Berliner Platz NEU has a new, clear structure and visual layout but like the original version concentrates on everyday language and prepares students for typical situations encountered in a German-speaking environment. The exercises in the Lehrbuch are clearly formulated to cater for the needs of students with no prior language learning experience. The written material is supported by illustrations giving students an immediate understanding of the topics covered. There is also a supplementary "Landeskundeheft" with additional information on German culture and society. Especially noteworthy are the pronunciation training and Deutsch verstehen sections which allow students to see and absorb the new material in the form in which it is used in daily life. The Intensivtrainer offers further vocabulary and grammar exercises for revision of the topics and a grammar summary making it an ideal supplement for students with restricted class hours.