What is a Good Example? Exemplification in German Lexicographic Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the theory of the dictionary example in the recent German didactic lexicography. A chronological review of the most outstanding contributions made by German speaking linguists in the last three decades will allow us to offer an accurate description of this fundamental component of dictionary entries and to identify its main characteristics from the point of view of its composition, structure and function. The main conclusion reached by the German authors is that the form of dictionary examples must adjust to the requirements of first and second language learners of German. This will constrain the selection of the vocabulary, syntax and style of examples, as well as the cultural and pragmatic information which the example conveys about the communicative settings in which a word or phrase is most frequently used.