This book is a description of the major features of German according to the principles of modern linguistics. It considers aspects of German phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics, as well as varieties and discourse, from a theoretical perspective, though theory is discussed only in so far as it can throw light on the structure of the language. The aim is not to present a reference grammar, nor to provide definitive answers to the questions raised, but rather to foster a linguistically informed approach to the description of the language. No work of the kind has been available in English up to now, and the book is intended to fill this gap.