"Clunky German" in German as a Foreign Language classes. On the connection between phonological and conversational competence

An exemplary analysis of the verb haben (to have) in authentic usage contexts shows that there are clear inconsistencies between the overarticulated, "clunky" sound structures derived from written language to be found in learning materials and those forms which L1 speakers use in everyday interactions. Against this background, we argue that language classes which concentrate on written and rule- oriented forms run the risk of missing the goal of preparing learners for conversation, since they teach forms which do not correspond to the conversational language use of L1 speakers.