Modern German Grammar. A Practical Guide is an innovative reference grammar designed to be used with modern approaches to teaching and learning German as a foreign language. The book addresses learners' practical needs by combining a detailed description of the grammatical structures of German with a "functional" approach to language. By functions we mean the specific uses to which we can put language in order to communicate effectively in particular situations: e.g. apologizing, accepting or declining an invitation, expressing regret, voicing an opinion or casting doubt on something.