly German letter **ß** (called "ess-tset") always stand for voiceless **s**. **ß** can be found in the middle and at the end of words, but never at the beginning. The letter **ß** is not used in this course since it is permissible to substitute **ss** for it.
 
 ### 3. Other Consonants and Consonant Groups
 
 **z** stands for a combination of **t** + **s** in rapid succession. **tz** is read exactly like **z**; it occurs only after a single short vowel.
 
-**sch** stands for the sound encountered in the English word "ship". When writing German one should be on guard against the understandable tendency to leave out the **c**.
+**sch** stands for the /ʃ/ sound (as in {Schule}). When writing German one should be on guard against the understandable tendency to leave out the **c**.
 
 **s** at the beginning of a word is almost without exception read as "sch-" before **p** and **t** ({Stuhl}, {Stadt}, {spät}, {spielen}).
 

016 - Lesson 15 - Vacation Plans.module

@@ -55,27 +55,27 @@ INTRO: Review these important notes on the German writing system, consonants, an
 
 {v} is read as f in native German words ({vor}, {vier}, {Vater}) and at the end of words. It is read as v only in words of foreign origin ({Villa}, {Volumen}, {vakant}).
 
-{w} is always read like English v, never like English w.
+{w} is always read as a voiced /v/ sound.
 
 {qu} is read as the cluster kv ({Quark}).
 
 {j} is always read like the y in "yet", never like the j in "jet".
 
-{y} This letter is used infrequently in German. When preceding or following a vowel it is read like the y in the English word "yet" ({Yacht}, {Yokohama}, {Bayern}). When preceding or following a consonant, it is read either like long ü ({Typ}, {Lyrik}, {Analyse}) or short ü ({Gymnasium}, {System}, {Tyrann}).
+{y} This letter is used infrequently in German. When preceding or following a vowel it is read as a /j/ sound ({Yacht}, {Yokohama}, {Bayern}). When preceding or following a consonant, it is read either like long ü ({Typ}, {Lyrik}, {Analyse}) or short ü ({Gymnasium}, {System}, {Tyrann}).
 
-{x} and {chs} (except where the s is part of a grammatical ending) are both read as the cluster ks. {chs} is used in a considerable number of words whose English equivalent has x, e.g. in {sechs}, {Wachs}, {Fuchs}, {Ochse}.
+{x} and {chs} (except where the s is part of a grammatical ending) are both read as the cluster /ks/.
 
 {dt} is read like t(t) ({Stadt}, {verwandt}, {Gesandter}).
 
-{th} is always read like t, never like English th ({Thron}, {Mathematik}, {Günther}).
+{th} is always read simply as /t/ ({Thron}, {Mathematik}, {Günther}).
 
 ### 2. Punctuation
 
-{.} (Punkt), {?} (Fragezeichen), and {;} (Semikolon or Strichpunkt) are used much as they are in English. 
+{.} (Punkt), {?} (Fragezeichen), and {;} (Semikolon or Strichpunkt) are used in standard ways. 
 
 The {!} (Ausrufezeichen) is used not only as an exclamation mark but also terminates all utterances containing a command form ({Kommen Sie!}, {Ziehen Sie sich an!}). 
 
-Employment of the {,} (Komma) differs from English usage in two ways:
+There are two important rules for using the {,} (Komma) in German:
 (a) German phrases (sentence elements not containing a verb) are not separated from the remainder of the sentence by commas.
 - {Am Wochenende fährt er immer nach Hause.}