This work, designed for self-study as well as for basic courses in German studies both domestically and abroad, is consistently didactic. After introductory chapters on science and practice, as well as language, communication, and semiotics, it covers phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. The central knowledge and research fields of the subject are presented in detail: text linguistics (article selection and connection, thematic progression in texts, isotopy in texts), pragmalinguistics (speech act theory), sociolinguistics, and historiolinguistics. A look at the future of German linguistics, information on exams and tests, an appendix on bibliographic referencing and citation, as well as an extensive bibliography complete the introduction. This work, emerging from practical teaching experience, is designed for a semester course and is structured into teaching units.