This is a user-friendly educational tape for the 48K ZX Spectrum. Each side is loaded by sensible commands. After stopping the tape as instructed, the user is treated to a graphics display of a 'German flag' being raised, followed by a sequence of beeps representing the German National Anthem.

Side A tests the user on nouns. A choice of ten sections, each containing fifteen nouns, is given and the user selects one by entering a letter from 'a' to 'j'. The nouns in each section are associated with a particular subject. For example, one deals with "animals" whilst another is entitled "school".

Having made a choice, the user is presented in turn with five English nouns and is asked to enter 'der', 'die' or 'das' to indicate the gender and then to enter the German noun in each case. Entries of the genders and nouns are accompanied by audio signals. The user is also asked whether or not the 'umlaut' is required for certain vowels. When all five answers have been entered they are marked, half a point being awarded each for the correct gender and for the correctly spelt noun. Wrong answers are emphasized by a raspberry sound effect, and a score out of five is given.

Next the user's mistakes are corrected by an impressive sequence. First the correct noun is displayed, then it is spelt letter by letter on another part of the screen, after which the incorrect entry is displayed. Second the screen display changes and the user is asked to enter the correct noun. Incorrect entries are noted at this stage, and the foregoing sequence is repeated until the correctly spelt noun is entered. Also, the user is told the correct gender if this entry was wrong.

Having finished one section, the user is invited to repeat it, or to choose another section. In either case, the format is as described above, and at the end of each test a running score is displayed. Side B tests the user on verbs, adverbs and adjectives in the same style as for the nouns.

I found the correction sequence to be very helpful. Not knowing much German, I made plenty of mistakes and my scores were terrible. However, I soon learnt words and the scores improved with repeated use of the tape. My son studies O-level German and he soon got regular high scores (often 100%). The conclusion here is that this tape is good for a beginner, or perhaps for C.S.E. revision. It would be excellent in parallel use with a grammar construction tape. In any case it is good value for money at £4.95.

German Vocabulary Test is available from Mr. I. M. Scott, Tutorial Software, "Vilands", Glasllwch Lane, Newport, Gwent, NPT 3PS.