Lower vocabulary in German is repeatedly reported for students with Turkish migration background attending school in Germany. We investigated whether in students of Turkish descent (a) learning vocabulary is impaired when the teacher activates the negative stereotype that students with Turkish family language learn less well and (b) whether a…

Examines responses given on a survey questionnaire of elementary college German students' backgrounds, reasons for studying German, and perceived stereotypes of Germans. Argues that a list of ethnic stereotypes resulting from this study would be a good teaching aid and starting point for class discussion. (EKN)

Nearly all German textbooks currently used in the USA either entirely fail to mention Austria, or else portray it by means of myths, cliches (Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte, Gemuetlichkeit), and often with outright untruths. The American student gets a picture of Austria as an "underdeveloped Disneyland of Europe". (WGA)

An exploration of intercultural stereotypes about Germany and Germans and their impact on language instruction argues that refusing to acknowledge the existence of stereotypes does not effectively counter them, but recognizing the nature of and content of stereotypes will encourage the critical thinking necessary to reject them. (Author/CB)

Describes the results of a survey of British pupils' awareness of and attitudes toward aspects of German life and culture. The article examines students' knowledge of basic geographical and political information about Germany and determines the extent of stereotypical views of Germany held by students in this age group (14-15 years). (16…

Two studies examined the stereotypes held by University of Arizona students of German toward Germany and Germans, finding that the majority of students held positive, though simplistic, views of German society and culture. German language proficiency was also found to have an effect on the stereotypical imagery conveyed by the students. (32…