German C2 · Genre-Specific Styles
Die Rezension – C2 German Grammar
The review
A review (also: Kritik, Besprechung) evaluates a work – a book, film, play, exhibition, album or product. It combines information with a reasoned opinion.
Structure of a review
| part | content |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | title, author/director, year of release, genre; an original opening |
| 2. Summary | brief summary (in the present tense!), without giving away the ending |
| 3. Analysis | characters, language/style, structure, music, images, actors … |
| 4. Evaluation | strengths and weaknesses with reasons and examples |
| 5. Conclusion / recommendation | overall verdict, target audience: who is it worth it for? |
Evaluative vocabulary
| positive | negative |
|---|---|
| fesselnd, packend, mitreißend (gripping, compelling, rousing) | langatmig, zäh, ermüdend (long-winded, sluggish, tiring) |
| überzeugend, gelungen (convincing, successful) | misslungen, enttäuschend (failed, disappointing) |
| einfühlsam, vielschichtig (sensitive, multi-layered) | oberflächlich, klischeehaft (superficial, clichéd) |
| originell, innovativ (original, innovative) | vorhersehbar, abgedroschen (predictable, hackneyed) |
| brillant gespielt (brilliantly acted) | hölzern gespielt (woodenly acted) |
| ein Meisterwerk (a masterpiece) | ein Flop (a flop) |
Typical phrases
Assessing:
- Besonders gelungen ist … (Particularly successful is …)
- Der Roman besticht durch seine präzise Sprache. (The novel impresses with its precise language.)
- Leider wirkt die Handlung im zweiten Teil konstruiert. (Unfortunately the plot seems contrived in the second part.)
- Was fehlt, ist … (What's missing is …)
Weighing up:
- Trotz kleiner Schwächen überzeugt der Film insgesamt. (Despite minor weaknesses, the film convinces overall.)
- So stark der Anfang ist, so enttäuschend ist das Ende. (As strong as the beginning is, the ending is equally disappointing.)
Recommending:
- Ein Muss für alle Krimi-Fans! (A must for all crime fans!)
- Wer … mag, kommt hier voll auf seine Kosten. (Anyone who likes … will get their money's worth here.)
- Leider keine Empfehlung. (Unfortunately, not recommended.)
Review vs. report
| review | report |
|---|---|
| subjective-evaluative, but reasoned | objective, neutral |
| summary in the present tense | simple past |
| evaluative adjectives welcome | avoid evaluative adjectives |
Sample conclusion: „Die Stille nach dem Sturm" ist ein leiser, aber eindringlicher Roman, der noch lange nachwirkt. Zwar gerät die Handlung in der Mitte etwas ins Stocken, doch die einfühlsame Figurenzeichnung entschädigt dafür. Eine klare Empfehlung für alle, die anspruchsvolle Literatur schätzen. ("The Calm after the Storm" is a quiet but haunting novel that lingers long afterwards. Admittedly the plot stalls a little in the middle, but the sensitive characterisation makes up for it. A clear recommendation for anyone who appreciates sophisticated literature.)