Anredestrategien im Erwerb des Deutschen als Fremdsprache (Strategies of addressing in the learning process of German as a foreign language)

Abstract

Correct usage of pronominal and nominal address forms is a fundamental requirement for well functioning communication. At the same time, it is a particularly difficult feature to learn in a second language. The article presents results of a study done with students of German at the University of Melbourne. It shows that students rely heavily on the system of their first language and that patterns of formality and informality in address, which vary substantially between different linguistic cultures, present the greatest problems to language learners.