This guide provides an introduction to the Headstart program in German, a self-instructional orientation to the German language and culture. The aim of the course is to enable the student to communicate with Germans in several basic situations. In addition to the course description, the following information is provided in the guide: (1) a description of the learning materials, namely, ten modules and accompanying tapes; (2) an outline of the content of the modules; (3) a discussion of the learning activities in each module; (4) learning hints; and (5) explanations of grammatical features and a key to a standard reference grammar. (AMH)