I've been learning to speak German for just over two years now. I've gone through quite a few CD and tape sets. I've learned a lot from each source except for this set. This set is not for beginners and it is very frustrating and out of reach for the novice learner. I've tried to give it a chance so as to maybe change my opinion, but my opinion remains unchanged. The conversations are very difficult and hopelessly wordy. You want to provide the German learner with phrases and words that are most important and not a bunch of colloquial phrases that only native speakers use. That's for later, but a novice course should just stick to the basics and not go too deep. This set is a waste of time. You want to encourage the beginner, not discourage them. If you want a good start, try "Just Listen and Learn German," or "Berlitz Basic German." "Travelwise German" is a complete waste of time. Not recommended.