So you’re learning Spanish or German and want to read authentic content? At the Language Learning Centre (LLC) we know how difficult it is to bridge the gap between textbook language and materials for native speakers. For this reason we offer German learners ‘Deutsch Perfekt’, and for those learning Spanish ‘; puntoycoma’ audio magazine. Both magazines have articles and features graded at different levels suited to learners from A2 to C2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, with intermediate learners in the B1 to B2 range particularly well served. To support readers, less common words are glossed with a simple explanation in the target language in both publication. Each magazine is bound to have something new or thought-provoking for everyone, as we will illustrate below.

; puntoycoma

The Spanish magazine ; puntoycoma is published in Madrid, but brings together content covering the whole of the Spanish-speaking world. In fact, on the accompanying audio CD, the publishers have gone out of their way to provide authentic content by recording readers based on the country each article concerns, so there are Argentinian, Castilian, Chilean, Cuban, Mexican, and Venezuelan (and more) varieties of Spanish. To give an example of the varied content ; puntoycoma offers — the latest issue includes a large feature on the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, an article about Spanish tennis champion Rafa Nadal, a debate on e-books versus their hard-copy equivalents, some tips for learners on how to express ‘hope’ in Spanish, an interesting taste of superstitions from around the Hispanosphere, an introduction to the Mariachi musical genre of Mexico and an interview with the Spanish short story writer Patricia Esteban Erlés. We would like to thank Dr Nicola Gilmour for introducing the LLC to this great magazine.

Deutsch Perfekt

For German learners, Deutsch Perfekt illuminates a kaleidoscope of topics from across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This month’s issue includes a short article on gummy bears — the quintessential German fruit gum confectionary, an overview of eco-friendly German cosmetic products famous on the world stage, reading strategies for German learners, how the German job market is responding to the recent influx of new immigrants, how to buy a used car in Germany, an article about the famous German Antarctic explorer and environmentalist Arved Fuchs, how to introduce yourself in German in professional situations, the state of German kindergartens, an on–the-job interview with a technician maintaining wind turbines on an offshore North Sea wind farm, and a revealing piece by a Peruvian immigrant to Germany describing how the Kaffeestunde, or German institution of an afternoon chat over cake and coffee, has eased and enhanced her integration into German life.

How to borrow them

If you would like to borrow either of these magazines, or check out previous issues, visit the Spanish or German section of the LLC’s Self-access Library. Bring your selected edition to the LLC reception with your student or staff ID card. Both ; puntoycoma and Deutsch Perfekt are available for loan periods of two weeks initially, though are renewable. If you need some help finding either just ask one of our friendly staff members at the LLC reception.

Many thanks to Dr Monica Tempian for her helping to decipher the articles in Deutsch Perfekt.

Article: Benjamin Swale