What effect does the occasional use of the German language have on the story? Do you think it adds to the story's authenticity?

While Chiaverini’s novel is written in English, there are occasional German words sprinkled into the text. Some are references to cultural traditions or everyday subjects, like Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake), while others are phrases put into use by the Nazis, such as Hitlergruss (the Nazi salute). What effect do these different usages of the German language have? Do you think they add to the authenticity of the story?

The use of the German words made their meaning stronger to me. German is a somewhat harsh language - Hitlergruss brings a more negative connotation than the world salute. Kaffee und Kuchen provided comfort - cake and coffee here can sound more like a celebration. I do think they added authenticity - Judenstern made the star feel like the punishment wearing it was meant to.

I felt it added authenticity because it reminded one that this was Germany and the words pulled you into that setting. It made the story more "real."

I agree with PinkLady. The use of German words were very appropriate in the telling of this story. The German language is rather harsh sounding and using German words for laws and concentration camps was especially more to the point.

I also agree with a Pink Lady. I like her comments.

The German interspersed in the book made it more realistic. The words sounded harsh, which was the situation.

The occasional use of the German language in the novel was appropriate when one considers the setting of the events. Everything the author included in the novel added to its authenticity.

I have to wonder how much our perception of German as a harsh language actually comes directly from the association with Nazi Germany. I'm not saying anyone is wrong for perceiving it that way and it often sounds that way to me, too, but English is also a Germanic language and apparently sounds a lot like German to people who don't speak either language. Anyhow, I just find that interesting to think about!

I appreciated the bits of German language in the book because it seemed to draw a fuller picture of Germany at the time—it was a reminder not just of a political situation but of Germany as a setting for the story.

I think it added to the atmosphere in the book. References to Jewish bans and punishments were especially effective perhaps since I have grown up hearing them as part of descriptions of the cruelty of Nazi Germany.

I agree that the German words and phrases added to the authenticity of the story. However, even after having four years of German in school, I found myself tripping over the words at times, and the English equivalent was not always given.

I agree with the others that it conveyed realism and the harshness of the storyline.

The use of German language adds to the story, although often I did not know the meaning. When a book has a lot of French language or even Spanish language I can translate, but I don't have as much background in German. It might be nice if there was a list or short dictionary of the most used German words in the book.

Since I do not speak German, the inclusion added little to my understanding, but it did signal to me that perhaps the passage or incident was somehow unique to German culture. I do speak fluent Spanish and when I come across phrases in that language, it indeed helps me understand context and intent of speaker in ways that a strict translation does not.

The use of German phrases definitely added to the book's authenticity, but moreover it reveals the power of language. Film footage of Hitler's speeches was actually frightening and it is difficult to believe other world leaders did not see what danger Hitler posed. It took the rest of the world too long to finally respond militarily; the outcome could have been so different.

I agree that the German Language added to the reality and authenticity of the book as well as a reminder of were it all took place.